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Sen. Toomey Questions Defense Department Use Of Russian Rocket Engines

Press Release

Date: Nov. 12, 2013
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Defense

U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) today will introduce legislation to require the Pentagon to report to Congress on its use of the RD-180 Russian rocket engine.

The U.S. Air Force buys the Russian engines to power its rockets used to put critical U.S. reconnaissance satellites into orbit. Sen. Toomey is concerned that the vital engines are being made by an adversary that for decades has posed a threat to our national security.

Specifically, the National Security Rocket Engine Study Act of 2013 will require the Pentagon to study the cost effectiveness of building the engines in the United States.

"America has the finest defense industry in the world," said Sen. Toomey. "I question why that industry cannot produce a cost-effective system that will avoid relying on a nation that continues to pose a threat to our national security."


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