Political Quotes

“this amendment will provide funds for test equipment for the U.S. Army. The Army plans to field a number of modernized combat vehicles in the years ahead including the M1A2, the upgraded Bradley, the new breacher, and the new light tank. Unfortunately, the Army budget has been reduced to the point where the Army is unable to fund the development of the test equipment required to support these new vehicles. However, it makes no sense to field new vehicles without simultaneously fielding the required support equipment. The Army's acquisition decision memorandum dated March 30, 1995, directs the continued use of DSESTS for the ASM fleet. Furthermore, there is a standing Army requirement for new test program sets to support these vehicles. I therefore ask the support of my colleagues in adding $15 million to the ASM budget for the acquisition of DSESTS test program sets needed to support our modern combat systems. Let me say now that I am not pleased by the source of the funds used to pay for this amendment. I stand firmly against raiding the readiness accounts to fund procurement programs. In fact, I would not offer this amendment if it were not for the fact that not purchasing the equipment will cost the readiness accounts even more. If we do not buy this equipment, the combat units will be forced to send broken equipment back to the depot rather than repairing it in the field. This will add millions in additional maintenance costs each year.”