On the recordMay 17, 2012
I yield myself 1\1/2\ minutes. An incredible number of organizations and people, both Democratic and Republican Members of the House and Senate, have called the F 35B program a scandal and a tragedy--and that is quoting the senior Senator from Arizona, Senator McCain--and Under Secretary Frank Kendall has referred to the process of developing and producing the F 35 as ``acquisition malpractice.'' And then, even worse, the serious performance issues that caused in 2010 Secretary Gates to stop production and place the program on 2 years probation. And according to the Department's figures, the F 35B has driven cost overruns and is directly responsible for scheduled delays in the overall development program. And it isn't even qualified to participate in close air support mission for the Marine Corps' need. It's far too vulnerable for this role, which requires low, slow flying. The Marines would be much better served to utilize the Army's excess A 10s, which have a far superior range and payload capability. The Acting CHAIR. The time of the gentleman has expired. Mr. McKEON. I yield 1 minute to my friend and colleague, the ranking member on the committee, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Smith).
