[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 23, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1781]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                           THE C-130 PROGRAM

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                            HON. BOB WEYGAND

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 23, 1998

  Mr. WEYGAND. Mr. Speaker, there has been a great deal of debate over 
the past couple of months regarding the C-130 aircraft included in the 
FY99 National Security Appropriations bill. These planes have been 
referred to as wasteful, unnecessary pork. I must respectfully 
disagree. Continuation of the C-130 program is of critical importance 
to our national security because it allows for a more complete 
integration of the Air National Guard with their active duty 
counterparts.
  Although these aircraft have provided consistent and reliable service 
to our country, some of the ANG's fleet of C-130s are approaching 40 
years of service. After the numerous years of activity, time has taken 
its toll on the planes. Some of the aircraft are heavily corroded and 
nearing the end of their service life. Mr. Speaker, replacing outdated 
aircraft is not ``pork;'' it's an operational necessity. Replacing 
outdated aircraft is not ``pork'' it's a safety issue.
  For example, the 143rd Airlift Group of the Rhode Island Air National 
Guard is one of six units in the country still using the C-130Es. The 
requirements of the ANG and the active forces have outgrown the 
capability of the C-130Es. The cost of maintaining and updating these 
30-year-old planes to operationally safe standards exceeds the cost of 
the modern, more capable C-130J or H aircraft. In addition, the Rhode 
Island ANG planes lack defensive systems that are a necessity in 
today's global climate. In particular, Rhode Island's C-130s have 
documented corrosion due to their years of service in the Pacific.
  While serving our nation in Operation Desert Storm/Shield, Operation 
Provide Hope and in Bosnia, the 143rd was forced to use aircraft from 
other states due to their own inadequate fleet. Despite this hardship, 
the 143rd performed admirably.
  Modernization of the fleet is a priority of the ANG and replacing the 
C-130 aircraft is a significant component of their plan. The ANG has 
outlined a modernization roadmap to reach their goals. This roadmap, 
based on sound operational necessity, calls for allocating aircraft 
based on military need, a plan endorsed by Maj. Gen. Paul A. Weaver 
Jr., Director of the ANG. As I am sure you are aware, the 143rd is 
scheduled to receive the next eight C-130s, which moves the Air Guard 
one step closer to completing its modernization.
  In my view, modernization of our forces is an absolute necessity if 
we are to maintain an effective national security strategy. By first 
replacing the oldest and most inefficient aircraft, we can ensure our 
armed forces will be well equipped should the time come to act. I 
believe allocating the eight C-130s will be a significant step toward 
modernizing the ANG's fleet.

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