Julian Dixon: “today I rise in support of the bipartisan Harman-Horn-McCurdy-Saxton-Spratt-Johnson-Talent amendment which will increase…”

“today I rise in support of the bipartisan Harman-Horn-McCurdy-Saxton-Spratt-Johnson-Talent amendment which will increase the number of C-17 transport aircraft authorized in the defense authorization bill for fiscal year 1995 from four to six and provide funds for eight aircraft in long lead procurement. The C-17 is the cornerstone of our airlift modernization program to replace older aircraft now nearing the end of their useful life. The Harman amendment restores President Clinton's original budget request funding level, and keeps our airlift modernization program on schedule. The C-17 is an essential air transport program that is designed to meet our Nation's airlift needs well into the 21st century. Defense Secretary William Perry recently said: Our Nation has a critical need for intertheater airlift modernization if we are to maintain our ability to project forces and respond to humanitarian missions worldwide. Our C-141 aircraft are wearing out. The C-17 aircraft continues to be the most cost-effective means to meet current and projected airlift requirements. The C-17's ability to deliver outsize cargo, combined with its special capability to use austere fields, will provide us with modern, highly capable strategic airlift. The characteristics of the C-17 far outweigh those of other aircraft including the C-5 and the C-141.”