WEBVTT 00:00.680 --> 00:02.680 Hearing will come back to order . I 00:02.680 --> 00:06.190 wanna thank our witnesses for , um , uh , 00:06.239 --> 00:08.461 uh , very informative , uh , classified 00:09.010 --> 00:10.899 session . Now we begin the public 00:10.899 --> 00:12.899 portion of this meeting . I welcome 00:12.899 --> 00:15.177 back Secretary Mink , General Saltzman , 00:15.177 --> 00:18.180 and General Wills Bach . I thank them 00:18.719 --> 00:21.139 and their families for their service . 00:21.479 --> 00:23.479 The Department of the Air Force has 00:23.479 --> 00:27.219 requested $338.8 billion for the next 00:27.309 --> 00:30.239 fiscal year . The figure reflects the 00:30.239 --> 00:32.295 fact that deterrence is not free and 00:32.295 --> 00:34.689 that weakness invites aggression . 00:38.369 --> 00:40.849 At this point , I'm going to submit the 00:40.849 --> 00:43.770 rest of my opening statement for the 00:43.770 --> 00:47.389 record . Uh I 00:47.389 --> 00:50.750 understand that , um , Senator Reed is 00:50.750 --> 00:52.694 at a very important meeting of the 00:52.694 --> 00:55.959 Appropriations Committee and , um , 00:56.709 --> 00:59.250 he may very well want to submit his 00:59.509 --> 01:01.731 opening statement for the record also . 01:01.731 --> 01:03.787 So at this point , I thank Secretary 01:03.787 --> 01:06.669 Mink , uh , and recognize you , sir , 01:06.790 --> 01:10.489 for your opening statement . Uh , thank 01:10.489 --> 01:12.711 you , Chairman Wicker , uh , Frankie by 01:12.711 --> 01:14.767 Marie , and distinguished members of 01:14.767 --> 01:16.933 the committee . Uh , thank you for the 01:16.933 --> 01:19.156 opportunity to come here today and talk 01:19.156 --> 01:21.378 to the 27 Department of the Air Force , 01:21.378 --> 01:23.600 uh , budget , uh , requests . I'm proud 01:23.600 --> 01:25.878 to represent 680,000 airmen , guardian , 01:25.878 --> 01:28.045 and civilians of the Department of the 01:28.045 --> 01:30.156 Air Force , as well as their families 01:30.156 --> 01:32.211 and loved ones . After the events of 01:32.211 --> 01:34.489 the last year , Operation Midne Hammer , 01:34.489 --> 01:36.656 Absolute Resolve , and now Epic Fury . 01:36.656 --> 01:38.711 I don't think anyone doubts that the 01:38.711 --> 01:40.822 Space Force and the Air Force are the 01:40.822 --> 01:42.933 most capable in the world . But today 01:42.933 --> 01:45.045 we're in the middle of a generational 01:45.045 --> 01:47.045 shift in how we employ airpower and 01:47.045 --> 01:49.100 space power . Advances in autonomy , 01:49.100 --> 01:50.767 adaptive manufacturing , AI , 01:50.767 --> 01:52.767 microelectronics , and more give us 01:52.767 --> 01:54.989 unique opportunities to drive down cost 01:54.989 --> 01:57.100 and drive up effectiveness across the 01:57.100 --> 01:59.629 board . However , our adversaries 01:59.629 --> 02:01.851 recognize that opportunity every bit as 02:01.851 --> 02:04.050 much as we do . Those adversaries , 02:04.180 --> 02:06.402 particularly China , are modernizing at 02:06.402 --> 02:08.979 a very rapid pace . To stay ahead , we 02:08.979 --> 02:11.220 must innovate faster in everything that 02:11.220 --> 02:13.220 we do . That means staying ready to 02:13.220 --> 02:15.770 fight tonight , next month , next year , 02:15.979 --> 02:18.300 next decade . Unfortunately , for the 02:18.300 --> 02:20.300 past 25 years , the DAAF's budget 02:20.300 --> 02:22.467 request has been the smallest relative 02:22.467 --> 02:24.539 to GDP in its history . At the same 02:24.539 --> 02:26.817 time , the nation has asked more of it . 02:27.229 --> 02:29.451 To meet its mission needs , the DAF was 02:29.451 --> 02:31.673 forced to shortchange both foundational 02:31.673 --> 02:34.007 readiness and much-needed modernization . 02:34.007 --> 02:36.229 The fiscal year 2027 president's budget 02:36.660 --> 02:39.660 uh breaks that pattern with a $338.8 02:39.660 --> 02:41.827 billion dollar request for the DAF and 02:41.827 --> 02:44.979 a 34% increase over last year . I'll 02:44.979 --> 02:47.035 start with our investment to win the 02:47.035 --> 02:49.312 fight tonight , foundational readiness . 02:49.312 --> 02:51.423 Boosting readiness requires increased 02:51.423 --> 02:53.757 and stable funding , particularly given . 02:53.757 --> 02:55.923 The age of many of our platforms . The 02:55.923 --> 02:57.940 FYI 27 budget increases our 02:57.940 --> 02:59.996 foundational readiness investment by 02:59.996 --> 03:03.380 34% , providing a jump needed to truly 03:03.380 --> 03:05.740 recover . We're also looking at ways to 03:05.740 --> 03:07.380 operate more efficiently by 03:07.380 --> 03:09.602 accelerating decision making , reducing 03:09.602 --> 03:11.759 barriers to entry for industry , and 03:11.759 --> 03:13.481 leveraging innovative contract 03:13.481 --> 03:16.250 structures . The DAS lean budget over 03:16.250 --> 03:18.529 the last years has also resulted in a 03:18.529 --> 03:21.050 $50 billion facilities maintenance 03:21.050 --> 03:23.369 backlog . Uh , this is compounded the 03:23.369 --> 03:25.591 way we have traditionally done MilCon , 03:25.591 --> 03:28.169 which results in cost almost twice what 03:28.169 --> 03:30.289 a commercial construction would . To 03:30.289 --> 03:32.400 reverse that , the 27 budget requests 03:32.400 --> 03:34.511 nearly double the investment in Milon 03:34.919 --> 03:36.530 and facilities sustainment , 03:36.530 --> 03:39.279 restoration , and modernization . Which 03:39.279 --> 03:41.501 we will couple with the new authorities 03:41.501 --> 03:43.501 we've got from Congress . Thank you 03:43.501 --> 03:45.612 very much , uh , such as progressives 03:45.612 --> 03:48.089 design build . Second , production , 03:48.289 --> 03:50.610 particularly of munitions . While we , 03:50.809 --> 03:52.642 while we retain enough munitions 03:52.642 --> 03:54.970 worldwide to meet mission needs , we 03:54.970 --> 03:57.429 need strong factory lines to sustain 03:57.429 --> 03:59.850 and bolster our stockpiles . Therefore , 03:59.929 --> 04:01.651 this budget leverages existing 04:01.651 --> 04:03.596 commercial production capacity and 04:03.596 --> 04:05.540 takes full advantage of multi-year 04:05.540 --> 04:07.429 procurement for our most critical 04:07.429 --> 04:10.210 munitions . We expect 39,000 weapons to 04:10.210 --> 04:13.149 be delivered by FY 33 . We're also 04:13.149 --> 04:15.371 developing weapons almost as capable as 04:15.371 --> 04:17.440 our high-end munitions , but at a 04:17.440 --> 04:19.480 fraction of the cost and at a much 04:19.480 --> 04:21.480 higher production rate , which will 04:21.480 --> 04:23.702 enable that 39,000 delivery . I'll note 04:23.702 --> 04:25.924 that while the money in this request is 04:25.924 --> 04:28.600 essential , time is our most precious 04:28.600 --> 04:30.544 resource . And the department will 04:30.544 --> 04:32.544 focus on companies that can quickly 04:32.544 --> 04:34.869 scale production while still broadening 04:34.869 --> 04:37.091 the industry base to ensure competition 04:37.091 --> 04:39.313 in the future . That leads me to number 04:39.313 --> 04:41.091 3 , modernization . The DAFF is 04:41.091 --> 04:42.980 currently engaged in the broadest 04:42.980 --> 04:45.313 program of modernization in its history . 04:45.313 --> 04:47.147 While not every program has been 04:47.147 --> 04:49.147 perfect , we have seen much success 04:49.147 --> 04:50.925 with our new proliferated space 04:50.925 --> 04:52.980 architectures , collaborative combat 04:52.980 --> 04:54.813 aircraft , the F-47B21 , and our 04:54.813 --> 04:56.536 command and control and battle 04:56.536 --> 04:58.702 management systems . The FY 27 request 04:58.702 --> 05:00.925 accelerates those successes and applies 05:00.925 --> 05:03.147 lessons learned from across the board . 