Donald Norcross: “This bill once again demonstrates the long and proud tradition of bipartisan work by the Tactical Air and Land Forces…”

“This bill once again demonstrates the long and proud tradition of bipartisan work by the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee. Our members have shared the great responsibility to keep America's land and air forces the best in the world. I especially want to recognize our ranking member, Mrs. Hartzler, for her contributions to this bipartisan bill. Many of us know that this will be her final defense authorization bill in this Chamber, and I thank her for her hard work. Her efforts have made America stronger. Mr. Speaker, this bill supports the investment of resources necessary to equip and modernize our military while continuing the necessary oversight to ensure responsible execution and accountability for Department of Defense programs. The bill includes: Aggressive oversight of strike fighter aircraft programs, including the most expensive, the F-35. Particular attention to and management of risk associated with the Department's manned and unmanned ISR systems. Continued oversight of the Army and Marine Corps modernization strategies. And of particular importance to me and Mrs. Hartzler is the bill's support for the resources required to reduce risk to our defense industrial base. Mr. Speaker, I express my strong support for the pro-worker provisions included in this bill that I championed that would boost domestic manufacturing and guarantee Federal contractors a $15 an hour minimum wage.…”