Political Quotes

“I again express my sincere thanks to Senator Inouye and Senator Stevens for the very effective way they brought together a very important bill in these difficult times. Mr. President, I rise today to discuss the future of our national security as it pertains to U.S. air superiority--the key to ensuring victory in modern war, and to propose an amendment requesting a study of our current and future tactical and military aircraft industrial base. The recent Joint Strike Fighter competition was a tough fight between two well matched and seasoned competitors, Lockheed Martin and Boeing. The next generation of Air Force, Navy and Marine fighter pilots will benefit from this fierce competition. But the Defense Department's long term acquisition strategy has revealed a potential and troubling weakness in the future health of our tactical and military aircraft industrial base. I have long maintained that no matter which company won this contract, the only way to guarantee our national security over the long haul is to maintain the robust aircraft industrial base that preserves innovation and competition which are critical to the development and success of future tactical and military aircraft programs.”