Obama Picks Up Steam in Congress Over F-22 Funds

In a shift, the White House looks likely to win over Congress in its bid to cut $1.7 billion in funding for the F-22 fighter jet, Politico reports. Congress had looked set to support the measure last week, but the administration is pressing hard with Defense Secretary Robert Gates leading the charge. And Democrats don’t want to undercut Obama at a key moment on health care when polls suggest his support is waning.

Both parties are represented on each side of the debate: the Senate Armed Services Committee’s chairman as well as ranking Republican John McCain are backing the White House. Republican Sens. Judd Gregg and Mike Enzi have suggested they’ll also support cutting the funds. Meanwhile, John Kerry, who has opposed Obama on the matter, may be central to the decision.