opening statement

We know that voluntary conservation programs work.

To that end, I am particularly proud of this Committee's work on conservation programs during the deliberation of the most recent farm bill.

One of the biggest successes of this creative approach has been the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, known as RCPP.

These efforts that bring all perspectives to the table are the ones that are actually working.

Our farmers and ranchers are the best stewards of the land and continually adapt to protect our natural resources despite the overly burdensome regulatory environment imposed upon them.

I remember in law school the phrase 'bad cases make bad law.' I'm sure we all heard that, and I think this might be a prime example of that rule.

Did you think about the implication for foreign policy, what China might do, when you filed the motion in San Bernardino, or was that not part of the equation?

But the question really has to be, what is the rule of law here? Where are we going with this?

I have on my iPhone all kinds of messaging apps that are fully encrypted, some better than others.

Could I ask just one quick question, Mr. Sewell, because I forgot when it was my turn?

It may be that the alternative is a world where nothing is private, because once you have holes in encryption, the rule is, it's not a question of if, but when those holes will be exploited.

If I were a terrorist, I could use any one of those apps and communicate securely.

The need to modernize and recapitalize these aircraft and their capabilities is increasingly critical.

I firmly believe that what this subcommittee and the rest of Congress does about national defense and military readiness will be a defining issue.

The tankers, bombers, and airlift programs that fall under the projection forces side of our panel's oversight serve as the backbone of our Nation's ability to conduct operations and preserve our Nation's interests around the world.

That is good news. And, with regards to Increment 2, again, it looks like the budget that was submitted this year, you moved up the compliance to 2028, which, last year, I think we were out in the 2030s or 2040s or something, so.

Congress, obviously, has shown a pretty clear and continued interest in C-130H engine and propeller upgrades that have provided increased efficiency.