[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 63 (Thursday, May 19, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 19, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
        NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 1995

                                 ______


                               speech of

                           HON. DAN SCHAEFER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 18, 1994

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 4301), to 
     authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1995 for military 
     activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe 
     military personnel strengths for fiscal year 1995, and for 
     other purposes:

  Mr. SCHAEFER. Mr. Chairman, I have heard many arguments for and 
against the C-17 and I agree with those who say it is an important part 
of our national defense. However, I also agree with those who point out 
that, at a half-billion dollars per plane, the C-17 is a money pit.
  In an effort to reconcile our national security needs with budgetary 
reality, I have an amendment before the Rules Committee which would 
limit DOD's C-17 purchases to 60 units. Existing wide-body aircraft can 
and would take up the slack in airlift capacity. My amendment save $4.4 
billion over the next 5 years and $16 billion over the life of the 
program.
  Why do I think we can make do with just 60 C-17's, when the Air Force 
has consistently sought twice that number? Because I do not believe 
that very future airlift effort will require the C-17's unique 
features.
  Why, then, do I not support immediate termination of the program at 
32 units? Because I believe that if we ever do need to mount a large 
airlift to a remote or hazardous location, the extra 28 planes might 
make the difference between success and failure of our mission.
  Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues support of the Schaefer amendment 
to H.R. 4301 limiting the C-17 program to 60 units.

                          ____________________