Statement of Chairman Adam Smith

Air and Land Forces Subcommittee

 Full Committee Mark-up of FY11 NDAA (H.R. 5136)

“Thank you Mr. Chairman.  The subcommittee’s jurisdiction includes $78 billion in unclassified DOD procurement and research and development in Titles I and II. 

“The proposed mark gives first priority to readiness -- providing equipment needed to support our forces in Iraq and Afghanistan; to provide better response capability to meet natural disasters or crisis response abroad or here at home; and address the most urgent needs of the services. 

“In the subcommittee’s continuing attempt to fund reserve component required capabilities at the appropriate level, the Subcommittee mark provides an additional $700 million for National Guard and Reserve equipment.

“The mark also provides $350 million to meet unfunded requirements for the Army and Air Force.

“The Pentagon continues to plan for 2,443 F-35 fighter aircraft for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force that could comprise up to 95 percent of the entire U.S. fighter fleet. 

“The Subcommittee remains concerned that the Pentagon believes a sole source contract for the engine for this aircraft is appropriate even though the Pentagon’s own study on F-35 engine options indicated it would cost no more to reduce operational risk and achieve the benefits of a competitive engine program, than to fund a sole source engine program.  As a result the Subcommittee mark includes an additional $242.5 million for research and development of the F136 competitive engine for the F-35 aircraft program.  Legislative provisions included in the mark for the F-35 and competitive engine would:

“Require the Department of Defense to budget for the F-35 competitive engine, beginning in fiscal year 2012.

“Limit the obligation of funds in fiscal year 2011 for development of the F-35 aircraft to 75 percent until the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics certifies that all funds for development and procurement of the F-35 competitive propulsion system have been obligated.

“Limit obligation of funds to 30 F-35 aircraft until certain conditions are met and certified to by either the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition,  Technology, and Logistics or the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, as delineated in the legislation.

“In other recommended legislation, the subcommittee would also limit the Secretary of Defense from taking any action to procure more than two brigade sets of Early Infantry Brigade Combat Team Increment One equipment, unless otherwise waived due to urgent operational needs.

“The Early Infantry Brigade Combat Team component projects have been troubled by testing shortcomings and high unit costs.

“A Government Accountability Office witness and the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, testified on March 10, regarding the numerous reliability, maintainability, and effectiveness issues with the Early Infantry Brigade Combat Team Increment One equipment.

“Concerns were raised regarding the Increment One unmanned aerial vehicle; the non-line of sight launch system, which was recently recommended for cancellation by the Army; the unattended ground sensors, the network integration kits, and the small unmanned ground vehicles.

“The committee mark provides for the Early Brigade Infantry Combat Brigade Increment One for all testing required in fiscal year 2011 and to field two brigade sets of equipment.

“I believe that this mark funds the priorities of the Members on both sides and unfunded priorities of the Department of Defense and recommend adoption of this mark.  At an appropriate time, I will be offering an en bloc amendment that includes report language that has been agreed to by both sides.

“I would like to thank the gentleman from Maryland, Mr. Bartlett, for his support and the support of his staff in putting this mark together. 

“Thank you Mr. Chairman.”

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