05:03.579 --> 05:05.468 To that end , we are transforming 05:05.468 --> 05:07.690 acquisition . We are empowering our new 05:07.690 --> 05:09.690 portfolio acquisition executives or 05:09.690 --> 05:11.579 PAEs and their teams with the 05:11.579 --> 05:13.649 authorities , resources , and talent 05:13.950 --> 05:15.894 they need to accelerate capability 05:15.894 --> 05:17.929 delivery . We have delegated nearly 05:17.929 --> 05:20.096 every authority we are legally allowed 05:20.096 --> 05:22.529 to down to the PAEs . We are realigning 05:22.529 --> 05:24.850 portfolios to match mission outcomes . 05:25.130 --> 05:27.369 Our end state is all DA acquisitions 05:27.369 --> 05:29.258 aligned with the PAE structure to 05:29.258 --> 05:31.313 ensure consistent , simplified , and 05:31.313 --> 05:33.536 rapid decision making across the entire 05:33.536 --> 05:36.119 Space Force and Air Force . Finally , 05:36.160 --> 05:38.382 our most decisive advantage remains our 05:38.382 --> 05:40.493 people , the airmen and guardians who 05:40.493 --> 05:42.700 make everything possible . This budget 05:42.700 --> 05:44.922 invested in them . That includes a 5 to 05:44.922 --> 05:47.239 7% pay raise for military , larger 05:47.239 --> 05:48.959 bonus pools for incentivizing 05:48.959 --> 05:51.399 high-performance civilians , increases 05:51.399 --> 05:53.920 to military end strength , and a 300% 05:53.920 --> 05:56.500 increase in dormitory investments . In 05:56.500 --> 05:58.611 conclusion , this budget represents a 05:58.611 --> 06:00.444 disciplined strategy to meet our 06:00.444 --> 06:02.611 threats . While FY 27 does represent a 06:02.611 --> 06:04.722 major increase in our budget , we are 06:04.722 --> 06:07.190 ready to execute that budget . Much of 06:07.190 --> 06:09.357 the new funding will accelerate mature 06:09.357 --> 06:11.468 programs with established contracts . 06:11.468 --> 06:13.690 Regardless of the final total , we will 06:13.690 --> 06:15.801 remain accountable and transparent to 06:15.801 --> 06:17.912 Congress and the American taxpayers . 06:17.912 --> 06:19.746 Thank you very much , and I look 06:19.746 --> 06:21.857 forward to your questions . Thank you 06:21.857 --> 06:21.239 very , very much , General Wilsbach . 06:21.290 --> 06:23.512 You recognize . Good morning , Chairman 06:23.512 --> 06:25.457 Wicker , Ranking Member Reed , and 06:25.457 --> 06:27.734 distinguished members of the committee . 06:27.734 --> 06:29.790 I'm proud to represent 665,000 total 06:29.790 --> 06:32.012 force airmen serving our nation . Thank 06:32.012 --> 06:33.901 you for the opportunity to appear 06:33.901 --> 06:35.901 before you today and your continued 06:35.901 --> 06:38.123 support for airmen and their families . 06:38.123 --> 06:40.234 The United States Air Force exists to 06:40.234 --> 06:42.068 provide the nation with decisive 06:42.068 --> 06:44.290 options at both speed and scale . Every 06:44.290 --> 06:46.457 day our airmen deliver that capability 06:46.457 --> 06:48.290 by controlling the air , holding 06:48.290 --> 06:50.290 targets at risk , moving forces and 06:50.290 --> 06:52.079 supplies across the globe , and 06:52.079 --> 06:54.301 underpinning the joint force with these 06:54.301 --> 06:57.040 combined efforts . As illustrated in 06:57.040 --> 06:59.320 recent operations such as Operation 06:59.320 --> 07:01.720 Midnight Hammer , Absolute Resolve , 07:01.799 --> 07:03.559 and Epic Fury , they do it 07:03.559 --> 07:06.160 professionally and without pause . We 07:06.160 --> 07:07.938 operate in an environment where 07:07.938 --> 07:10.480 distance no longer guarantees sanctuary , 07:10.869 --> 07:12.679 Networks are contested , and 07:12.679 --> 07:14.899 adversaries are fielding capabilities 07:15.359 --> 07:17.415 specifically designed to deny us the 07:17.415 --> 07:19.540 advantages we've relied on before . 07:20.079 --> 07:22.369 That reality drives our focus , 07:22.880 --> 07:25.799 readiness , modernization , and taking 07:25.799 --> 07:27.799 care of airmen and their families . 07:28.809 --> 07:30.865 Readiness is the ability to generate 07:30.865 --> 07:33.529 combat power quickly , operate in 07:33.529 --> 07:36.309 contested environments , and sustain 07:36.309 --> 07:38.850 operations over time . Today , our 07:38.850 --> 07:41.017 airmen are meeting the mission but are 07:41.017 --> 07:43.250 doing so while managing significant 07:43.250 --> 07:45.609 strain . We are flying aircraft that in 07:45.609 --> 07:47.665 many cases are older than the airmen 07:47.665 --> 07:50.209 who maintain them . We are operating at 07:50.209 --> 07:52.850 a high tempo across multiple theaters 07:52.850 --> 07:54.794 and doing so while preparing to be 07:54.794 --> 07:57.769 ready for any future conflict . Our 07:57.769 --> 08:00.989 fiscal year 2027 budget request 08:01.290 --> 08:03.890 prioritizes restoring depth in our 08:03.890 --> 08:06.057 force by increasing funding for flying 08:06.057 --> 08:08.859 hours . Munitions , maintenance and 08:08.859 --> 08:10.980 advanced training that reflects the 08:10.980 --> 08:13.940 reality of today and tomorrow's fight . 08:14.679 --> 08:16.839 Weapons system sustainment funding 08:16.839 --> 08:19.279 increased to over $24 billion and 08:19.279 --> 08:22.359 flying hours to nearly $10 billion . We 08:22.359 --> 08:25.160 are focused on readiness that continues 08:25.160 --> 08:27.480 to remain credible and can deliver 08:27.480 --> 08:30.899 effects . Modernization is not only 08:30.899 --> 08:33.066 about replacing old platforms with new 08:33.066 --> 08:35.159 ones , but evolving how we fight . 08:35.700 --> 08:38.179 Speed , survivability , and decision 08:38.179 --> 08:40.979 advantage will define future conflict . 08:41.059 --> 08:42.940 It requires a force that is more 08:42.940 --> 08:45.320 connected and adaptable . To this end , 08:45.739 --> 08:47.683 we are increasing our research and 08:47.683 --> 08:50.650 development funding by 27% to over 08:51.840 --> 08:55.659 57 billion . The fiscal year 08:55.659 --> 08:58.580 2027 budget request will accelerate our 08:58.580 --> 09:00.358 modernization programs . We are 09:00.358 --> 09:02.413 advancing the F-47 and collaborative 09:02.413 --> 09:05.059 combat aircraft to increase combat mass 09:05.059 --> 09:07.539 and complicate adversary targeting . We 09:07.539 --> 09:09.761 are upgrading our current fighter fleet 09:09.761 --> 09:12.260 to ensure it remains viable while also 09:12.260 --> 09:14.593 investing in long-range strike advanced . 09:14.593 --> 09:16.593 Munitions and resilient command and 09:16.593 --> 09:18.649 control . Additionally , our nuclear 09:18.649 --> 09:20.538 enterprise remains foundational . 09:20.538 --> 09:22.371 Investments now will sustain the 09:22.371 --> 09:24.538 modernization of the Triad through the 09:24.538 --> 09:26.869 Sentinel B-21 radar and upgrades to the 09:26.869 --> 09:30.390 B-52 and the E-4B . These capabilities 09:30.390 --> 09:32.334 ensure that our deterrence remains 09:32.334 --> 09:34.919 credible and ready . Third is taking 09:34.919 --> 09:37.159 care of airmen and families . We ask a 09:37.159 --> 09:39.440 lot of our people , frequent moves and 09:39.440 --> 09:41.496 operational stress take a toll . Our 09:41.496 --> 09:43.329 Air Force continues to invest in 09:43.329 --> 09:45.273 improving options for healthcare , 09:45.280 --> 09:47.280 childcare , and spouse employment . 