Political Quotes

“this particular aircraft program has been thoroughly examined for program costs, schedule, technical performance, and recent test results. The program is on schedule and on cost. This is one of those clear examples of where the GAO and the Department of Defense are at odds on certain data, and I respectfully the very detailed presentation by our distinguished colleague from Wisconsin. But I have to assure Members of the Senate that this is a matter that has been examined by the Armed Services Committee, and we will strongly oppose the amendment. The analytical tests for the decision to begin engineering and manufacturing development of the program was thoroughly examined by the Department of the Navy and the Department of Defense in 1992. A number of studies which looked at the future of naval aviation, projected threats and the capabilities required to defeat those threats were considered. To say now it is a better idea to remain with the earlier model of the 18, in our judgment, ignores all of the analyses that went into the decisions to develop the newer model and threatens one of the best run developmental programs and production programs in progress today. Therefore, Mr. President, the amendment would have the effect of delaying the 18 E/F program for up to 8 months at heavy costs to the American taxpayers until we get another study.”