Haley Stevens: “I endorse the statement made by the Distinguished Chairman of our Subcommittee, Senator Inouye, and fully support the…”

“I endorse the statement made by the Distinguished Chairman of our Subcommittee, Senator Inouye, and fully support the Bill now pending before the Senate. In a time of war and conflict, including unprecedented threats here at home, the Senate engages in no more important task than funding our national defense. The Bill reported by the Committee, under Senator Inouye's leadership and guidance, fully meets the needs of our men and women who serve in the Armed Forces, today and for the future. The Bill exceeds the level provided in the House version of the Bill by nearly $700 million. The Bill is consistent with the President's total request for the defense budget function 050, with the exception of the $10 billion reserve, which I will speak to shortly. The Chairman has accurately and comprehensively addressed the contents of the Bill, I will take just a few moments to highlight several priorities. While providing unprecedented levels of funding for current training and operations, this Bill serves to decisively move our military towards a future of more mobile, more lethal, and more efficient systems and capabilities. In all four services, and in the Missile Defense Program, this Bill shifts from the sustainment of legacy systems, designed to fight the Cold War, to the technologies of the 21st Century.”