Since reviewing this portfolio last year, one thing is certain. Our aged Ready Reserve Force of 46 ships which averaged 43 years of age a year ago now averages 44 years of age.

significant risk could be above that level.

the place where we find ourselves with tanking capability is beyond the point of where we should be comfortable with that.

Congress has done what needs to be done in this effort and authorized the procurement of seven used vessels to begin replacing the Ready Reserve Force.

I think a more practical solution would be to take a proven mature design from commercial market and begin building that in U.S. shipyards.

I am troubled by that, because if you look at the availability of those submarines, we have the number we have to be able to put at sea any one time the necessary number to deter.

We agree with the Secretary and the CNO that Sec. 8056 of Public Law 115-141 and other similar congressional directives that limit Navy's flexibility should be eliminated.

this Inouye amendment . . . is an artificial seam that inhibits [Navy] from establishing a single standard.

I remain committed to ensuring that we must not forget the lives lost on the USS John S. McCain and USS Fitzgerald.

the return on investment for $5 for every $1 invested by the Federal Government, I think is a very good return on investment.

With the benefit-to-cost ratio, a more than $5 return for every $1 invested in construction, the Norfolk Harbor deepening and widening presents a huge return on investment for the nation.

By deepening the 55 feet, the port is positioned to allow larger ships visiting the ships to arrive and depart fully loaded.

There has been some new construction on the Port facility down there and a heightening of the tunnels.

George Patton once said, "The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war." Our most urgent responsibility is to ensure enough sweat is being shed to reduce this bleeding.

It is my fervent belief that the services must do everything possible to ensure the safety of flight.

So as we do a priority across our budget, we have to look at all of the fleets that we operate, and the capability associated with that.

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…

I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for outlining very in-depth the impact that Russia has on the United States, the responses that are needed to be strong against Russian aggression, against the things that they are trying to do to…

I agree fully with the gentlewoman from Arizona, and I thank her so much for being part of this Special Order this evening. Mr. Speaker, I think there are a number of important points that the gentlewoman from Arizona brings up. And she…

I thank the gentlewoman from Arizona, and I would like to ask that she maybe elaborate a little bit more. I think the gentlewoman brings up a great point about the impact on the Air Force, with Luke Air Force Base being there in her…

I want to thank the body and my colleagues for joining me today in highlighting the negative impact that continuing resolutions have on our Nation's military, on our national security, and on how this Nation addresses the challenges in our…

I would like to thank the gentlewoman from Wyoming, again, for all of her efforts today to highlight this important issue about the commitment this Nation has to make to our military to make sure we rebuild this lost readiness, and H. Res…

I begin by thanking the gentlewoman from Wyoming for all of her efforts, as well as all of my colleagues for their continued effort to do everything possible to assure the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act and the Defense…

It really is this compelling argument: Are we, as a nation, willing to make the commitment to ensure our future national security? Here is the deal: We are losing submarines at a breakneck pace because we are not building them fast enough…

I will be quick with my closing. The bottom line is we need these carriers. We need $26 billion in the shipbuilding budget to reach 355 ships. So the $21 billion is admirable, but the pathway to get where we need to be of 355 is still out…