Sen. Cruz Highlights F-35’s Role in Protecting National Security Interests and Promoting Economic Growth
‘As the world’s premier fighter aircraft, we are proud that these amazing machines are manufactured right here in Texas.’
HOUSTON, Texas - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today joined Wyman-Gordon, Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney executives, local elected officials and other Houston business leaders to highlight the F-35's role in protecting our national security interests and the program's significant impact on the Texas economy. Sen. Cruz took the opportunity to ‘pilot' an F-35 flight simulator, attended a roundtable with business leaders, and spoke to employees and local leaders at the Wyman-Gordon facility. Earlier this year, Sen. Cruz praised the U.S. Air Force (USAF) for choosing NAS JRB Fort Worth to receive the first Air Force Reserve F-35s and recognizing the exceptional value Texas offers our Armed Forces.
Still photos of Sen. Cruz's visit may be viewed here.
"I was honored to visit with executives and employees of Wyman Gordon, Lockheed Martin, Pratt & Whitney and so many good people from the Houston business community," Sen. Cruz said. "The F-35 Lightning II is the world's most advanced multi-role fighter - providing unmatched combat capabilities to our military forces, while securing 38,000 direct and indirect jobs for Texans. This program is not only critical to the United States, but also to our allies around the world. It is my view that we must continue the program's cost-savings efforts, while simultaneously pursuing all options to rapidly field the F-35 to our warfighters. Today's increasing threat environment proves that the U.S military and our allies need the air superiority advantage provided by the F-35 as quickly as possible. As the world's premier fighter aircraft, we are proud that these amazing machines are manufactured right here in Texas."
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