World News F-22 jets axed from U.S. defense bill

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The Senate voted July 21 to halt production of the U.S. Air Force's missile-eluding F-22 Raptor fighter jets in a high-stakes showdown over President Barack Obama's efforts to shift defense spending to a next generation of smaller, single-engine F-35 jets.

The 58-40 vote reflected an all-out lobbying campaign by the Obama administration, which had to overcome resistance from lawmakers confronted with the losses of defense-related jobs if the F-22 program is terminated.

The vote removed $1.75 billion (¥164 billion) set aside in a $680 billion (¥64 trillion) defense policy bill to build seven more F-22 Raptors, adding to the 187 stealth technology fighters already being built.

The Senate action also saved Obama from what could have been a political embarrassment. He had threatened what would be the first veto of his presidency if the F-22 money remained in the defense bill. (AP)

F22、米防衛予算からカットされる

米上院は７月21日、ステルス戦闘機F22の製造を中止する法案を可決した。

Shukan ST: July 31, 2009

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