Jack Kingston: “I want to say, most importantly, this was authorized in the National Defense Authorization this year which was passed on…”

“I want to say, most importantly, this was authorized in the National Defense Authorization this year which was passed on an overwhelming basis, on a bipartisan vote, and their authorization actually was a lot more than our $75 billion. And the reason why this money is in there and it affects Fort Greely, Alaska, and Vandenberg Air Force Base in California is that there are some changes that are going on in the missile silos, so rather than close down the shop and hope that the bad guys give us a pass until we're ready to defend ourselves, we're having to move these missiles and keep them current, keep them active, and keep them capable while this construction is going on, and then we finish the construction and put them back, and that's why the authorizing committee, on a bipartisan basis, authorized it, and that's why our subcommittee has also supported it, although at a lower number. With that, I recommend a ``no'' vote and yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Markey). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes appeared to have it.”