09:47.359 --> 09:49.880 Therefore , our budget request 09:49.880 --> 09:52.179 strengthens quality of life . We are 09:52.320 --> 09:54.542 executing the largest investment in our 09:54.542 --> 09:57.770 dormitories in over a decade of $2.7 09:57.770 --> 10:00.559 billion in FSRM and $330 million in 10:00.559 --> 10:03.239 Milan for a total of $3 billion . We 10:03.239 --> 10:05.350 are looking for solutions to meet the 10:05.350 --> 10:07.406 housing needs of our families with a 10:07.406 --> 10:09.799 request for $1.3 billion while funding 10:09.799 --> 10:11.966 new construction projects to address . 10:12.289 --> 10:15.130 Childcare capacity shortfalls by adding 10:15.130 --> 10:18.250 about 1700 childcare spaces . The Air 10:18.250 --> 10:20.450 Force exists to be the best possible 10:20.450 --> 10:22.669 fighting force for our nation . We are 10:22.669 --> 10:24.891 building a force that can operate under 10:24.891 --> 10:27.002 pressure and deliver effects anywhere 10:27.002 --> 10:29.169 in the world . That requires sustained 10:29.169 --> 10:31.336 investment , disciplined choices , and 10:31.336 --> 10:33.400 an unwavering focus on our people . 10:33.710 --> 10:36.590 With your support , we will ensure they 10:36.590 --> 10:38.590 have the tools , training , and the 10:38.590 --> 10:40.757 backing they need . Thank you . I look 10:40.757 --> 10:42.868 forward to your questions . And thank 10:42.868 --> 10:44.812 you very much , General Wilsbach , 10:44.812 --> 10:47.034 General Saltzman . Thank you , Chairman 10:47.034 --> 10:46.510 Wicker , Ranking Member Reed , 10:46.590 --> 10:48.868 distinguished members of the committee . 10:48.868 --> 10:50.812 Thank you for your support for the 10:50.812 --> 10:53.090 Space Force and our nation's guardians . 10:53.090 --> 10:53.090 As the past year has demonstrated , 10:53.250 --> 10:55.306 space is more vital than ever to our 10:55.306 --> 10:57.250 economic prosperity , our national 10:57.250 --> 10:59.472 security , and the effectiveness of the 10:59.472 --> 11:01.694 joint force . However , our adversaries 11:01.694 --> 11:03.917 are constantly working to take away our 11:03.917 --> 11:06.139 military and economic advantages in the 11:06.139 --> 11:08.250 space domain . To defend our nation's 11:08.250 --> 11:08.049 interests in space , the Space Force 11:08.049 --> 11:10.271 must do more than grow . We must evolve 11:10.271 --> 11:12.549 to meet the challenges of this new era . 11:12.549 --> 11:14.510 To that end , the FY-27 budget's 11:14.510 --> 11:17.409 landmark investment of $71.1 billion 11:17.619 --> 11:20.059 for the Space Force represents a 11:20.059 --> 11:22.115 generational opportunity to position 11:22.115 --> 11:24.337 the force to meet the rapidly expanding 11:24.337 --> 11:26.448 threats and demands of the nation . I 11:26.448 --> 11:28.392 know some of the budget percentage 11:28.392 --> 11:30.559 increases being considered sound big , 11:30.559 --> 11:32.670 but let me put those in perspective . 11:32.670 --> 11:34.503 There are at least 25 individual 11:34.503 --> 11:36.392 military installations inside the 11:36.392 --> 11:38.281 United States that each have more 11:38.281 --> 11:40.503 personnel than the entire Space Force , 11:40.503 --> 11:42.615 and the top 10 of those installations 11:42.615 --> 11:44.781 are all at least twice the size of our 11:44.781 --> 11:47.003 service . And the Space Force budget in 11:47.003 --> 11:49.226 comparison to other services will still 11:49.226 --> 11:51.337 be less than 5% of our nation's total 11:51.337 --> 11:53.392 military spending , an extraordinary 11:53.392 --> 11:55.503 value on return on investment for the 11:55.503 --> 11:57.670 nation . That investment is a critical 11:57.670 --> 11:59.781 down payment to meet the accelerating 11:59.781 --> 12:01.948 demands on the service . In 2025 , the 12:01.948 --> 12:04.059 Space Force saw a drastic increase in 12:04.059 --> 12:05.948 mission requirements across space 12:05.948 --> 12:08.003 access , global mission operations , 12:08.003 --> 12:10.226 and space control . This trend shows no 12:10.226 --> 12:12.170 signs of slowing . To position the 12:12.170 --> 12:14.170 service for this mission growth and 12:14.170 --> 12:16.170 inform our future needs , the Space 12:16.170 --> 12:18.281 Force has been working hard to define 12:18.281 --> 12:20.337 what we believe our future operating 12:20.337 --> 12:20.159 environment will look like over the 12:20.159 --> 12:22.640 next 15 years . And then based on that 12:22.640 --> 12:24.418 we designed our objective force 12:24.418 --> 12:26.529 structure which will provide a vector 12:26.529 --> 12:28.584 for our services investments to meet 12:28.584 --> 12:30.807 the nation's expanding needs and defeat 12:30.807 --> 12:32.696 future threats . Increases in the 12:32.696 --> 12:34.862 service budget and in strength are our 12:34.862 --> 12:37.029 national security imperative . That is 12:37.029 --> 12:39.029 why the FY 27 budget boosts our top 12:39.029 --> 12:41.340 line by almost 130% and our end 12:41.340 --> 12:44.619 strength by 27% . The proposed budget 12:44.619 --> 12:46.397 paired with this increase in in 12:46.397 --> 12:48.563 strength will allow the Space Force to 12:48.563 --> 12:50.897 recruit and train the guardians we need , 12:50.897 --> 12:52.897 build vital excuse me , build vital 12:52.897 --> 12:55.063 space capabilities for the Joint Force 12:55.063 --> 12:56.897 and the nation , and provide the 12:56.897 --> 12:58.897 support and infrastructure that the 12:58.897 --> 13:00.786 mission growth demands . Today we 13:00.786 --> 13:02.452 deliberately build a cadre of 13:02.452 --> 13:04.619 space-minded warfighters equipped with 13:04.619 --> 13:06.786 the skills required in an increasingly 13:06.786 --> 13:08.952 contested and evolving domain . We are 13:08.952 --> 13:10.897 preparing our guardian officers to 13:10.897 --> 13:12.897 seamlessly integrate with the joint 13:12.897 --> 13:14.563 force . We are bolstering the 13:14.563 --> 13:16.619 development of our enlisted force to 13:16.619 --> 13:18.786 ensure they become technical space war 13:18.786 --> 13:18.640 fighting experts , and we are 13:18.640 --> 13:20.696 developing our civilian guardians so 13:20.696 --> 13:22.918 that they can best provide their unique 13:22.918 --> 13:25.150 expertise , ensure continuity of 13:25.150 --> 13:27.039 operations , and bring a depth of 13:27.039 --> 13:29.094 support across the mission sets . In 13:29.094 --> 13:31.206 order to execute all of our expanding 13:31.206 --> 13:33.150 missions , it's imperative that we 13:33.150 --> 13:35.150 responsibly and effectively convert 13:35.150 --> 13:37.039 this increased appropriation into 13:37.039 --> 13:38.928 combat capability and warfighting 13:38.928 --> 13:41.150 advantage . Unlike the other services , 13:41.150 --> 13:43.483 the majority of our budget , nearly 2/3 , 13:43.483 --> 13:45.706 is dedicated to developing and fielding 13:45.706 --> 13:47.950 new systems instead of personnel or 13:47.950 --> 13:50.006 operations and maintenance . That is 13:50.006 --> 13:52.061 why the Space Force is so focused on 13:52.061 --> 13:53.894 taking advantage of this once-in 13:53.894 --> 13:56.117 a-generation opportunity to enhance our 13:56.117 --> 13:58.172 acquisition processes , all with the 13:58.172 --> 14:00.228 goal of accelerating the fielding of 14:00.228 --> 14:02.650 vital combat space systems at the speed 14:02.650 --> 14:04.761 and scale required for each mission . 14:05.049 --> 14:07.271 To that end , newly empowered portfolio 14:07.271 --> 14:09.382 acquisition executives are positioned 14:09.382 --> 14:11.271 to make better and faster program 14:11.271 --> 14:13.770 trades , expediting our ability to 14:13.770 --> 14:15.909 deliver combat credible systems on 14:15.909 --> 14:17.853 operationally relevant timelines . 