Madeleine Bordallo

The simple truth is: there is not enough money to go around.

The Air Force is facing a modernization bubble with several major projects competing for budget space.

Our forces continue to be deployed throughout the world, countering threats ranging from terrorist organizations to near-peer adversaries.

The Air Force has been engaged in constant combat operations overseas for a quarter of a century.

I have no doubt that your testimony before our subcommittee this morning will prove insightful.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.

To what extent are weapons shortages affecting prepositioned munitions inventories, and consequently readiness to address other potential conflicts around the globe?

The Russian deployment last fall of a Borei-class submarine carrying long-range nuclear capable ballistic missiles to Vladivostock... indicates Russian intentions to increase its presence on and beyond its Pacific Coast.

I look forward to seeing progress in fielding the Long Range Strike Bomber, the capability that we certainly need.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.

How are you ensuring that there is effective oversight of local community partnerships which extend beyond utilities, housing, food, and other general services, that these partnerships are in the government's best interest, and that Air…

I feel it is good public relations when you are working with the community. I support this.

A key element of the 2014 facilities sustainment and recapitalization policy memo is the requirement that the services fund sustainment programs at 90 percent or higher.

We are already seeing the effects of this risk at many Air Force installations, and failing infrastructure has had a direct impact on mission capabilities.

If this is the case and there are indications of a broader trend, the subcommittee needs to understand what the impacts are and what needs to be done to address the situation.

It is clear that it is far from immune to the fiscal challenges that have required you to balance competing requirements with limited funds.

Over the years, this subcommittee has closely examined issues affecting the state of our military's readiness and the devastating impacts that sequestration and unpredictable funding have had.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, for arranging this hearing. And I want to thank our witnesses for being here this morning.

Facility sustainment has taken the biggest hit in infrastructure and base support investments since sequestration became the law of the land.

The minute you neglect maintenance, you are in trouble.

As you said in your testimony, Admiral, the fiscal constraints have required commanders at the Pentagon and the field to prioritize critical maintenance and operational readiness needs against deferring less pressing restoration projects.

We have heard evidence from several military installations that is indicative of adverse impacts to training and operations due to degraded infrastructure and installation support.

This subcommittee has closely examined issues impacting the state of our military's readiness and the devastating impacts that sequestration have had.

This hearing continues the series of hearings that we are conducting to look into how reduced infrastructure investments impact the readiness.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. And I thank the witnesses for being here this morning.