David Obey: “Mr. Chairman, let me simply read two quotes from the senior DOD official who gave the background briefing on March 1…”

“Mr. Chairman, let me simply read two quotes from the senior DOD official who gave the background briefing on March 1, 1996, who said the following: ``We're committed to it (the F-22) even though I can't project a threat right now that justifies an F-22.'' That was said by the Defense Department official who provided the background briefing. The GAO report in March 1994 said, ``Our analysis shows that the F-15 exceeds the most advanced threat system expected to exist * * * Thus, the F-22 initial operational capability can be delayed 7 years.'' Now, I know the usual game on this bill. We have military contractors all over the country and because this country is doing very little else to generate jobs and employment, the Defense Department is having its budget used as a fancy public works program. But the fact is, Mr. Chairman, it is ludicrous for us to spend $70 billion on a new system that we do not need for at least 7 years and probably twice that long. It is absolutely ludicrous. There is only one reason that this Congress is proceeding, and that is because it is being lobbied to death by all kinds of contractors and subcontractors.”