[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 83 (Friday, June 23, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               H.R. 4939

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                    HON. JUANITA MILLENDER-McDONALD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 22, 2006

  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I wish to commend the Chairman 
and Ranking Member for their support of my request to include $228 
million in funding for the C-17 aircraft procurement in H.R. 4939, the 
Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War 
on Terror and Hurricane Recovery.
  This funding allows for the procurement of seven new aircraft and 
clearly signifies the Defense Department's growing commitment to the 
future construction of the C-17 aircraft through fiscal year 2008.
  The House and Senate are fervent believers in the C-17, as this plane 
has exceeded all expectations and is one of the most successful airlift 
cargo aircrafts of the Defense Department. The C-17 is currently being 
flown 160 percent more than usual to deliver supplies to war theatres 
and to conduct humanitarian missions. The C-17 is vital to our national 
security, and an irreplaceable tool for our country to meet our growing 
global commitments.
  The C-17 is fighting for America, and I have proudly led the fight 
for the C-17. My work with the Secretary of the Air Force, letters to 
the Secretary of Defense and working with the Chairmen and Ranking 
Members of the Appropriations Committees of both the House and Senate 
have resulted in the appropriations we have had approved. In December, 
I proudly delivered a letter to the President that had the signatures 
of 148 House Members and 13 Senators supporting the C-17 program. I am 
pleased to represent the Boeing Company in my District, and the skilled 
workforce who calls Southern California their home.
  Mr. Speaker, while I am pleased that Congress has done its part for 
the next fiscal year to provide much-needed C-17's to our troops to 
fight the War on Terror and to serve humanitarian needs both at home 
and abroad, I will only intensify my pursuit of further funding. The 
American Armed Forces deserve to fly with only the best.

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