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Quigley: Budget Cuts Must Include Defense

February 16, 2011
Speeches

Mr. Speaker, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to offer an amendment to cut funding for the V-22 Osprey, along with my colleague from Illinois, Mr. Gutierrez. If we are truly serious about reducing our long term deficits, we must look at the whole picture " a picture that includes defense. There can be no sacred cows. Today, defense spending, including security-related programs, comprises almost 20 percent of federal spending. Yet, it is the only part of our budget that is exempt from the tough cuts facing all other departments.

The Osprey is one of the more egregious examples of waste in the Defense budget, yet DOD continues to request this costly, ineffective machine. Even worse, Congress continues to fund it. The Osprey was originally created to allow Marines to carry troops and cargo faster, higher and farther than a traditional helicopter. Now, the Osprey is 186 percent over budget, costs $100 million per unit to produce and is not suited to fly safely in extreme heat, excessive sand, or under enemy fire. And sadly, this aircraft has killed 30 Marines in accidents.

The Government Accountability Office recommended DOD reconsider procurement of the Osprey, and experts argue a helicopter could achieve many of the objectives of the Osprey at a much lower cost. Let's show our constituents that we are serious about cutting the deficit by looking at all parts of our budget. I urge adoption of this amendment because eliminating funding for procurement of a costly, inefficient, and over budget V-22 Osprey will prove to our constituents that we are serious about reduced spending. It will help realign our military strategy to meet today's needs. And it will save the taxpayers 415 million dollars this year alone.

Thank you and I yield back.

House_Seal

Issues:Defense & National Security