14:17.853 --> 14:19.742 We're simplifying our approach to 14:19.742 --> 14:21.409 requirements , bolstering our 14:21.409 --> 14:23.687 relationships with industry and allies , 14:23.687 --> 14:25.465 and ensuring our vital guardian 14:25.465 --> 14:27.520 workforce is expertly trained in the 14:27.520 --> 14:29.631 complex task of acquisitions . Unlike 14:29.631 --> 14:31.631 other services that are modernizing 14:31.631 --> 14:33.576 existing systems , the Space Force 14:33.576 --> 14:35.853 cannot modernize what it does not have . 14:35.853 --> 14:37.520 We are creating some of these 14:37.520 --> 14:39.298 innovative capabilities for new 14:39.298 --> 14:39.140 missions from the ground up , 14:39.520 --> 14:41.631 particularly in space control , where 14:41.631 --> 14:43.742 we are investing in all categories of 14:43.742 --> 14:45.909 counterpace systems necessary to deter 14:45.909 --> 14:47.742 and defeat aggression in space . 14:47.742 --> 14:49.687 Additionally , we are aggressively 14:49.687 --> 14:51.353 pursuing more resilient space 14:51.353 --> 14:53.187 architectures that can withstand 14:53.187 --> 14:55.409 attacks and continue to operate through 14:55.409 --> 14:57.464 an extended conflict . This includes 14:57.464 --> 14:57.270 expanding our resilient missile warning 14:57.270 --> 14:59.381 and tracking initiative that provides 14:59.381 --> 15:01.603 life-saving alert to troops worldwide , 15:01.603 --> 15:03.714 enhancing satellite communications to 15:03.714 --> 15:05.381 connect joint force units and 15:05.381 --> 15:07.326 commanders around the globe during 15:07.326 --> 15:09.381 battle , and growing our space-based 15:09.381 --> 15:11.492 sensing and targeting architecture to 15:11.492 --> 15:13.603 hold adversary forces at risk through 15:13.603 --> 15:15.714 space-based AMTI and GMTI anywhere in 15:15.714 --> 15:17.770 the world . But the added manpower , 15:17.770 --> 15:19.659 missions , and capability require 15:19.659 --> 15:21.326 commensurate increases in the 15:21.326 --> 15:23.437 structures that support them , so the 15:23.437 --> 15:25.603 FY 27 budget request also includes the 15:25.603 --> 15:27.770 required MLCon to ensure our guardians 15:27.770 --> 15:29.881 are fully supported . The Space Force 15:29.881 --> 15:32.159 has laid the organizational foundation , 15:32.159 --> 15:34.214 defined the compounding threat , and 15:34.214 --> 15:36.214 delivered the blueprint required to 15:36.214 --> 15:38.270 counter it . Now we must build those 15:38.270 --> 15:38.080 structures and systems to ensure domain 15:38.080 --> 15:40.359 superiority for years to come . With a 15:40.359 --> 15:42.526 continued advocacy from Congress , our 15:42.526 --> 15:44.248 guardians stand ready to deter 15:44.248 --> 15:46.415 aggression , protect our space-enabled 15:46.415 --> 15:48.359 way of life , and have called upon 15:48.359 --> 15:50.526 fight and win . As I conclude my final 15:50.526 --> 15:52.637 presentation to this committee as the 15:52.637 --> 15:54.803 Chief of Space Operations , let me say 15:54.803 --> 15:56.859 thank you for enabling our successes 15:56.859 --> 15:58.915 and for the opportunity to highlight 15:58.915 --> 15:58.630 the exceptional work that our guardians 15:58.630 --> 16:00.519 are doing every day to secure our 16:00.519 --> 16:02.630 nation's interests in , from , and to 16:02.630 --> 16:04.352 space . I look forward to your 16:04.352 --> 16:07.070 questions . Well , thank , thank all 16:07.070 --> 16:08.681 three of you , and thank you 16:08.681 --> 16:11.309 particularly General Saltzman as you , 16:11.330 --> 16:15.190 um , prepare to , uh , um . Move 16:15.190 --> 16:17.523 on to another phase of , of your career . 16:17.799 --> 16:21.320 Uh , for the record , um , Senator Reid 16:21.320 --> 16:24.080 was at a meeting of another important 16:24.080 --> 16:27.320 committee when we began , uh , this 16:27.320 --> 16:30.820 hearing . Uh , I , um , submitted 16:31.280 --> 16:33.391 my opening statement for the record . 16:33.479 --> 16:35.701 You are now recognized , Senator Reed . 16:37.380 --> 16:40.469 I will adopt the wise posture of the 16:40.469 --> 16:42.869 chairman and submit my statement for 16:42.869 --> 16:45.299 the record , and I think it would be 16:45.299 --> 16:48.090 appropriate if you went ahead and added 16:48.289 --> 16:52.130 some . Um , a very important 16:52.130 --> 16:56.039 recognition . For a Well , I want to , 16:56.169 --> 16:58.280 obviously I wanna recognize and thank 16:58.280 --> 17:00.613 General Saltzman for his , uh , service , 17:00.613 --> 17:02.830 uh , remarkable service in creating , 17:03.039 --> 17:05.206 not just shepherding an organization , 17:05.206 --> 17:07.372 Space Force . So thank you very much , 17:07.372 --> 17:09.595 sir , and gentlemen , thank you all for 17:09.595 --> 17:11.817 your dedication and please convey our . 17:11.817 --> 17:13.928 Sincere thanks to the men and women , 17:13.928 --> 17:15.983 both uniformed and civilians who you 17:15.983 --> 17:17.761 lead . Thank you . I think that 17:17.761 --> 17:19.706 reflects the feeling of the entire 17:19.706 --> 17:22.170 committee . I will defer my questions 17:22.170 --> 17:24.569 until later . Again , there are other 17:24.569 --> 17:27.290 important meetings going on today , and 17:27.290 --> 17:29.346 members will have to be going in and 17:29.346 --> 17:31.270 out , but at this point , Senator 17:31.609 --> 17:33.887 Fisher is recognized for questions and , 17:33.920 --> 17:36.253 and then to be followed by Senator Reid . 17:37.069 --> 17:39.069 Thank you Mr . Chairman , and I too 17:39.069 --> 17:40.791 would like to thank all of you 17:40.791 --> 17:42.958 gentlemen for your service and General 17:42.958 --> 17:45.180 Salzman , I wish , wish you the best in 17:45.180 --> 17:47.347 your future endeavors . Thank you very 17:47.347 --> 17:49.513 much . Uh , Secretary Mink , how would 17:49.513 --> 17:52.010 the investments proposed in this budget 17:52.010 --> 17:54.910 request scale the Air Force munitions 17:54.910 --> 17:58.839 production ? Uh , significantly . 17:59.150 --> 18:01.329 I think by the , uh , the end of the 18:01.329 --> 18:04.089 fight up , uh , it will , I think the 18:04.089 --> 18:06.145 total procurement is on the order of 18:06.145 --> 18:08.410 39,000 weapons systems . Uh , and we're 18:08.410 --> 18:10.729 really taking two kind of paths here . 18:10.810 --> 18:12.699 There are a number of the weapons 18:12.699 --> 18:14.754 systems that we've had in production 18:14.754 --> 18:16.699 for years . We're scaling up those 18:16.699 --> 18:19.032 productions , uh , but at the same time , 18:19.032 --> 18:21.254 we're looking at a whole family of much 18:21.254 --> 18:23.421 lower cost munitions that we can scale 18:23.421 --> 18:25.588 more rapidly . Uh , and to be honest , 18:25.588 --> 18:27.754 more cost effective , uh , in the long 18:27.754 --> 18:29.866 run . The combination of those two is 18:29.866 --> 18:31.977 what this budget submission allows us 18:31.977 --> 18:33.977 to get after , kind of sustaining . 