Timothy Roemer: “I rise to commend the efforts of the committee to support key modernization efforts for our services and wish to…”

“I rise to commend the efforts of the committee to support key modernization efforts for our services and wish to compliment both Chairman Spence and Ranking Member Dellums for their efforts in meeting the needs of our armed services. However, I would like to point out some deep concern regarding the HMMWV. The HMMWV, manufactured in South Bend, IN, is the world leader in light tactical wheeled vehicles which are needed for rapid deployment forces. Its versatility also allows it to serve as a platform for newly developed command and control, shelter, and weapons systems programs. The new UpArmored version is also critical to protecting our troops now serving in Bosnia from the extensive threat of mines. The HMMWV might also be used to help the INS patrol our borders and the U.N. keep the peace. The HMMWV budget request for fiscal year 1997 is not sufficient to prevent a gap in both the vehicle and armoring production lines. General Reimer, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, placed the HMMWV near the top of his unfunded requirements priority list in testimony before Congress. An increase of $66 million above this request is required to avoid a production gap and meet priority vehicle fielding requirements.”