I am gravely concerned not only about our efforts to correct this ongoing problem, but also about the impact it may be having on the recruitment, retention, and confidence level of the pilots we ask to fly this aircraft.

The question for Congress is, in my view, how do we keep it that way and make it even better?

I think I have heard you say you understand well that Massachusetts, as a state, on a bipartisan basis we have met your test.

I mean I think we have these questions on C2D2 going forward, because it is important that if Congress is going to understand the costs and the risks and the timeline to be sure that it is executable, realistic, and--in its scheduling, and…

The F-35 program has come a long way in the 10 years I have served on this committee.

I do believe that making the change so soon sends an unfortunate message to the entire Navy aviation community, including their families.

The committee has been examining the issue of elevated PE rates in F-18 aircraft for more than two years.

I was troubled by several things the NASA report had to say about this specific piece of critical equipment on F-18s.

As you all know, the National Environmental Policy Act is one of our Nation's bedrock environmental laws.

To put it simply, NEPA makes sure that we 'look before we leap,' and are using taxpayer dollars wisely.

Crafted on a bipartisan basis by Congress and signed into law by President Nixon, NEPA has informed Federal decision making and increased transparency for over 40 years.