18:33.977 --> 18:36.032 What date will that be ? You said by 18:36.032 --> 18:35.900 the end of the fight . Yeah , by the 18:35.900 --> 18:38.160 end of the fight , so it'd be 30 , 32 , 18:38.270 --> 18:40.492 33 time frame , 39,000 weapons . It's a 18:40.492 --> 18:42.492 public hearing and I just wanted to 18:42.492 --> 18:44.214 make sure . Uh , so , so yes , 18:44.589 --> 18:47.709 significant , significant advancements 18:47.709 --> 18:49.709 in the number of weapons , which is 18:49.709 --> 18:51.653 critical for both the high-end and 18:51.653 --> 18:54.579 low-end fight . Thank you and General 18:54.579 --> 18:56.800 Will Spock , uh , how's the Air Force 18:56.800 --> 18:59.540 rapidly fielding emerging emerging 18:59.540 --> 19:02.569 technologies such as , uh , the counter 19:02.569 --> 19:04.859 drone systems that we're all very 19:04.859 --> 19:06.970 interested in in order to protect our 19:06.970 --> 19:09.020 airmen ? Um , yes , yes , Senator , 19:09.109 --> 19:11.329 thank you . Uh , so over , uh , well , 19:11.380 --> 19:14.010 this , this budget request has , uh , 19:14.020 --> 19:16.800 around just over $10 billion and that's , 19:16.819 --> 19:18.930 um , all of the department , not just 19:18.930 --> 19:21.097 the Air Force , but all the services , 19:21.097 --> 19:23.300 uh , for just , uh , for just this 19:23.300 --> 19:26.079 purpose . Um , and this , this year , 19:26.140 --> 19:28.380 uh , we're fielding additional systems 19:28.380 --> 19:31.500 at some key bases . One of them is in 19:31.500 --> 19:34.770 your home state and many other places . 19:34.819 --> 19:37.099 We also have fielded some systems . The 19:37.099 --> 19:39.099 army has previously deployed to our 19:39.099 --> 19:42.729 bases in the Middle East and as we go 19:42.729 --> 19:45.007 through all of those are counter drone , 19:45.007 --> 19:47.062 yes , well , counter drone , counter 19:47.062 --> 19:49.062 one way attack , and counter cruise 19:49.062 --> 19:51.699 missile . Uh , as well as , uh , as we 19:51.699 --> 19:53.939 go into 27 , that will continue to 19:53.939 --> 19:56.859 expand . Um , ultimately , uh , Senator , 19:56.979 --> 19:59.060 we , we should have some system 19:59.060 --> 20:01.282 protecting all of our bases , and we'll 20:01.282 --> 20:03.616 get to that in future years . Thank you , 20:03.660 --> 20:06.459 um , Mr . Secretary or General Will 20:06.459 --> 20:09.459 Spock , uh , in the fiscal year 2027 20:09.459 --> 20:13.180 budget request . It also includes $1.4 20:13.180 --> 20:15.236 billion for developing collaborative 20:15.236 --> 20:18.260 combat aircraft . In this setting , can 20:18.260 --> 20:21.060 you explain why we need those CCAs and 20:21.060 --> 20:24.079 what progress has been made so far on 20:24.079 --> 20:28.010 developing those systems ? I , I , 20:28.099 --> 20:30.770 I think , um , a short response and 20:30.770 --> 20:32.826 turn over to General Wolsbach . Uh , 20:32.826 --> 20:35.810 the CCA represents a , an extremely 20:35.810 --> 20:38.530 cost effective way to bring combat 20:38.530 --> 20:40.489 power into the fight . Essentially 20:40.489 --> 20:42.890 they're very low costs fighters , uh , 20:42.969 --> 20:44.358 that , uh , will operate 20:44.358 --> 20:46.469 collaboratively with our , our manned 20:46.469 --> 20:48.191 aircraft and deliver much more 20:48.191 --> 20:50.191 cost-effective capability . General 20:50.191 --> 20:52.080 Wolsbach , um , yes , uh , yeah , 20:52.080 --> 20:54.136 correct . I agree with the Secretary 20:54.136 --> 20:56.247 and , uh , Senator , what , what this 20:56.247 --> 20:58.469 allows is . Um , additional mass , um , 20:58.469 --> 21:00.636 in the , in the target area , in the , 21:00.636 --> 21:02.636 uh , area of engagement , um , that 21:02.636 --> 21:04.413 creates , um , a number of more 21:04.413 --> 21:06.136 problems and dilemmas for your 21:06.136 --> 21:08.191 adversary and allows you to , allows 21:08.191 --> 21:10.136 you to win . Uh , the first , uh , 21:10.140 --> 21:12.380 series of collaborative combat aircraft 21:12.380 --> 21:14.547 will be designed for air to air flight 21:14.547 --> 21:16.769 in the future ones , we can decide what 21:16.769 --> 21:19.102 else , uh , capabilities they will have . 21:19.102 --> 21:21.324 Um , thus far , um , both , we have two 21:21.324 --> 21:23.658 vendors that are making aircraft for us . 21:23.658 --> 21:25.880 They both had , uh , multiple flights . 21:25.880 --> 21:28.047 Uh , the , uh , autonomous systems are 21:28.047 --> 21:30.269 working . We're learning from it , uh , 21:30.269 --> 21:32.670 and adjusting as we go , um , but we're 21:32.670 --> 21:34.819 very , uh , we're very pleased , um , 21:34.900 --> 21:37.660 with the progress . Good to hear . Uh , 21:37.829 --> 21:40.670 General Salzman , the Space Force is 21:40.670 --> 21:43.030 requesting a significant increase in 21:43.030 --> 21:46.189 funding and in personnel for , uh , FY 21:46.189 --> 21:49.949 27 . Can you explain to not just 21:49.949 --> 21:51.893 this committee but to the American 21:51.893 --> 21:55.699 people why that uh growth is required 21:55.699 --> 21:58.500 and how would the investments proposed 21:58.500 --> 22:01.729 better position Space Force to operate 22:01.729 --> 22:03.785 in this worsening threat environment 22:03.785 --> 22:06.140 that we face ? Thank you , Senator . I 22:06.140 --> 22:08.140 appreciate that opportunity . I , I 22:08.140 --> 22:10.140 think it's , it's pretty clear that 22:10.140 --> 22:12.362 space has become critical to our , um , 22:12.380 --> 22:14.380 economy . It's been critical to our 22:14.380 --> 22:16.380 national security and certainly the 22:16.380 --> 22:18.547 joint forces' effectiveness . Uh , the 22:18.547 --> 22:20.602 new missions that have been given to 22:20.602 --> 22:20.180 the Space Force are gonna require 22:20.180 --> 22:22.347 something on the order of about 40 new 22:22.347 --> 22:24.569 squadrons . That represents an increase 22:24.569 --> 22:27.459 of about 22,800 guardians and another 22:27.459 --> 22:30.219 2000 civilians just to do the work of 22:30.219 --> 22:32.441 the new missions being added to address 22:32.441 --> 22:34.552 these threats and continue to provide 22:34.552 --> 22:36.552 the support to the joint force that 22:36.552 --> 22:38.663 we've had . The new systems alone are 22:38.663 --> 22:40.441 going to require 10 new program 22:40.441 --> 22:42.608 officers to do the acquisition work to 22:42.608 --> 22:44.830 bring those systems and deliver them to 22:44.830 --> 22:46.997 the field . So those growth in the new 22:46.997 --> 22:48.775 missions , uh , in the , in the 22:48.775 --> 22:50.941 squadrons that are required to operate 22:50.941 --> 22:52.775 those systems is what drives the 22:52.775 --> 22:54.997 manpower and the increase in budget for 22:54.997 --> 22:57.108 the systems . Thank you and thank you 22:57.108 --> 22:59.330 again , General , for uh overseeing the 22:59.330 --> 23:01.552 vast accomplishments of the Space Force 23:01.552 --> 23:03.608 to date . Thank you . Thank you very 23:03.608 --> 23:05.775 much , Senator Fisher . Senator Reed , 23:05.775 --> 23:07.886 thank you very much , Mr . Chairman . 23:07.886 --> 23:09.830 Uh , uh , Mr . Secretary , the Air 23:09.830 --> 23:11.608 Force is requesting in total an 23:11.608 --> 23:15.430 increase in F-35 aircraft and F-15 EX 23:15.430 --> 23:18.910 aircraft . Uh , the F-35 increase would 23:18.910 --> 23:22.910 go from 24 to 38 , and the F-15 EX from 23:22.910 --> 23:25.969 18 to 24 . However , all of 23:25.969 --> 23:28.810 the increase of 14 aircraft for the 23:28.810 --> 23:31.489 F-35 production is in the 23:31.489 --> 23:34.670 reconciliation request , not the budget . 23:35.089 --> 23:37.256 And , uh , on the other hand , all the 23:37.256 --> 23:39.650 15 EX increases are in the 23:39.650 --> 23:42.089 discretionary budget . That raises the 23:42.089 --> 23:44.311 question , uh , what will you do if you 23:44.311 --> 23:46.533 do not have a successful reconciliation 23:46.533 --> 23:50.119 bill ? Uh , uh , thank you , uh , thank 23:50.119 --> 23:53.640 you , Senator . Yeah , the , the 23:53.640 --> 23:56.920 department looked at the , this as one 23:56.920 --> 23:58.809 integrated request . There was no 23:58.809 --> 24:00.364 prioritization done between 24:00.364 --> 24:02.709 reconciliation and base , uh , funding . 