Johnny Isakson: “I was in business--didn't build airplanes but built houses--and I know a little bit about R&D development costs, but I…”

“I was in business--didn't build airplanes but built houses--and I know a little bit about R&D development costs, but I know what the Raptor does. Many of the things that were referred to as difficulties were predictable experiences in the development of a weapons system. The Raptor is the finest airplane ever built by any government anywhere any time, and the pilots who fly it attest this meets and exceeds every specification. For me as a Senator, the other specification I want to meet is saving the taxpayers of the United States of America money; $235 million is a substantial savings. The Senator from Georgia, Mr. Chambliss, is right. This amendment establishes a 3-year multiyear contract for the F-22 is right, and I urge my colleagues to support it in the Chamber. I yield back the time. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Georgia is recognized.”