I thank Ranking Member Westerman for his leadership and for all that he does for our efforts on the Natural Resources Committee. I rise today in support of S. 1942, the National Heritage Area Act. S. 1942 includes my bill, the Northern…

I thank Mr. Rogers for yielding. Yesterday, we remembered the 81st anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The United States was surprised by the audacious Japanese attack and our national security was placed in peril. Times have…

I thank my colleague Mr. Scott for yielding and join him in our condolences in the passing of Donald McEachin. I would like to thank our colleagues today for joining us in this remembrance. Donald was indeed an incredible leader. He was a…

May I inquire how much time both sides have remaining? The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Virginia has 2 minutes remaining. The gentleman from Washington has 1 minute remaining.

I thank the ranking member for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I will begin by saying that I do not agree with everything in this bill, but the committee passed a bill worthy of support. I especially commend Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Rogers…

I respect the chairman, but he is wrong. This ship does have capability against China. It is capability that is operable today. If you get rid of this ship, you have nothing. The replacement for this ship is 6 years out. You can't fight…

On that I demand the yeas and nays. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question are postponed. Amendment No…

Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The challenge is, when we're doing the re-engining program now, we've seen a 50 percent increase in the cost of that particular program.

I hope that that's reflected in your decision.

I hope, as you look at that, that you not only look at the re-engining cost but also the lifecycle cost.

It just seems like in the face of what we need, fewer ships or being able to take out ships is not the direction we need to be going.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I would like to get those exact numbers.

Will it increase--will retiring those platforms, taking those platforms out of the inventory, will it increase or decrease the Navy's mine countermeasure mission capacity?

In your best professional military judgment, does that, then, in turn, reduce our ability to project power through our Navy-Marine Corps team?

Our repeated failure to control federal spending and address our mounting debt truly is the greatest long-term danger to this nation.

Sound fiscal footing fosters an environment for a strong economy, opportunities for growth, and prosperity for all people.

Our current normal of not passing a balanced budget is irresponsible and poses a major national security threat.

If Members cannot get their most basic responsibility of funding our government done, we must be held accountable.

Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Gentlemen, thanks so much for joining us. Thanks again for your leadership.

It is time to finally pass measures like mine that will hold Members to a higher standard and complete the work of the people.

I am in full support of zero-based budgeting.

the most important part of that platform is the pilot.

Because, as you know, the ability to resupply right now has atrophied, and that is a risk in and of itself.