Political Quotes

“I am proud of this conference report and the items included in it. I want to thank Chairman Thornberry and Ranking Member Smith for their leadership in pushing this across the finish line. In my subcommittee, we authorized an additional three battle force ships, including the next Ford-class aircraft carrier. We have also kept an eye on the future and prioritized funding for the B-21 Raider bomber program and the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine, programs that are essential for our national security and comprise two parts of our Nation's nuclear triad. While we still have work to do, I think that this conference report does a good job of continuing to build off of last year's progress. Some have questioned whether a Member of Congress can be both a fiscal hawk and a defense hawk. I am convinced that a Member can be both. For example, we have also authorized long-term contracts for ships, aircraft, and weapons. With these contracts, in addition to the accelerated procurement of the next Ford-class aircraft carrier, we understand the Navy can save almost $3 billion. These savings are significant. While I am proud that this may be the first time in more than two decades that an NDAA will be enacted before the start of the fiscal year, we still have work to do to secure funding for this bill. Specifically, I believe there is no more debilitating action that Congress can perform than delaying an accompanying Defense Appropriations bill.…”