Political Quotes

“I thank the ranking member very much for yielding to me today. I rise during this en bloc amendment debate to discuss an issue that is raised in the amendment about the importance of the DDG-51 to our Navy. In particular, I am grateful to our committee for the clear guidance and language that was provided in the fiscal year 2017 Omnibus Appropriations Act that was passed in this body just 2 short months ago. That language called attention to the need not only to support the DDG-51 program but to ensure we do so with a design and upgrade that is technically mature and fiscally responsible. It was clear in that language, and in report language that is included in the bill before us today, that Congress continues to expect the Navy to comply with the direction that the additional fiscal year `16 DDG-51 ship be contracted and completed as a flight II-A ship. Because there are concerns raised by the GAO about the new flight III design radar upgrade for the DDG-51, there needs to be a thoughtful process in place. Again, I want to thank the chair and ranking member who have been incredibly supportive of the DDG program in the past and the work that it brings to States like Maine and across the country.”