Mounting proof that the F-35 won't deliver as promised.

Thanks to Steve for the link!

via The Hill

Congress is looking into restarting production of the F-22 fighter jet, according to a defense bill proposal released Tuesday.

The House Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee released its portion of the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act, which included a provision to look into restarting production of the stealthy fifth-generation fighter jet.

Production of the F-22 ended in 2009, at 187 aircraft — far less than the planned buy of 749, and an Air Combat Command requirement of 381 aircraft.
However, the subcommittee offers language that says exploring the idea of restarting production is worthy "in light of growing threats to U.S. air superiority as a result of adversaries closing the technology gap and increasing demand from allies and partners for high-performance, multi-role aircraft to meet evolving and worsening global security threats."

In addition, there is interest within the Air Force and the Pentagon in potentially restarting production of the F-22, it said.

The provision directs the Air Force secretary to conduct an assessment of the costs of resuming production and to provide Congress with a report no later than Jan. 1, 2017.

The subcommittee bill would also require the Government Accountability Office to review sustainment strategies for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program and provide a report to Congress by April 1

Have you been paying attention?  We're seeing mounting proof that senior civilian and military leaders in the Pentagon and in our Congress are coming around to the reality that the F-35 will not deliver as promised.

Remember these stories?
Feb 2016 .... USAF flaunts ‘arsenal plane’ concept at Air Warfare Symposium
Nov 2015 ... U.S. Considers Up To 72 New F-15s Or F-16s
Dec 2015... Laser-armed fighter jets by 2020, U.S. Air Force says
Sept 2015... F/A-XX: The U.S. Navy's 6th Generation Strike Aircraft...in 2035?

This latest story from THE HILL confirms it.  We've been seeing alternatives to the F-35 being trotted out almost on a monthly basis since the fall of last year.  They're looking for a plan B.  The idea of restarting the F-22 line practically screams that the US is in danger of losing air superiority.  That must have been some closed door hearing our Congressmen got for them to push for a study.