Unequivocal, of Course

Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell would not take the bait yesterday as reporters questioned whether the now-extended grounding of the F-15 fleet would prompt senior DOD leaders to support continued F-22 production. He reminded them that “as a rule” Pentagon officials “do not talk about internal discussions [or] deliberations about recommendations we will make to the President on any program.” [Not officially, that is.] Morrell did add that the Pentagon has had discussions “with interested members of Congress, … and we certainly welcome their input.” That’s good because a slew of lawmakers are putting their two cents in.