Political Quotes

“Without question, the F 35 has been a troubled program. It's been more expensive than we would like it to be and has underperformed. It is getting better, as the chairman mentioned. There are a number of problems with this amendment, however. First of all, in replacing the F 35B--that's the Marine Corps variant; it's a vertical takeoff plane. I know Mr. Kline will do a much better job of explaining this in a moment than I will. The Marine Corps is an expeditionary force. They need to insert themselves. That's why they need a vertical takeoff plane. The F 18 that is proposed to replace it is not a vertical takeoff. It is not a replacement for the F 35B. Second, the F 35 is a vastly more capable plane than the F 18. It is all about stealth and being able to get in on targets. The F 18 cannot get to the areas that the F 35 could get to to deal with adversaries like Iran or North Korea and those surface-to-air missiles. It is a much more capable plane. If we cut this variant, we will also jeopardize the entire program, not just this variant. Our foreign partners are likely to withdraw. It will undermine our per-unit cost to the point where sustaining the program will be very difficult. It is unfortunate at this point the degree to which we have to rely on this program. But it's going to be 95 percent of our fighter attack aircraft fleet in 10 years. We have to make it work. Therefore, I oppose this amendment. Mr. McKEON.…”