Political Quotes

“I commend the committee chairman and the Members and staff for the balanced and responsive bill we have before us that has been thoughtfully and carefully put together within the constraints of a defense budget that continues to decline in purchasing power. In any undertaking of this kind, the defining of and the adherence to a system of priorities is essential for realistic and responsive program. My comments will relate primarily to the research and development part of the bill. The investment for basic research and for science and technology programs has been maintained at last year's level. It is widely acknowledged that these basic research and technology programs have been the crucial components in developing and fielding technologically superior weapon systems that have given our military forces a decided advantage over their adversaries. In spite of the success realized in developing and fielding improved weapons systems and weapon system upgrades, there is a constant struggle to appropriately and adequately prepare our forces for the unpredictable and speculative battlefield of the 21st century.”