Mike McIntyre

We also want to make sure the Marines are not being seen as a second land force, but rather an amphibious-based expeditionary force true to the mission of the Marines.

Let me be clear, the term 'phased modernization'... is a misleading one.

I continue to question how putting these ships into long-term layup status improves our national defense.

we do have our concern about China's action in the South and East China Seas and the ramification that has for several of our allies in the region.

I worry that, absent a calculated adjustment by the Department of Defense, this modernization effort could undermine the military balance and call into question our alliance commitments.

We realize, therefore, we can't take the security of our world's oceans for granted.

This is an important hearing because we know the future of American naval power is an issue that should concern all Americans.

To maintain American dominance of the oceans we must invest in a Navy that is of the right size and capability.

We know that our submarines are clearly at the forefront and clearly have the most mobility to do what needs to be done quickly, accurately and responsibly.

I refuse to accept this premise and will work to provide a fleet that has sufficient funds for maintenance and modernization and is sized to support our national commitments and ideals.

In the end, future defense reductions will be paid for in the lives of our service members.

One major issue facing my district and most of rural America is the lack of adequate infrastructure that is necessary for our rural communities to compete in the global economy.

The Navy is currently operating at an operational tempo that is unsustainable.

Haven't you have been charged to regulate the derivatives market to protect the financial system from stupid, imprudent, wrong and costly mistakes?

Now it's time Americans honor that service by restoring the dignity these brave men and women so richly deserve.

I strongly urge passage of H.R. 2717, and immediate liaison with the Senate on a companion bill to be resolved for the President's signature during this Session of Congress.

rural America are just as much taxpaying citizens as those in urban and suburban America and should not be left behind.

Therefore, I respectfully request your important consideration and support of this measure that will restore equal education benefits for all veterans.

This legislation is absolutely essential to thousands of veterans who were promised funding for their college education.

This Committee has a duty to protect one of our nation's most prized assets--its farmers--from the ill effects of financial institutions and regulatory oversight in New York and Washington.

MF Global must be held accountable for the suffering that it has brought on innocent American farmers and agribusinesses.

I am concerned, very concerned about the impact that large defense cuts will have on U.S. national security.

Recent press reports have estimated the KC-46 program will experience cost overruns of more than $300 million. We need to clear that up.

The Air Force has waited way too long for a replacement for the KC-135, an aircraft with an average age of nearly 50 years.