Today, Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Tactical Air And Land Forces, made the following remarks, as prepared for delivery, ahead of hearing on tactical and rotary-wing aircraft modernization programs:
"Thank you Mr. Chairman. We have a lot to cover in a relatively short time so I'll try to keep my remarks brief in order to get to Member questions.
"I want to thank each of the witnesses for their dedicated service to this Nation, for your support to every Soldier, Sailor, Airman and Marine and each of their families, and for being here to provide testimony on the budget request for tactical and rotary-wing aircraft modernization programs.
"With flat budgets likely to be the norm, I appreciate all of your efforts in conducting exhaustive program reviews to better align your military service with the National Defense Strategy and great power competition.
"And I look forward to working together to determine what is the right balance to fund both current tactical readiness and needed modernization required for future readiness.
"It is within this context that I'll highlight a few issues to discuss during this hearing.
"Regarding Navy strike fighter management. This budget request removed 36 new production F/A-18 Super Hornets in the out-years that were originally planned for production in last year's budget. Given the Navy's current shortfall of 49 aircraft, I'm concerned that this decision is creating too much operational risk in the near term.
"Regarding the F-15EX program and Air Force fighter force structure. Last year during a similar hearing we heard from Dr. Roper and General Holmes that 2/3rd of the F-15C fleet are past their service life and these planes need to be replaced now, which is why the Air Force made the F-15EX a top priority. I'm concerned that this budget request appears to have removed 6 F-15EX aircraft from what was originally projected in the fiscal year 2020 budget for fiscal year 2021.
"I understand these planes were removed due to higher Air Force priorities. I'd like to know what those higher priorities are since we obviously have a major readiness challenge with our F-15C fleet. I'd appreciate the witnesses to update us on the current status of the F-15EX program.
"Regarding Army rotorcraft modernization. Both the Future Armed Reconnaissance Aircraft and the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft appear to be making considerable progress and significant down-selects are scheduled for this month. That's good news and I'm encouraged by their success to date. I'd appreciate an update on both of these programs from our witnesses today.
"I do, however, have some concerns regarding the reduced request for UH-60M Black Hawks and specifically what impacts this could have on accelerating the fielding of these helicopters for the Army National Guard.
"In closing, during our hearing last week on ground system modernization programs, General Murray stated that, 'No service is able to go it alone, and as history has shown, joint teams win, and modernization is no exception. I'd say winning matters, but winning together matters most.'
"I couldn't agree more, so I'd appreciate it if the witnesses could describe how they are coordinating with one another and look forward to working with all of you and my colleagues in a collaborative manner as we review the fiscal year 2021 budget request.
"I thank the Chairman for organizing this important hearing and yield back."
