Political Quotes

“Mr. Chair, I appreciate the gentleman's input, but I will remind the gentleman that significant progress has been made on directed energy as well. And although the gentleman raises the point that there are additional funds for directed energy and, potentially, for railguns does not guarantee that the funds are going to be used for railgun itself. Right now, the Army, Navy, and Air Force have made significant progress in directed energy capabilities that have been under R&D in the labs for years and are at the point where they are ready to mature and be deployed in the hands of the warfighter. What this amendment ensures is that the funds actually will go to railgun and see that technology, as well, mature so we can more quickly get it into the hands of the warfighter, whether it is for the Navy or for the Army. I would also mention to the gentleman, point out, that our adversaries are not standing still on this technology. China is, in fact, fielding an electromagnetic railgun as we speak, and the United States, in my opinion, could be falling behind in that technology. So while I appreciate the gentleman's input, I strongly disagree, and I hope that my colleagues will join with me in supporting the amendment, enhancing support for electromagnetic railgun so that America continues to lead in this vital technology. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.”