Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2019

Floor Speech

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Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Chair, my bipartisan amendment will allow the Air Force to repair and rebuild bases that were badly damaged by recent natural disasters and will restore funding for critical projects aboard the Nuclear Power Training Unit at Joint Base Charleston.

Without the additional $270 million my amendment provides, the Air Force has stated that they will need to divert funding from projects across the country to rebuild Tyndall and Offutt Air Force Bases.

This would have disastrous effects on the readiness of our armed forces and on our national security.

The operational success of our Navy is dependent on highly trained crews. The NPTU uses real nuclear power plants aboard retired submarines to train sailors to operate and maintain our nuclear power fleet.

And starting this month, the Lowcountry will be the only place in the Nation where sailors can learn these highly technical skills, which are fundamental to our Navy's ability to maintain its worldwide presence and ensure the security of the global commons.

That is why it is urgent that we pass this amendment and ensure the NPTU has the resources to modernize and repair its training facilities and ensure that the pipeline of newly trained nuclear operators is not disrupted.

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Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Dunn).

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Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Chair, I thank my colleagues Mr. Dunn, Mr. Fortenberry, and Mr. Bacon for their commitment, and for joining me in offering this bipartisan amendment. I also thank the men and women of our Armed Forces.

I urge all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote in favor of this bipartisan commonsense amendment.

Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

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