Collins Warns $154 Million F-35 Engine Plan Risks 2,300 Maine Jobs
Updated
Updated · WGME · Jun 11
Collins Warns $154 Million F-35 Engine Plan Risks 2,300 Maine Jobs
2 articles · Updated · WGME · Jun 11
Summary
$154 million in Air Force funding to modernize F-35 engines is at risk because all but $10 million would be routed through a future reconciliation bill, Susan Collins said.
Collins told the Air Force secretary that relying on reconciliation instead of the regular defense appropriations bill creates instability for Maine work tied to Pratt & Whitney's North Berwick facility.
Mitch McConnell underscored that concern, saying it is safe to conclude there will not be another reconciliation bill, making that funding path effectively unavailable.
Pratt & Whitney employs more than 2,300 people in Maine and plays a critical role in building and modernizing F-35 engines, leaving the state's defense jobs exposed if the plan fails.