Who knows better?

Lawmakers from both parties, including the top two House Republicans, are pressing in a vote Thursday to add $485 million to the defense budget for a fighter-jet engine that the Pentagon says it doesn't want. The White House and Defense Secretary Robert Gates say the backup engine for the next-generation Joint Strike Fighter is a waste of money that will deplete funds for military priorities.

Provincial concerns cloaked in national defense rhetoric show that "It's another classic example of politics being local," said Rep. Jeff Flake, an Arizona Republican who opposes the engine spending. Mr. Flake said supporting the spending undermines Republicans' description of themselves as the party of fiscal responsibility. "If we can't rein in this type of spending now, how are we going to do it later?" Mr. Flake asked.

Ain't.