Political Quotes

“I rise today to support a provision sponsored by Chairman Gilman which is included in the en bloc amendment. I commend Chairman Gilman for his work on this important issue, and for his inclusion of language in the amendment which will favorably impact on repair work at American shipyards. The Gilman amendment is the text of H.R. 3221, which passed the House of Representatives by voice vote on April 16. Among other things, it authorizes the transfer of 10 naval vessels to six different nations, within 2 years after the enactment of the bill. Under the provisions of the amendment, 6 of the 10 vessels will be sold or leased to three nations in the Western Pacific. New Zealand will buy one hydrographic ocean surveillance ship, Taiwan will buy three frigates and lease one tank landing ship and Thailand will buy one frigate. As a condition of transfer, the amendment directs the Secretary of Defense to require that any necessary repair or refurbishment of such vessels will be performed at a U.S. shipyard. However, it is my understanding that the requirement to repair these vessels at an American shipyard ceases after the transfer is complete. I would take the repair requirement a step further than the current language of the amendment. In implementing this program, I would urge the Secretary of Defense to link the transfer of these ships with their continued repair at U.S. shipyards over the lifetime of the vessel.”