Howard P. "Buck" McKeon National Defense Authorization Act For Fiscal Year 2015

Floor Speech

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Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015. With the chairman's leadership and stewardship, I believe that this bill provides the right authorities within the budget limits provided.

I continue to be impressed by Chairman McKeon's commitment to our national defense and particularly his leadership and zeal to complete the 54th annual National Defense Authorization Act. His inspirational determination and effort to provide for our national security will undoubtedly serve as a benchmark for our future.

I also want to recognize my friend and ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee on the occasion of his retirement from the House of Representatives. Mike McIntyre has been a resolute supporter of the men and women in uniform. His departure after providing 18 years of support for our national defense and this institution will be sorely missed.

As to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015, I continue to be concerned about the trajectory of our national defense and believe that our national security will be irreparably harmed if we continue on our current path. History is full of examples of nation-states that underestimate the value of national security and the severe consequences of their failure. Our inability to change these trend lines will be measured in the sweat and blood of the men and women whom we collectively hold in such high esteem.

While we support these men and women in words, I fear that the real damage to our servicemembers is being caused by the benign neglect of this administration and, at times, Congress, in terms of funding and effort. We must not stand idly by watching the continued dismantling of the world's finest military.

As to the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee mark, I am pleased that we were successful in reversing the administration recommendation to eliminate an aircraft carrier. By restoring $796 million for the long lead item procurement and detailed planning for the refueling and complex overhaul of the USS George Washington, we are taking the right steps to retain strategic options for future Presidents.

I am also pleased that we funded two Arleigh Burke class destroyers, two Virginia class submarines, and two littoral combat ships. I want to especially highlight our incremental funding of the San Antonio class amphibious ship. This amphib will bring important support to our United States Marine Corps as we continue our strategic rebalance toward the Pacific.

I remain very pleased with the direction of our projection forces. This bill provides strategic Air Force investments in terms of procuring 13 C-130J military transport variants, six KC-46A tankers, and significant research and development investments in the long-range strike bomber.

While we have a long way to go to reverse some negative trends, I think this bill does a good job of supporting our forces within the budget constraints provided. However, we need to vigorously and resolutely seek another path to change our national security funding trajectory.

I think this bill is another positive step on a long road to adequately support our national security, and I would urge my colleagues to support the Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015.

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