Political Quotes

“The gentleman is correct in his assertion that his amendment restores the cut made by the committee of $23.8 million in this program. Mr. Chairman, I think it is important to point out for my colleagues that there is a misimpression of our subcommittee that we simply helter-skelter approve anything that the Department of Defense sends up, but we try to give discrete decisions to each program and to rearrange those moneys. There was a cut from the administration's request, and that money was put into readiness, which is a huge concern for the Department. And, historically, on the program that the gentleman references, my remarks would very much mirror those of the gentlewoman from his last amendment. Historically, the Air Force, along with the Navy, overestimates that the cost of the missile just discussed, on average, the cost has been overestimated by 12 percent. For the fiscal year 2019 budget submission, the unit cost is 16 percent more than the most recent contract for production. The budget request for this program has been adjusted for several years now, due to the overestimates submitted and other factors, such as revisions to delivery schedules, and a 21-month delay for components. The committee works with the military services to ensure the program receives the funding needed to produce this munition, and adjustments are made. The subcommittee did make an adjustment. I believe it is in our Nation's interest to leave that $23.8 million in readiness. Mr.…”