A Push for More F-22s

Reportedly a determined group of lawmakers are writing to Defense Secretary Robert Gates to press the case for continued production of the new F-22 stealth fighter. Among them are Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.), Rep. Kay Granger (R-Tex.), and Rep. Chet Edwards (D-Tex.). Chambliss already has asked the Pentagon to release three independent studies that apparently show the Air Force should have more than the 183 Raptors currently approved. The 2008 defense spending bill includes a provision for 20 more fighters but provides no additional money. According to Dave Montgomery of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, more than 50 lawmakers have signed the letter and more may join in before the group dispatches the letter this week.