Maxwell Frost: “it is my intention to support H.R. 1119, the Department of Defense authorization bill for fiscal year 1998. This…”

“it is my intention to support H.R. 1119, the Department of Defense authorization bill for fiscal year 1998. This legislation is one of the most important bills this House will consider this year. It authorizes a total of $268 billion in spending for our national defense, an amount which will ensure the military superiority of the United States in the next year and in the years to come. This funding level will ensure that production of important weapon systems continues, will ensure that the Congress' efforts to improve quality of life for our men and women in uniform and their families continues, and will ensure that our commitments around the world are met. H.R. 1119, the National Security Committee has provided $2.1 billion for research and development for the F-22, the next-generation air superiority fighter which is designed to replace the F-16. The Committee has also provided for a total of $1.3 billion for production and continued research and development for the V-22 Osprey.”