Richard Blumenthal actually said...

"There is no question that there are difficult days ahead for our modernization objectives as we continue to develop these programs."

"The F-35 will form the backbone of U.S. air combat superiority for generations to come."

"The F-35 Lightning II is the Department of Defense's (DOD) largest acquisition program, and its importance to our national security is immense."

"We need better cooperation and transparency between the executive branch, DOD, and Congress in order to ensure all parties fully understand our national security challenges."