Congressman Adam Smith is calling to end funding for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The congressman calls the plane a “rathole” and says it should be replaced by a range of different jets. The F-35 may deserve termination, but in practical terms, it’s just not possible. The new head of the House Armed Services Committee has called the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter a “rathole” and wants to halt funding for it. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., suggested the Pentagon should “cut its losses” and invest in a range of jets. But is that even possible? As usual, the truth is complicated.