Rob Wittman

Thank you for letting me get grilled, lightly grilled, by that Member of Congress from California, Duncan Hunter.

I feel so passionately about accountability and oversight of Arlington and why I was happy to read about the recent progress that has been made on a number of issues.

Arlington Cemetery is a special place for many reasons. But for me, it is special because it is where generations of heroes have been laid to rest.

I just returned back from visiting our Pacific partners last week, and I heard loud and clear from them.

We have to make sure that we meet that need. Our Marine Corps travels around the world needing this ship capability. It is critical to this Nation, critical to our defense. This must be funded today. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on…

I just want to emphasize the need for our amphibious ships. The requirement, the national requirement is 38 ships. The Marine Corps says they can live with 33. We have 28 today.

I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced…

Although I am not opposed to the amendment, I request time in opposition. The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman from Virginia is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection.

It should be no surprise then that he has been targeting U.S. forces in Helmand province and has been directly linked to the deaths of at least 11 marines. This story highlights why it is time to strengthen the detainee transfer review…

I urge my colleagues to adopt this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wittman). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 2…

We want to make sure that the agency is mindful of that, and that is reflected in those decisions.

I appreciate you extending the public comment period for the potential listing of Atlantic sturgeon.

I think that it is critical that efforts on the Chesapeake Bay are focused on results, and that there is accountability with that particular program.

We have to do the necessities, and the necessities are to get that by to be a more productive body of water.

I want to make sure that there is accountability there.

We currently have 29 amphibious ships. You have stated the Commandant and the CNO have determined a force structure requirement of 38.

Are we investing enough in our equipment to sustain our position as the greatest Naval Force throughout the 21st Century?

I believe you need a larger budget to reach your defined goals and set the Navy up for success in the 21st century.

Why are we just now going to General Quarters over this?

I refuse to believe that this is just an instant revelation by the U.S. Navy.

I refuse to believe that that just happened overnight, that that realization was just there.

I think that is the proper response to what has been a failed optimal manning plan.

I believe with the challenges this Nation faces with its defense needs at the very top of the list is Navy capacity.

I think it is critical that we get there.

Our investment now is in our understanding, make sure that we are in the right places for the right reasons, doing the right things, with the ability to properly predict the outcomes.