WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, and Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee, released the following joint statement in response to an amendment to the Department Defense (DoD) Appropriations Act, which would have temporarily reduced the number of F-35 aircraft purchased in fiscal year 2025 until program failures were addressed, being ruled out of order and blocked from debate. 

“At a projected total lifecycle cost of over $2 trillion dollars, the F-35 is the largest program in DOD history despite routinely not meeting cost, schedule, and performance metrics.  In July 2023, the DOD stopped accepting F-35 aircraft deliveries until the enterprise could successfully deliver, test, and field the next version of the Operational Flight Program. Now, 11 months later, DOD is still not accepting delivery of aircraft. This is unacceptable program execution and Congress should not reward this behavior by buying additional aircraft above the President’s Budget Request. 

“That is why an amendment was offered to reduce the number of F-35s purchased in the next fiscal year and instead invest that money in getting the program back on track to deliver the aircraft we need. These changes are critical to support the F-35 workforce. It is the duty of Congress to support the long-term viability of the F-35 program and ensure the vast sums of taxpayer money footing the bill are spent where they can ensure program success. A simple short-term reduction in acquisition rates would enable us to mitigate the known systemic problems, correct course, and get the F-35 program and workers up and running at full speed.  

“Refusing to allow debate on this amendment flies in the face of logic and reason. It also poses a threat to Congress’ ability to conduct oversight and, ultimately, provide for our common defense. And that is something that no one can afford.” 

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