Haley Stevens: “Senator Inouye and I have listened closely to the priorities identified by the service chiefs in reviewing the…”

“Senator Inouye and I have listened closely to the priorities identified by the service chiefs in reviewing the modernization accounts. And $3.8 billion has been provided over the budget request to address aviation, shipbuilding, munitions, and support equipment needs in the procurement accounts. Our bill includes an additional $616 million for research and development and includes an increase of $474 million for national missile defense and $175 million for additional breast cancer research. The bill includes nearly $700 million for counterdrug missions, and includes funds for the Gulf States initiative, and authority for the National Guard to spend an additional $50 million for counterdrug missions during fiscal year 1998. Consistent with the President's request, the bill provides $300 million for support of the defense missions undertaken by the Coast Guard. The bill before the Senate reflects 11 hearings undertaken by this subcommittee since February, reviewing all aspects of our defense program. Additionally, many priorities identified in this bill reflect visits by Members to defense bases here at home and abroad.”