Kit Bond: “Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.”

This program is too important to our veterans to push aside for another day or in order to fund another initiative.

Have you got a number? How many billions will you experience in loss this year?

I would humbly suggest that you put more, not less, in the force structure for the Guard, which is a bargain for our military defense.

This pragmatic decision will help address larger fighter shortfalls in the Navy, save the taxpayer over $500 million.