On the recordMay 27, 2010
I rise today in strong support of this rule and the underlying bill. However, I would like to voice my strong opposition to one of the amendments that will be offered later on today, and that is the amendment to strike the second jet fighter engine, for two reasons. One is I think the two things that are most critical for us in considering this bill is, one, obviously the security of our constituents and the people at home and our country; and, secondly, the cost. On both of these, I think it's very important to note that, one, a second fighter engine gives us a strong sense of security, redundancy, and the insurance that we will have one good engine and that we will have a good backup engine. Secondly, the costs in the long run clearly will show the price will come down if we have competition. It has been demonstrated in the past. It will continue to demonstrate it.
