U.S. blocks 'arrogant' spy plane compensation claim

A Russian cargo jet returned the disassembled EP-3E plane back to the U.S.

WASHINGTON -- U.S. politicians have voted to block a $1 million compensation payment to China for the housing of a downed U.S. spy plane and its crew.

Labeling China's claim the 'ultimate arrogance', the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday voted overwhelmingly to reject the demand.

Though U.S. State Department officials have said previously the government had no intention of paying it, Washington has said it will review the China's compensation claim for housing the aircraft and its crew after the April 1 collision between the U.S. plane and a Chinese military jet.

The collision forced the EP-3E Aries reconnaissance plane to make an emergency landing on China's Hainan Island. The Chinese fighter pilot is presumed dead and his body has not been recovered.

EXTRA INFORMATION Images of spy plane disassembly

China detained the 24 U.S. crew members for 11 days despite U.S. objections and a flurry of diplomatic activity. The U.S. plane remained on Chinese soil for three months, and was finally returned to U.S. custody after it was disassembled.

'Communist piracy'

Members of the Republican-led House said they wanted to make sure that none of China's claims were paid.

They added language to block such payments to a $38.5 billion bill the House was considering to fund the departments of Commerce, Justice and State next fiscal year.

The House passed the amendment 424-6.

"The idea that American taxpayers should start rewarding communist piracy is as contemptible as it is unlikely to happen," House Majority Whip Tom DeLay told Reuters.

"This Congress will never allow a single dollar to be used to compensate the perpetrators of international aggression," DeLay said.

"Now the Chinese government has presented us with a $1 million invoice. This ... is the ultimate arrogance on the part of this communist regime," said Rep. Tom Lantos of California, senior House International Relations Committee Democrat.

Reuters contributed to this report.