24:03.079 --> 24:06.599 Uh , again , as , as we get more data 24:06.599 --> 24:08.877 on what the top line will end up being . 24:08.877 --> 24:10.821 There will have to be a discussion 24:10.821 --> 24:12.932 about how we prioritize everything we 24:12.932 --> 24:15.043 have in the budget is , is critical . 24:15.043 --> 24:17.266 We understand that we sometimes have to 24:17.266 --> 24:19.266 do prioritization , so we will , we 24:19.266 --> 24:21.321 will , we will , we will continue to 24:21.321 --> 24:23.488 shoot for what we need to do the job . 24:23.488 --> 24:25.488 But if , if the budget's at a lower 24:25.488 --> 24:25.209 rate , we'll have to work on how we 24:25.209 --> 24:27.431 prioritize . Well , it's an interesting 24:27.431 --> 24:30.510 concept because , uh , usually that . 24:31.760 --> 24:33.871 The Department of Defense comes to us 24:33.871 --> 24:35.750 with their priorities in place , 24:36.050 --> 24:38.050 representing the president's budget 24:38.050 --> 24:40.390 that is given to this committee , not 24:40.689 --> 24:44.119 an additional request in the Budget 24:44.119 --> 24:46.790 Committee for reconciliation funds . 24:47.449 --> 24:49.560 That is , I think , a bad practice to 24:49.560 --> 24:51.589 get into , and I , I think 24:51.920 --> 24:54.031 unfortunately I think you're going to 24:54.031 --> 24:56.031 have to make some tough choices and 24:56.031 --> 24:58.198 with respect to the number of aircraft 24:58.198 --> 25:00.420 and with respect to other issues . Um , 25:00.420 --> 25:02.630 let me just , uh , switch in , Mr . 25:02.689 --> 25:04.939 Secretary General Salzman , um , the 25:04.939 --> 25:07.540 concept has been that all space assets 25:07.540 --> 25:09.939 are in the Space Force . Uh , that 25:09.939 --> 25:12.739 requires , um , consolidation from 25:12.739 --> 25:15.780 other , uh , services as well as from 25:15.780 --> 25:18.002 the Air Force to the Space Force , uh , 25:18.002 --> 25:21.300 Mr . Secretary , uh . Are we , uh , how 25:21.300 --> 25:23.479 are we , how are we doing in that 25:23.479 --> 25:25.757 consolidation ? Let me put it that way . 25:26.000 --> 25:28.167 Well , I , I think we're , we're doing 25:28.167 --> 25:31.260 well in the consolidation , and the , 25:31.780 --> 25:34.002 the discussion we just had on the , the 25:34.002 --> 25:36.224 end strength of the Space Force needing 25:36.224 --> 25:38.391 to grow is , is representative of that 25:38.391 --> 25:40.280 as , as the emissions continue to 25:40.280 --> 25:42.558 increase , uh , across the Space Force , 25:42.558 --> 25:42.400 they need the people to , to , to 25:42.400 --> 25:44.400 manage that . So I think it's going 25:44.400 --> 25:46.067 well , but there's gonna be a 25:46.067 --> 25:48.178 significant growth in the Space Force 25:48.178 --> 25:50.456 to meet that demand . General Saltzman . 25:50.456 --> 25:52.400 I would just add that , um , which 25:52.400 --> 25:54.344 wasn't true five years ago , as of 25:54.344 --> 25:56.500 today , the US Space Force controls 25:56.500 --> 25:58.579 operates 100% of our satellite 25:58.579 --> 26:00.859 communications for the military , 100% 26:00.859 --> 26:02.970 of our missile warnings , space-based 26:02.970 --> 26:05.137 capabilities , and ground-based , uh , 26:05.137 --> 26:07.579 PNT . So we have consolidated , pulling 26:07.579 --> 26:09.635 the Space Development Agency in from 26:09.635 --> 26:11.660 out from under OSW proper into the 26:11.660 --> 26:13.716 Space Force is another consolidation 26:13.716 --> 26:15.959 effect . So . We've taken to heart the 26:15.959 --> 26:18.070 fact that the Space Force needs to be 26:18.070 --> 26:20.126 accountable for all those programs , 26:20.126 --> 26:19.609 and we've done that consolidation . 26:20.199 --> 26:22.520 What do you consider to be still 26:22.520 --> 26:24.880 outstanding outside your , your scope 26:24.880 --> 26:27.790 that you have to bring in ? I don't , I 26:27.790 --> 26:29.790 don't think there's any additional 26:29.790 --> 26:31.846 capabilities that currently exist in 26:31.846 --> 26:33.901 other services or external . I think 26:33.901 --> 26:36.123 it's about as all , all of our services 26:36.123 --> 26:38.123 grow and consider the importance of 26:38.123 --> 26:40.290 space , we're going to have to rightly 26:40.290 --> 26:42.512 put it in the right service , given the 26:42.512 --> 26:44.734 missions that they're considering to be 26:44.734 --> 26:47.012 done from space . Thank you , sir . Mr . 26:47.012 --> 26:49.209 Secretary , we have been spending 26:49.510 --> 26:51.969 billions of dollars in the Persian Gulf 26:51.969 --> 26:55.079 and We're still waiting for a 26:55.079 --> 26:57.359 supplementary to arise , which further 26:57.359 --> 27:00.500 complicates the budgetary situation . 27:01.130 --> 27:03.550 Uh , we're looking at . The president's 27:03.550 --> 27:05.339 budget , reconciliation , and a 27:05.339 --> 27:08.900 supplemental , uh . How soon will you 27:08.900 --> 27:11.199 need to supplemental funds so you avoid 27:11.660 --> 27:14.560 serious readiness problems and other 27:14.660 --> 27:18.400 constraints ? So the administration is 27:18.400 --> 27:21.160 working through the , the process , uh , 27:21.339 --> 27:25.150 to , to , to , to address the spending 27:25.150 --> 27:27.609 in the Gulf . Uh , the department is , 27:27.689 --> 27:29.856 as we do in every year , as we , as we 27:29.856 --> 27:31.911 get closer to the end of the year is 27:31.911 --> 27:33.745 working how we , we manage the , 27:33.745 --> 27:35.911 essentially manage the cash flow going 27:35.911 --> 27:35.650 to the end of the year , uh , and we 27:35.650 --> 27:37.817 continue to do that and we will manage 27:37.817 --> 27:40.170 it . Have you , uh , already , or let 27:40.170 --> 27:42.209 me general whiz back , uh , what 27:42.209 --> 27:45.089 readiness issues have arose and given 27:45.089 --> 27:47.680 this , uh , unexpected or unplanned , 27:47.770 --> 27:51.619 uh , operations in the North ? Uh , 27:51.630 --> 27:53.686 Rank Commander Reed , I , I wouldn't 27:53.686 --> 27:55.908 say that we've had any arise because of 27:55.908 --> 27:58.074 epic fury . We , we already had them , 27:58.074 --> 28:00.569 uh , uh , readiness issues because of 28:00.569 --> 28:02.390 underfunding , weapons systems 28:02.390 --> 28:05.020 sustainment , uh , flying hours , and 28:05.020 --> 28:07.242 parts . So they , they were established 28:07.242 --> 28:09.369 before Epic Fury started , and , uh , 28:09.380 --> 28:12.459 we have , um , obviously supported our 28:12.459 --> 28:14.792 forces that are in the Middle East , uh , 28:14.939 --> 28:16.939 and we've pushed , you know , we've 28:16.939 --> 28:19.106 pushed parts . And we've pushed people 28:19.106 --> 28:21.272 over there so that we could execute at 28:21.272 --> 28:23.495 the top , uh , at the top level . Thank 28:23.495 --> 28:25.328 you very much . Thank you , Mr . 28:25.328 --> 28:27.439 Chairman . Thank you , Senator Reid . 28:27.439 --> 28:29.328 Senator Kramer . Thank you , Mr . 28:29.328 --> 28:31.550 Chairman , and thank you to , thank you 28:31.550 --> 28:33.772 all three of you for being here and for 28:33.772 --> 28:33.489 your service and a special thank you , 28:33.750 --> 28:35.917 General Saltzman , for your incredible 28:35.917 --> 28:37.972 leadership during the , the youthful 28:37.972 --> 28:40.083 season of , of that new force , and , 28:40.083 --> 28:42.028 um , you , you've brought it along 28:42.028 --> 28:43.709 nicely and , and we just , we 28:43.709 --> 28:45.765 appreciate you very much , more than 28:45.765 --> 28:47.765 you probably could know . Um , Mr . 