http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...s/5175644.html

Defense bill provides home for earmarks
The Pentagon says it doesn't need any more C-17 jets, but it is getting them — at a cost of $2.4 billion — thanks to the Texas congressional delegation

By BENNETT ROTH and ERIC ROSENBERG
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon insists it has enough C-17 Globemaster jets, which are partly manufactured in Texas and used by the Air Force to ferry troops and weapons to hot spots around the globe.

Nevertheless, lawmakers from the Lone Star State and elsewhere recently inserted in a defense authorization bill a requirement that the military buy 10 more aircraft at a cost of $2.4 billion.