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Gates' Pentagon Budget Overhaul Hits Heavy Resistance

Congressmen fly to defend pet weapons

By Gabriel Winant,  Newser User

Posted Apr 7, 2009 12:28 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Defense Secretary Robert Gates talked tough yesterday in proposing to cut six major weapons systems from the Pentagon budget, and members of Congress wasted no time in talking tough right back, suggesting that the battle to refocus spending could meet major resistance. “This budget represents an opportunity, one of those rare chances to match virtue to necessity, to critically and ruthlessly separate appetites from real requirements,” Gates said. Sen. Saxby Chambliss shot back, “Simply put, this decision is imprudent.”

Gates' unprecedented call for cuts includes weapons systems—among them missile programs, helicopters, fighter jets, and a communications satellite—popular among elected officials for whom they represent jobs back home. In particular, Alaska’s delegation isn’t pleased with the missile defense cut, and Georgians like Chambliss are unhappy about the F-22, which is made in Georgia. All in all, writes Politico, the stage is set for a long, drawn-out dogfight with the administration and the Pentagon on one side, and lawmakers and defense contractors on the other.

In this June 11, 2008 file photo, Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey talks about a Future Combat Systems vehicle, a program targeted by Gates for cuts.
In this June 11, 2008 file photo, Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey talks about a Future Combat Systems vehicle, a program targeted by Gates for cuts.   (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari, file)
The F-22 Raptor, targeted by Secretary Gates for budget cuts.
The F-22 Raptor, targeted by Secretary Gates for budget cuts.   (AP Photo/US Air Force, Thomas Meneguin, file)
Defense Secretary Robert Gates speaks at news conference with Gen. James Cartwright, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at the Pentagon in Washington, Monday, April 6, 2009.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates speaks at news conference with Gen. James Cartwright, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at the Pentagon in Washington, Monday, April 6, 2009.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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While I appreciate the Department of Defense’s goal of scrutinizing spending and the deployment of resources, cutting the missile defense program is absolutely the wrong choice. - Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
Zebraone
Apr 9, 2009 8:48 AM CDT
That stupig dick licker, Gates, ought to be hung, drawn and quartered.~~~ Dumbass demos~~ I hope china buys the f22's!!!~~~ Then gates can learn the chinese language....But then, he doesn't have the brains to tell black from white, much less learn a language. His english sucks!
northeast
Apr 8, 2009 3:58 AM CDT
If I could clarify the Pentagon budget increase ...apparently it's because they're shifting funds away from f-22 and JDAM fighters and into Predator drones. Good move, I think, seeing as how the fighters we currently have could wipe out any air force but we're constantly using the drones.
northeast
Apr 8, 2009 3:55 AM CDT
The administration likes it because they get to say they cut military funding. The pentagon likes it because Gates's budget is actually larger this year (according to democracynow.com, anyway). Lawmakers don't like it because it takes manufacturing jobs away from their constituents, and obviously contractors like being able to sell their goods to people.

Good on Gates for this one
Slate

 
Robert Gates • Lockheed Martin • military spending • new weapons systems • Saxby Chambliss

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