28:47.765 --> 28:49.876 Secretary , you talked a little bit , 28:49.876 --> 28:52.098 both you and General Wilsbach , about , 28:52.098 --> 28:54.265 uh , Sentinel . Uh , maybe elaborate a 28:54.265 --> 28:56.431 little bit , uh , because I think just 28:56.431 --> 28:58.487 not so many years ago , almost seems 28:58.487 --> 29:00.320 like months ago , uh , the , the 29:00.320 --> 29:02.729 dramatic , um , the dramatic 29:02.729 --> 29:04.785 information and data that led to the 29:04.785 --> 29:06.840 Nunn-McCurdy , uh , seemed to almost 29:06.840 --> 29:09.007 doom it , uh , for some people , not , 29:09.007 --> 29:11.229 not necessarily for people on , uh , up 29:11.229 --> 29:13.396 here , but . Um , but just as dramatic 29:13.396 --> 29:15.673 has been the recovery , it seems to me , 29:15.673 --> 29:17.896 and , and having been out to Vandenberg 29:17.896 --> 29:17.459 with you , having been out to Hill and 29:17.459 --> 29:19.570 Promontory , spent a lot of time with 29:19.570 --> 29:21.792 General White , I think that that was a 29:21.792 --> 29:23.737 stroke of genius to get him , uh , 29:23.737 --> 29:25.737 overseeing the entire modernization 29:25.737 --> 29:27.903 effort . Maybe give us a little bit of 29:27.903 --> 29:30.015 a , a , a picture of , of , um , that 29:30.015 --> 29:32.237 recovery . I mean , even . To the point 29:32.237 --> 29:31.905 where , um , it , it looks like we 29:31.905 --> 29:34.675 might even be on track for 29:34.675 --> 29:36.786 accomplishing milestone B this year . 29:37.035 --> 29:39.257 Maybe give us a sense of how that could 29:39.257 --> 29:41.368 be possible in this . So I think it's 29:41.368 --> 29:43.591 actually a , a , a good example of what 29:43.591 --> 29:45.757 we're trying to do with all the PAEs , 29:45.757 --> 29:47.868 the acquisition transformation across 29:47.868 --> 29:49.979 the entire department where you put , 29:49.979 --> 29:52.257 uh , uh , uh , extremely talented , uh , 29:52.257 --> 29:54.630 leadership in charge , gave them . Uh , 29:54.709 --> 29:56.653 the authorities to help manage the 29:56.653 --> 29:59.030 requirements . Um , that was a big part 29:59.030 --> 30:01.910 of this is , is , is working with the 30:01.910 --> 30:04.132 requirements community , which is quite 30:04.132 --> 30:06.299 broad in some of these programs to get 30:06.299 --> 30:08.466 down to a set of requirements that are 30:08.466 --> 30:10.354 executable with the money and the 30:10.354 --> 30:12.466 timeline , uh , making sure the . The 30:12.466 --> 30:14.688 program was funded well , uh , and then 30:14.688 --> 30:16.688 working , uh , really collaborative 30:16.688 --> 30:18.799 with , you know , this is the largest 30:18.799 --> 30:20.799 public works project since the last 30:20.799 --> 30:22.799 Minuteman program or since the last 30:22.799 --> 30:24.966 ICBM program . So working with all the 30:24.966 --> 30:24.655 players that are involved in delivering 30:24.655 --> 30:26.711 that , and they made huge progress . 30:26.711 --> 30:28.599 We're looking at , uh , PDR , the 30:28.599 --> 30:30.822 program , uh , this year , uh , weapons 30:30.822 --> 30:32.766 systems testing going on , the new 30:32.766 --> 30:32.405 modular approach to how we're going to 30:32.405 --> 30:34.375 build silos and the launch control 30:34.375 --> 30:36.849 facilities . Uh , basically getting a 30:36.849 --> 30:38.960 good team and giving them the ability 30:38.960 --> 30:40.905 to , to work those requirements to 30:40.905 --> 30:43.071 accelerate and make it executable is , 30:43.089 --> 30:45.256 is what's done the job . And then we , 30:45.256 --> 30:47.200 to be , to be honest , we properly 30:47.200 --> 30:49.422 resourced it . I , I've mentioned in my 30:49.422 --> 30:51.756 comments that because of the low budget , 30:51.756 --> 30:54.119 uh , flexibility we've had over the 30:54.119 --> 30:56.869 last really decades , Uh , there wasn't 30:56.869 --> 30:58.910 only readiness cuts made , some of 30:58.910 --> 31:01.109 these big programs , we were probably 31:01.109 --> 31:03.442 pretty optimistic on the costs and that , 31:03.442 --> 31:05.609 that got us into a hole and so we're , 31:05.609 --> 31:07.553 we're making sure we don't do that 31:07.553 --> 31:07.189 anymore . Well , since you bring it , 31:07.310 --> 31:09.143 bring that part of it up , and I 31:09.143 --> 31:11.366 appreciated those comments , you mean , 31:11.366 --> 31:13.699 what are the lessons that we've learned , 31:13.699 --> 31:15.921 and , and I'll just . Give you my sense 31:15.921 --> 31:17.921 of bias , I , I , I maybe we should 31:17.921 --> 31:20.143 think about maintaining , you know , on 31:20.143 --> 31:21.921 a more regular basis , um , and 31:21.921 --> 31:23.921 modernizing the systems rather than 31:23.921 --> 31:26.199 just do a new one every 50 or 60 years . 31:26.199 --> 31:28.199 It's amazing how much institutional 31:28.199 --> 31:30.366 knowledge you lose in 50 or 60 years . 31:30.366 --> 31:32.532 I , I mean , have we learned , have we 31:32.532 --> 31:35.569 learned our lesson ? I , I , I believe , 31:35.729 --> 31:37.785 I believe we have , uh , learned our 31:37.785 --> 31:40.007 lesson . Uh , we , we need to make sure 31:40.007 --> 31:42.609 we keep remembering those lessons as we 31:42.609 --> 31:44.831 go forward . Uh , but you know , it's , 31:44.831 --> 31:46.776 it's always a balance , right ? We 31:46.776 --> 31:46.380 always , always has to be 31:46.380 --> 31:48.699 prioritization making made within the 31:48.699 --> 31:50.810 programs . We spent a lot of taxpayer 31:50.810 --> 31:52.866 dollars . We need to make sure we're 31:52.866 --> 31:55.199 executing it as efficiently as possible . 31:55.199 --> 31:57.477 Well , we , let's document it well and , 31:57.477 --> 31:59.532 and , uh , uh , memorialize it for , 31:59.532 --> 32:01.643 for future generations . Um , as long 32:01.643 --> 32:03.977 as I have you talking about acquisition , 32:03.977 --> 32:06.310 I , I do still remain a little bit , uh , 32:06.310 --> 32:08.477 concerned about the lack of meaningful 32:08.477 --> 32:10.588 competition . in the proliferated low 32:10.588 --> 32:12.699 Earth uh acquisition efforts , um , I 32:12.699 --> 32:14.921 know you and I have talked about that , 32:14.921 --> 32:17.255 but it , it's my understanding that the , 32:17.255 --> 32:19.421 the two most recent procurements , the 32:19.421 --> 32:21.699 AMTI and the , uh , Space Data Network , 32:21.760 --> 32:23.871 were technically competed . However , 32:24.040 --> 32:26.619 the , the timelines , the RFI were such 32:26.619 --> 32:28.479 that only one was able to really 32:28.479 --> 32:30.339 respond , maybe help us . Better 32:30.339 --> 32:32.561 understand maybe two things , the , the 32:32.561 --> 32:34.783 need for speed and , and , and why that 32:34.783 --> 32:36.895 might be the case on the one hand and 32:36.895 --> 32:39.006 on the other hand , what are we doing 32:39.006 --> 32:40.728 to , um , to ensure that we're 32:40.728 --> 32:42.839 investing in viable 2nd and , and 3rd 32:42.839 --> 32:44.950 source providers so that we don't end 32:44.950 --> 32:46.839 up in some sort of a monopolistic 32:46.839 --> 32:49.061 situation or vendor lock . So I , I , I 32:49.061 --> 32:50.839 think you , you kind of hit our 32:50.839 --> 32:53.061 strategy right there . There was a need 32:53.061 --> 32:55.395 for speed in some of these programs and , 32:55.395 --> 32:57.617 and just the critical nature of some of 32:57.617 --> 32:59.783 these capabilities . Um , has drove us 32:59.783 --> 33:01.839 to push in what it , what we can get 33:01.839 --> 33:03.895 into production right now , uh , and 33:03.895 --> 33:06.061 we're driving that way . But on this , 33:06.061 --> 33:08.228 on the other hand , as you mentioned , 33:08.228 --> 33:10.228 Uh , both with AMTI and many of the 33:10.228 --> 33:12.061 other programs , we are carrying 33:12.061 --> 33:14.172 multiple other vendors so that we can 33:14.172 --> 33:16.339 grow competition in the first place to 33:16.339 --> 33:18.561 make sure we have this continual , uh , 33:18.561 --> 33:20.895 competitive industry base going forward . 