On the recordMarch 8, 2017
I thank Chairman Frelinghuysen for the time. I rise today in strong support of the fiscal year 2017 Defense Appropriations bill. I have long said that the number one constitutional responsibility of this body is the common defense of this Nation, and today, the Appropriations Committee, under the leadership of Chairman Frelinghuysen, has once again shown the importance that we place on this most sacred duty. After years of weak budget requests from our prior administration, this bill contains over $5.2 billion over the 2016 level and $1.5 billion more than the Obama administration's request. Included in this appropriations bill is the funding of 10 new ships for our Navy, including an LPD, essential to our Marine Corps mission, as well as 3 destroyers, 2 Virginia class submarines, 3 LCSs, and an LHA, all ships desperately needed by our Navy and Marine Corps. Funding these ships steadily is not only a key to keeping our military strong, but also keeps our industrial base healthy and keeps these ships affordable in the long run. Finally, this appropriations bill takes the first steps toward rebuilding our military, showing our allies that they can trust us, and showing our enemies they should fear us. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his work and his staff's work on this fine bill, and I encourage all of my colleagues to support this important legislation.
