Although it will take longer than a couple of years, I am encouraged that the Navy intends to commit itself with the FY 2017 appropriations and presumably the FY 2018 budget to focus on fixing and then stabilizing readiness, especially…

I value the opportunity to hear, just not the Active, but also the Reserve Components as we seek to get a full picture of our military readiness.

I am pleased that the FY 2017 defense appropriations bill... included $9.5 million to enhance dry-docking capabilities in the Western Pacific.

You definitely are putting Guam on the map.

We cannot build our way out of this problem, that is, its costly and unsustainable proportion.

I stated in my opening statement about the FY 2017 NDAA passed in December included $9.5 million to enhance the dry-docking capabilities in the Western Pacific.

I do very much appreciate the work that this subcommittee made in developing the fiscal year 2017 appropriations bill.

I am concerned that the President's rhetoric and actions weaken our alliances, undermining American leadership while creating a power vacuum in the region that China and Russia appear eager to fill.

I thank the chairman, and I appreciate that he took the time to stop on Guam in October to see and understand the strategic value of our island and also better understand, firsthand, some of the unique challenges. It was a real honor, his…

I commend Chairman Thornberry and Ranking Member Smith and the committee staff who have worked many, many long nights on this year's defense bill. This conference report provides funding levels that work to address readiness shortfalls, a…

I thank the ranking member for yielding and wish to engage the gentleman from Texas, the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, in a colloquy. Mr. Speaker, let me first start by thanking the chairman and the committee staff again for…

Votes cast by Members of Congress make us accountable to our constituents.

I will also add my name to the chorus of people who believe the Senate should ratify UNCLOS.

I believe the United States should use our diplomatic power and influence to bring about a swift resolution to this matter.

So you do agree then.

On Guam, we are particularly concerned with the PLA [People's Liberation Army] Navy's increased presence in the South China Sea.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.

We know that readiness shortfalls exist, from degraded maintenance capabilities to reduced training hours, and we need to address them.

To any of you, though both situations would be ideal, which fiscal remedy would help build back readiness most effectively over the long term? Increased funding or stable predictable budgets?

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, and good morning to all our witnesses. I thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding this hearing about some of the challenges and the solutions that we are facing with regard to aviation readiness across the…

Just as it will take time to build back readiness, these issues, of course, did not arise overnight.

I am disappointed that two amendments I offered yesterday at the Rules Committee were not made in order for debate on H.R. 5278, the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA). These amendments, along with…

I appreciate this amendment being made in order. It is time that we bring resolution to the people of Guam and all U.S. citizens who have suffered under enemy occupation during World War II. We found an offset to address its costs, which…

I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: At the end of the bill, add the following: TITLE LXXIII--GUAM WORLD WAR II LOYALTY RECOGNITION ACT SEC…

I commend Chairman Thornberry, Ranking Member Smith, and the committee staff who have worked many, many long nights on the FY17 National Defense Authorization Act. I worked with Mr. Smith and members on the committee, particularly the…