Political Quotes

“there is one issue I would like to bring to the attention of the chairman of our Defense Subcommittee--the proposed rescission of $77.6 million from the Apache A procurement program. Although this funding is no longer needed to prevent a gap in the Apache production line, the Army claims that it is needed to prevent a delay in the Apache Longbow modernization program, which is one of the U.S. Army's priority programs. I have been informed that the Army currently faces a significant funding shortfall for long lead procurement items and for research and development in the Longbow program. These funding shortfalls may cause significant downsizing and delay in both efforts. A delay in exercising the long lead contract options and in providing the RDT&E funding, may result in key suppliers ceasing work and may cause delays in production planning, tooling acquisition, and component production. Technical publications may be placed at risk, and total program costs may increase. I ask the chairman whether he would be willing to address this issue in conference and to work with me to find some kind of accommodation to avoid shortfalls in this critical program.”