Chris Dodd: “as many of you may know, almost every person in uniform who has looked at this believes that this program is of critical…”

“as many of you may know, almost every person in uniform who has looked at this believes that this program is of critical importance to our national security structures in the 21st century. There is not any debate that exists there. We believe it is an important element. If we don't do this, there is a great fear that this line will be dropped and the C-17 will be lost. We, obviously, have an interest in Connecticut. The engines are made in our State. But this aircraft is far more important than where the engines or the bodies are made. It is important to our national security needs. That is why we have this bipartisan support. We thank the chairman and ranking member for their support as well of the amendment being offered by the Senator from Missouri and the Senator from Connecticut. I am proud to be a sponsor of it. We urge adoption of the amendment. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on agreeing to the amendment. The yeas and nays have been ordered, and the clerk will call the roll. The assistant legislative clerk called the roll. Mr. McCONNELL. The following Senator was necessarily absent: the Senator from Tennessee (Mr. Alexander). Further, if present and voting, the Senator from Tennessee (Mr. Alexander) would have voted ``yea.''”