<t>Love and War: The Relationship Between Congress and the F-22</t>

Narrator: After a lengthy relationship with F-15, Congress found herself once again single in 1986 and in search of a new love. The F-22 Cutter I from across the Potomac. She fell for his promises of utility and affordability, but after the happy wedding in 1991, real life set in, and the arguments began.

Congress: What good is your stealth and supercruise to me in Iraq and Afghanistan. All you ever do is sit in the hangar. Ugh! You haven’t even left for either war!

F-22: But, baby, you need me! I’m unmatched by any known or projected fighter aircraft in the world.

Congress: You’re a great fighter, but we aren’t fighting in the air! Even if we do, we already have 187 F-22s. We don’t need any more of you!

F-22: We can’t break up now, baby. We’ve been together for over 20 years.

Congress: You promised you would cost $74 million, but every new F-22 we have cost $150 million. I can’t keep supporting you!”

Narrator: Years of cost increases, missed procurement deadlines, and changing national security needs have made Congress realize that she doesn’t need the F-22. Help Congress make the right decision to end its love affair with the F-22. Let your member of Congress know that 187 F-22s are enough. Go to www.sensibledefense.org to learn more.