Bernie Sanders statement in support of F-35s in Burlington
Mon Oct 22 2012
US Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has issued the following statement: “I’m very proud of the role that the Vermont National Guard has played in our state and I do not want to see that role diminished or eliminated. Further, I’m deeply concerned about the possible loss of many hundreds of jobs in Vermont if the current aging fleet of F-16s is phased out and not replaced here by an advanced fighter jet.
“The F-35, whether one may like it or not, is the plane of choice not only for the U.S. Air Force, but for the Navy, Marines and much of NATO. If the F-35 ends up not being located here, it will end up at a National Guard base in Florida or South Carolina. I would rather it be here.
“There are residents near the airport who are – very legitimately – concerned about the noise issue associated with the F-35. I share that concern. Along with other members of the congressional delegation I pledge to do all that I can to see that the Vermont National Guard works closely with its airport neighbors to mitigate noise and other environmental concerns.”
BURLINGTON, Vt., Oct. 18, 2012