Rodney Frelinghuysen: “I rise reluctantly knowing that the gentleman is extremely knowledgeable and is a strong advocate for some very…”

“I rise reluctantly knowing that the gentleman is extremely knowledgeable and is a strong advocate for some very important things that relate to our missile defense. However, I do believe in responsible budgeting, which is a prerogative of our subcommittee. As stewards of taxpayer dollars, we prioritize funding programs at appropriate levels, levels that the Department can obligate responsibly in a timely manner. As such, when projects such as the weapons technology directed energy line are continually slow to develop and lag significantly behind other similar technology developments, reductions are warranted. The funding provided in this bill provides $9 million for each of three projects to continue. This is an opportunity for these laboratories--and they are remarkable laboratories--to prove that their demonstrations will be effective and deserve to continue to be funded in the future. A more advanced directed energy line, technology maturation initiatives, was supported in our bill at an increase of 275 percent over the enacted level. The minor reduction in this program is due to the fact that funding will not be obligated in fiscal year 2017 to purchase long lead items, making the request early to need. Let me reiterate, we are highly supportive of the program. However, funding should be appropriately timed to the schedule.…”