House GOP heads off plan to end weapons programs

House Republicans thwarted a plan by a few Democrats to cancel weapons programs. The moves and counter-moves came during debate on the 2013 Defense Authorization bill.

Defense News reported Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) offered an amendment to cancel one version of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Conyers said ending the F-35-B would save $50 billion over the life of the program.

Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) moved to cancel the V-22 Osprey used by the Marine Corps. He called it pork with wings.

Both amendments failed on voice votes. Also rejected was an amendment by Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) to kill plans for a new long-range bomber.

This story is part of Federal News Radio’s daily DoD Report brought to you by United Health Military and Veterans Services. For more defense news,