• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

House Armed Services Committe
Subcommittee Chairman Taylor's Opening Statement --May 09, 2007

"Thank you Mr. Chairman. I want to especially thank the Subcommittee's Ranking Member, Mr. Bartlett, for his efforts, and members of the subcommittee for their contributions in bringing together this report. Many of the initiatives contained in this subcommittee's report were started during the Chairmanship of Ranking Member Bartlett. During our travels together I have learned a great deal from him concerning the need to modernize our industrial capacity and the need to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. I appreciate his guidance and friendship and this subcommittee is fortunate to have him as the Ranking Member.

"The report recommends several initiatives not in the Administration's budget request that we believe will enhance the ability of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps to protect this nation. These initiatives include:

• In coordination with Chairman Abercrombie of the Air and Land Subcommittee, identifying $4.1 billion for MRAP vehicles for full committee consideration of the fiscal year 2008 request for ongoing military operations.

• An additional $1.7 billion for procurement of a second LPD 17 class amphibious assault ship.

• An additional $468 million for procurement of a second T-AKE dry cargo ship.

• An additional $588 million for advance procurement for long lead reactor plant components required to increase the production of Virginia Class submarines to two per year.

• In coordination with Chairman Abercrombie and the Air and Land Subcommittee, an additional $480 million for the competitive engine program for the Joint Strike Fighter.

• The report fully funds the Administration's request for ship and aviation construction and procurement.

• The report fully funds the Administration's request for operations of the Maritime Administration of the Department of Transportation. In addition, the report reaffirms support for the Maritime Guaranteed Loan Program, or Title XI Loan Program.

"The report also includes several important legislative proposals that:

• Establishes a program of capital expenditure in shipbuilding programs to help to modernize our shipyard infrastructure and reduce the end cost of ships.
• low for multi-year procurement authority for Virginia Class submarines.
• Most importantly, directs the Secretary of Defense to design and construct the next classes of major surface warships with integrated nuclear power systems to reduce the reliance of our fleet at sea or foreign port refueling; gives our carriers escort ships with the same at sea endurance; and allows for long duration independent operations without logistics support.

"I believe that this report funds the priorities of the Committee and the Department of Defense and I recommend its adoption.

"Thank you Mr. Chairman."