[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 204 (Tuesday, December 19, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2413-E2414]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 1996

                               speech of

                          HON. SAXBY CHAMBLISS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 15, 1995

  Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, today's authorization bill represents a 
recommitment of this Congress to the men and women who bravely serve 
and defend this Nation. This bill contains the funding necessary to 
assure that when we ask our troops to defend our national interest 
abroad, they go with the very best we can give them.
  Here and now, C-17's and C-130's will safely and efficiently airlift 
our troops to Bosnia. For the future, the F-22 air superiority aircraft 
continues through the development stages.
  The bill expresses the Congress' continued commitment to the B-2 
program, notwithstanding the delay on funding until the end of March. 
In light of this situation, it is incumbent on Secretary Perry to 
bridge this time period and ensure that industrial activity can 
continue by freeing up $25 million yet to be obligated from the 1995 
budget.
  The Congress spoke clearly in this authorization bill and in its 
appropriation measure: 

[[Page E2414]]
The B-2 is a vital part of our bomber modernization program. And until 
a final disposition is made on the future procurement of additional 
bombers, we must preserve the industrial base with short-term funding 
action, action most appropriately taken by the Secretary of Defense.
  It is important to note that all of the procurement priorities 
authorized in this legislation fit within the balanced budget the new 
majority has sent to the President. If this President will continue to 
expect so much from our military men and women, he must be prepared to 
give them the very best we can afford and sign this authorization when 
presented. As leaders, we owe them that.

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