U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, a second term Republican from Tequesta, stands victorious this afternoon after the House approved his amendment killing off a controversial alternative engine for F-35 fighter jets. It would save $450 million.

The long-running engine fight is a classic special interest war and pitted two defense giants: General Electric, which was developing the alternative and Connecticut-based Pratt & Whitney, making the primary engine.

House Speaker John Boehner looked out for his state, where GE has an operation, and said the backup could save money over time. But a majority of House members sided with Rooney, whose district includes a Pratt & Whitney plant.

"Today’s vote sends a message to the American people that Congress heard their call to eliminate wasteful spending and put an end to business as usual," Rooney said.