Russ Feingold: “I have two amendments regarding the V-22 Osprey program. I understand that these amendments have been accepted, and I…”

“I have two amendments regarding the V-22 Osprey program. I understand that these amendments have been accepted, and I thank the managers, the Chairman and the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, for their cooperation on these important amendments. The Osprey program has a troubled history and an uncertain future. Serious allegations and serious questions continue to cloud this program. Thirty Marines have died in Osprey crashes since 1991. Many questions regarding the accuracy of maintenance records and the safety and viability of this aircraft remain unanswered. We should proceed with caution, and we should have all the facts on this program. I share the Armed Services Committee's concern about 'how the Marine Corps and the Air Force are going to meet the requirements established for the V-22 program,' and I commend the Committee for including language in the underlying bill that directs the Department of Defense to conduct a review of potential alternatives to this troubled aircraft. One of my amendments will require the Defense Department to submit a report to Congress regarding the status of the Osprey program. This report will be submitted to the Congress no later than 30 days before a decision to resume test flights of the Osprey. The report will include a description of how the Department is implementing or plans to implement the recommendations of the Panel to Review the V-22 Program.”