Haley Stevens: “I do, however, object to the process by which these projects were added to this bill, the process that circumvented the…”

“I do, however, object to the process by which these projects were added to this bill, the process that circumvented the normal and appropriate merit-based review for determining the highest priority not only in defense but across all appropriations bills. I want to clarify something the chairman said: In this list, it does not--repeat, does not--include funding for the SBIRS program on the Israeli arrow missile defense program. There is no reduction in funding for those programs. Finally, my colleagues know the military service chiefs testified to Congress earlier this year that they need more than $17 billion every year in order to redress several readiness shortfalls. This bill falls about $6 billion short of that goal.”