Susan Collins

I commend you and the Chief for your steadfast refusal to compromise on recruiting standards.

I supported the expanded use of these contracts to munitions in the FY24 appropriations bill.

I have had a front row seat on how not to build a lead ship and how uncertainty can lead to years of damage to the industrial base.

This hearing reflects the growing need to improve acquisition outcomes through applying the lessons of past acquisition programs--both good and bad.

I am concerned that military program managers are rewarded for embracing the status quo and not taking prudent risks.

The civilian personnel system at DoD too often is slow and overly bureaucratic.

I think we need to remember and always remind ourselves that it was Hamas that massacred 1,200 Israelis.

The most imminent threat to the U.S. homeland, and our citizens abroad, as well as our allies, may well be the reconstituted terrorist factions that have grown since our abandonment of Afghanistan.

I am just very concerned that we not try to micromanage Israel's right to defend itself against a terrorist group backed by Iran.

I would suggest to you that pausing or delaying the delivery of weapons to Israel is a decision, and it is a decision that most Members of Congress would take issue with.

I intend to draft legislation that would require our Military Services to report to the appropriate authorities when someone... poses a threat.

Thank you very much, Chairman Tester for holding this very important hearing.

The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, is the gold standard, just to get that on the record

It's worth pointing out, as the Chairman has, that the bipartisan National Security Supplemental that the Senate passed more than 2 months ago includes more than $3 billion to bolster the submarine industrial base to help address the…

I can't imagine a more timely hearing than this one, given Iran's deliberate attack against the sovereign nation of Israel.

We cannot forget... how many adversaries we have and Iran is certainly among them.

Are we at the point where we are risking an Air Force that is too small to accomplish the missions that it is assigned?

I would also note that it does not help the process that the President is late by a month in submitting his budget.

This budget request would result in a real decrease in funding available for the Air Force and Space Force.

It is the role of Congress to ensure the American taxpayer dollars are used the most effective way possible to achieve superiority.

Unfortunately, we then ran into roadblocks in getting the bills brought to the Senate floor.

Mr. Secretary, can you direct CBP to provide these essential seasonal services in Maine?

The fiscal year 2025 budget reflects zero funding for the program.

We have seen the Coast Guard resources basically being cannibalized.

I think our Coast Guard does not advocate for their budget sufficiently enough.