Provides background on debate surrounding development of General Electric/Rolls-Royce F136 engine as an alternative to the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine that currently powers the F-35 joint strike fighter. Examines current status of alternative engine program, including cost, relations with allies, and engine development issues. Covers FY2011 legislative actions, and reviews issues for Congress.

Contents: (1) Intro.: Alternate Engine Program; (2) Background: The F-35 In Brief; Three Versions; Alternate Engine Program; Program Origin and Milestones; Procurement Quantities; Program Mgmt.; Internat. Participation; Cost and Funding; Mfg. Locations; Proposed FY 2010 Budget; Proposed Termination of Alternate Engine; (3) Issues for Congress: Alternate Engine Program; Summary of Arguments; Admin. Perspective; Studies on F-35 Alternate Engine; Recent Developments; Development Status and Readiness for Production; Admin. Perspective; Affordability and Projected Fighter Shortfalls; Implications for Industrial Base; (4) Legislative Activity for FY 2010; Summary of Quantities and Funding; FY 2010 Defense Author. Bill. Illus.

The President¿s FY 2011 budget request included $733 billion in new budget authority for national defense. Contents of this report: (1) Most Recent Developments; (2) FY 2011 Defense Budget Overview: Real Growth and 'Security Agencies¿; War Costs, FY 2011 and FY 2010; Budget by Function; (3) FY 2011 DoD Base Budget: Defense Budget as Share of Gross Domestic Product; (4) Long-Term Planning; (5) FY 2011 Base Budget Highlights and Potential Issues: Military Personnel: Military Pay Raise; Don¿t Ask, Don¿t Tell; Military Health Care Costs; Procurement and R&D: Army Combat Force Modernization Programs; Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans; Aircraft Programs; Military Construct. (6) Bill-by-Bill Synopsis of Congress. Action to Date.