WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH), former director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget and a member of the Senate Budget Committee, expressed concerns today over the lack of funding for critical projects provided in President Obama’s budget proposal, such as the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle program, which would be manufactured at Lima’s Joint Systems Manufacturing Center.

“The Marine Corps has stated that modernized amphibious assault capability is essential to fulfilling their core mission, and I am concerned that starting from scratch on a new vehicle would squander the $3 billion in investments already made by American taxpayers, while inviting the same risks that have proved challenging to new vehicle programs in the past. I will continue to work as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and with the Ohio delegation to ensure that the billions spent by taxpayers is not wasted, and that Lima’s Tank Plant continues producing world-class vehicles for our Armed Forces.”

Sen. Portman will continue to fight for the future of this project, ensuring our military personnel receive adequate protection to stay safe while defending our country. Last month, Sen. Portman sent a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates regarding potential cuts to the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle, which can be read here.