On the recordJuly 18, 2012
As you well know, 40-millimeter cartridges provide sustained coverage for our ground troops and have played a significant role in providing protection for our troops in Afghanistan. They are produced in a joint effort between the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, which I represent, and facilities in Florida, Wisconsin, and several other States. In Iowa, 75 employees work on a state-of-the-art production line to load, assemble, and pack the 40-millimeter ammunition. This state-of- the-art equipment allows this work to be done safely, at a high-quality rate, and in a cost-effective way for the taxpayers and the Army. The Army's budget request included 40-millimeter funding levels that are considered the minimum level necessary to sustain our capability and the highly skilled workforce needed to produce them. A reduction in funding could result in a break in work that would result in lost capabilities, lost jobs, and delays and quality concerns when the line is restarted. Mr. Chairman, I know we share a commitment to maintaining the workforce, capabilities, and lines that produce the 40-millimeter ammunition, and I very much appreciate your and Ranking Member Dicks' work with me over the last several weeks. I look forward to continuing to work with you to address this matter going forward so that we can ensure the final 2013 defense bill supports the 40-millimeter ammunition workforce and supply chain. I thank you for the cooperation.
