On the recordJuly 13, 2023
I am eager to hear what Ms. Frankel has to say not related to this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I thank the ranking member for his hard work and dedication in crafting this bipartisan NDAA. This amendment is not intended to block in any way the modernization. We know that the A-10 is the legacy aircraft. A lot of people love the A-10, and it has performed well in battle. It has seen effective lethality in several theatres of battle. The people who operate out of the 442nd have a deep love of their fighter mission. They have a deep passion for continuing that mission. They know that new platforms are coming. Whiteman Air Force Base is going to be home of the new B-21 stealth bomber. There are going to be complementary aircraft and programs to that. They know that. They know the world is changing and that the pacing threat from Communist China has really changed how we view warfare and deterrence. They get that. We owe it to them, and they deserve a little security because it is very easy for them to pick up now and leave and go into the private sector. There is too much talent in the 442nd and other fighter squadrons to not have that security. That is all we are asking for in this amendment, Mr. Chairman, is a little security. We are asking for a little appreciation and a little respect for the hardworking men and women who have dedicated their lives in service to America. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
