Political Quotes

“Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Chair, I thank Mr. Visclosky and his staff for their tireless dedication to putting together such a comprehensive Defense appropriations bill. The work the gentleman's committee does to ensure our Armed Forces has the funding it needs keeps America safe. I am grateful for his dedication to this important task. I am pleased to offer my amendment that would increase funding for life support systems on Ohio-class submarines. This program is important for ensuring the Ohio class reaches its 42-year service life extension. Submarines are a critical component of our Nation's nuclear triad, which ensures the United States has a constant deterrent against nuclear strikes from nations that would do us harm. To keep this triad strong, we must ensure that the Ohio-class submarines remain in operation until the Columbia class can take their place. Putting modern, low-pressure life support systems on our submarines is an essential part of ensuring the longevity of this program. I understand the chairman's concerns about the Navy's implementation of submarine life support systems. When Congress appropriates money, it must be spent efficiently and promptly. I believe this program should be funded at the historic level of $11,968,000. Madam Chair, I will offer to withdraw my amendment and work with the chairman to ensure the Navy effectively manages this program and that Congress provides robust support for it in future years.…”