Randall Cunningham: “while I have concerns about the C-17 program, Deputy Secretary of Defense John Deutch and Secretary of Defense William…”

“while I have concerns about the C-17 program, Deputy Secretary of Defense John Deutch and Secretary of Defense William Perry have addressed them, and so I rise today in support of the amendment offered by my colleagues from California, Ms. Harman and Mr. Horn. As I am sure my colleagues are aware, this amendment would provide the authorization for full funding for six C-17 aircraft for fiscal year 1995, as well as long lead funding for eight aircraft in fiscal year 1996. Mr. Chairman, the C-17 aircraft will meet the increasingly changing needs of the U.S. military in the post-cold war era. As demonstrated by the Desert Storm operation, there is a necessity for the military to be able to quickly transport combat power directly to the front line. According to General Gordon Sullivan, Army Chief of Staff, "Today there is only one alternative that can meet the requirements of a core airlifter--the C-17." Mr. Chairman, the C-17's capabilities are crucial to the Air Force's ability to deliver and sustain forces in support of theatre commanders. The C-17 can carry outsize cargo to give early forces firepower; it can deliver its cargo into remote locations with short runways; and it has the ability to airdrop heavy equipment, supplies, and troops. The importance of the C-17 aircraft has been recognized by the President of the United States and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.”