Sen. Feingold expresses disappointment over defense bill - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

Washington, D.C. (WKOW) -- Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold expresses his disappointment in the U.S. Senate for failing to pass an amendment to the Defense Appropriations bill.

The amendment in question would strip $2.5 billion that would fund the purchase of ten C-17 military aircraft.

Feingold's office says the Department of Defense didn't want the amendment sponsored by Senator John McCain (R-AZ). 

“The Senate has unfortunately failed once again to put the taxpayers’ interests ahead of its own,” Feingold said. “We are now going to spend $2.5 billion on a military aircraft ourdoesn'tDefense Department doesn’t want. Congress should not be wasting taxpayer dollars on lawmakers’ pet projects, especially in the face of record deficits. We need to get our defense spending priorities right so we can adequately address the real world threats we face today, and not waste taxpayer dollars on unnecessary projects.”

Seven senators, including Feingold, voted against the amendment.