On the recordMay 17, 2016
I thank the gentleman from Washington. I thank also the chairman of the full committee from Texas and my particular friend, the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Rogers). All the members of the subcommittee contributed greatly to the final product. It is not to all of our liking, but we are making progress. We agree on so many of the fundamental provisions having to do with national security. For example, I am thankful that our safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent is fully funded and we are also providing full support for our nuclear nonproliferation efforts as well as providing for nuclear cleanup. Those are all very important efforts. The bill also provides a very robust missile defense, including not only protecting the homeland, but also our allies and partners, such as the $600 million for Israeli missile defense. The mark fully funds national security space programs and makes some very important adjustments, including ensuring that we adequately support acquisition of satellite communication services. There are a few provisions in the bill that I strongly oppose, such as restricting dismantlement of obsolete and unneeded nuclear weapons. Also, I think it was a mistake to mandate a poorly-thought-out, unaffordable, and unrealistic missile defense policy, including plans for a space-based missile deterrent. I also plan to continue to oppose these provisions in conference. I would like to reiterate my thanks to Chairman Rogers, my friend from Alabama.…
