Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Sergeant Dennis Weichel, Jr., of the Rhode Island National Guard. Last month, while serving our country in Afghanistan, Sergeant Weichel saved a young Afghan child who had crawled underneath a…

The first decision that came out of that was we have to do a scrub of the fleet mix of vehicles.

Then the other issue here, too, is there was at least a very theoretical consideration of moving these platforms onto BMD capabilities.

Sequestration is not a hypothetical. It is the law of the land.

I think statistically there's a 200 percent increase when you look globally at investment in amphibious capabilities beyond the United States.

Just for the record, the 313-ship target total, is that still under the Secretary's guidance, is that still the requirement for the Navy?

Obviously, as always, please commend those that you lead for their extraordinary efforts.

You might be able to help us help you get there through appropriate legislative language. Is that feasible?

One of the things that complicates that is sometimes the Navy changes the plan midway through.

does the experience with the cracks and other equipment failures call into question the survivability of the LCS-1 in a hostile combat environment?

So it's a work in progress?

Thank you very much, Mr. Secretary, for an excellent statement.

are cracks in nearly identical locations on opposite sides of the ship, as apparently were identified in the LCS-1, indicative of a systematic flaw in the design of the LCS-1, and if so, how will the Navy address this issue?

Where are you getting the money?

Very important and timely questions. In fact, let me just follow up.

Along with Senator Feinstein, I'm interested in your aircraft modernization program.

Mr. President, we are engaged in a very important debate while the clock is ticking on literally the future of the postal service. I want to alert my colleagues to another issue that is rapidly approaching. On July 1, if we do not act, the…

I am pleased to be joined today by Senators Alexander, Murray, and Roberts in introducing the Better Pharmaceuticals and Devices for Children Act, BPDCA. This legislation will ensure that children are prioritized in the drug development…