33:20.895 --> 33:23.117 Uh , but what I'd also say is that in , 33:23.117 --> 33:25.061 in many of the programs , uh , and 33:25.061 --> 33:27.117 again , AMTI is an example , we have 33:27.117 --> 33:29.450 multiple contractors that are competing . 33:29.450 --> 33:31.617 That will deliver and come up to speed 33:31.617 --> 33:33.672 in time . But , uh , SBI Space Space 33:33.672 --> 33:35.949 Interceptor , very broad field , and 33:35.949 --> 33:38.116 many of the other programs , we have a 33:38.116 --> 33:40.282 very broad field of , of competitors , 33:40.282 --> 33:42.616 uh , both primes as well as some of the , 33:42.616 --> 33:44.505 the new start , uh , new entrance 33:44.505 --> 33:46.616 vendors and , and , in many cases are 33:46.616 --> 33:48.560 performing very well . Sounds like 33:48.560 --> 33:50.393 you're balancing the , the , the 33:50.393 --> 33:52.449 message well . It's , it's important 33:52.449 --> 33:54.449 obviously what we say and , and the 33:54.449 --> 33:56.338 kind of demand signals we send to 33:56.338 --> 33:58.560 industries . Thank you . Thank you very 33:58.560 --> 34:00.727 much , Senator Kramer , Senator King . 34:01.479 --> 34:03.257 Thank you very much , uh , Mr . 34:03.257 --> 34:05.479 Chairman . I want to join my colleagues 34:05.479 --> 34:07.812 in congratulating you , General Salzman , 34:07.812 --> 34:09.812 on your illustrious career and your 34:09.812 --> 34:11.923 years of service . Um , I started out 34:11.923 --> 34:13.979 as a skeptic on this committee about 34:13.979 --> 34:16.620 the necessity of a space force , and 34:16.620 --> 34:18.939 you have largely made me a believer . 34:19.280 --> 34:21.169 Uh , I think what you're doing is 34:21.169 --> 34:23.113 incredibly important , and I think 34:23.113 --> 34:25.391 you've pursued it in a very thoughtful , 34:25.391 --> 34:27.613 systematic , and , and impressive way , 34:27.613 --> 34:31.319 um . I also , I do want to note that I 34:31.319 --> 34:33.541 looked through the budget documents and 34:33.759 --> 34:35.759 in both the Space Force and the Air 34:35.759 --> 34:37.815 Force , there's this category called 34:37.815 --> 34:39.870 mandatory spending . There's no such 34:39.870 --> 34:42.458 thing as mandatory spending except in 34:42.479 --> 34:45.628 areas where there is a legal obligation 34:45.628 --> 34:48.039 to expend the money . Mandatory 34:48.039 --> 34:50.261 spending is a term of art in government 34:50.261 --> 34:52.428 budgeting and it refers to principally 34:52.428 --> 34:54.595 Social Security and Medicare . There's 34:54.595 --> 34:56.650 nothing mandatory about part of your 34:56.650 --> 34:59.030 budget . It's being put in this budget 34:59.030 --> 35:01.620 as a part of reconciliation , which is 35:01.620 --> 35:03.790 a bypassing of the normal 35:03.790 --> 35:06.030 administration of appropriations in the 35:06.030 --> 35:08.350 Congress . It's an abdication of the 35:08.350 --> 35:09.889 Congress's appropriations 35:09.889 --> 35:12.270 responsibility , but it's also a 35:12.270 --> 35:15.449 usurpation of that of that this 35:15.510 --> 35:17.732 so-called mandatory spending , which is 35:17.732 --> 35:19.788 almost 20% of the budget that's been 35:19.788 --> 35:23.590 proposed , General Saltzman , is . It 35:23.590 --> 35:25.830 goes through no oversight process , no 35:25.830 --> 35:27.941 committee process , no appropriations 35:27.941 --> 35:29.830 process . It is a purely partisan 35:31.350 --> 35:33.517 process which is inconsistent with the 35:33.517 --> 35:35.683 way appropriations have been done here 35:35.949 --> 35:38.790 for time immemorial . And since I've 35:38.790 --> 35:40.846 been in this body , the majority has 35:40.846 --> 35:42.957 changed 4 times , and I would suggest 35:42.957 --> 35:44.512 to my colleagues that using 35:44.512 --> 35:46.734 appropriation of reconciliation in this 35:46.734 --> 35:50.030 way is a is a very dangerous precedent 35:50.030 --> 35:52.260 now . Having said that , different , 35:52.360 --> 35:55.439 different subject . Uh , Mr . Secretary , 35:55.800 --> 35:57.800 uh , one of the things we've talked 35:57.800 --> 36:00.022 about in this committee very frequently 36:00.022 --> 36:02.244 is right to repair , and there's been a 36:02.244 --> 36:02.000 lot of talk this morning about 36:02.000 --> 36:03.722 readiness . One way to improve 36:03.722 --> 36:06.080 readiness is to be able to repair our 36:06.080 --> 36:09.209 aircraft . On , I almost said on the 36:09.209 --> 36:12.580 fly , but in the , in the , in the , on 36:12.580 --> 36:14.524 the ground without waiting for the 36:14.524 --> 36:16.939 manufacturer to send us apart . In my 36:16.939 --> 36:19.580 view , we should buy the IP for any 36:19.580 --> 36:21.500 platform that we buy , and B , we 36:21.500 --> 36:24.070 should have 3D printers in every hangar . 36:24.719 --> 36:26.775 I hope that this is an area that you 36:26.775 --> 36:28.979 will pursue with your procurement 36:28.979 --> 36:30.701 people because , as you know , 36:30.760 --> 36:33.038 readiness in the Air Force is an issue . 36:33.570 --> 36:36.050 Depending upon the airframe , 50 , 60% 36:36.050 --> 36:37.772 readiness , sometimes higher , 36:37.929 --> 36:40.250 sometimes lower . Do you agree with me 36:40.250 --> 36:42.959 that we really need to stress , uh , 36:42.969 --> 36:45.189 our ability to , to repair our own 36:45.189 --> 36:47.290 equipment and to do so on a timely 36:47.290 --> 36:50.629 basis ? No , absolutely , Senator , and , 36:50.800 --> 36:52.967 and as we look particularly at the new 36:52.967 --> 36:55.078 programs going forward , that's a big 36:55.078 --> 36:57.244 focus , uh , to make sure we have that 36:57.244 --> 36:59.356 right , um , and , and to some degree 36:59.356 --> 37:01.467 back to our discussion already . Uh , 37:01.467 --> 37:03.633 some of these programs , the decisions 37:03.633 --> 37:06.949 made were , we're trying to save costs 37:06.949 --> 37:08.949 wherever possible , and , and those 37:08.949 --> 37:11.550 kind of short term decisions did not 37:11.550 --> 37:13.717 prove to be cost effective long term . 37:13.989 --> 37:16.322 Uh , and we're trying to , to be honest , 37:16.350 --> 37:18.572 we're trying to reverse a lot of that , 37:18.572 --> 37:20.870 uh , now and going forward . I , I also 37:20.870 --> 37:22.926 believe this is an area that there's 37:22.926 --> 37:25.689 been multiple proposals with respect to 37:26.350 --> 37:28.628 congressional language associated with . 37:28.628 --> 37:31.550 Access to data rights , uh , and I 37:31.550 --> 37:33.772 think all those things are necessary to 37:33.772 --> 37:35.883 make sure that going down the road we 37:35.883 --> 37:35.310 have that right to be able to do that . 37:35.530 --> 37:37.363 I hope that you will pursue that 37:37.363 --> 37:40.469 actively because , uh , having a $100 37:40.469 --> 37:42.469 million airplane that can't fly for 37:42.469 --> 37:44.989 want of a of a of a valve or a or a 37:44.989 --> 37:48.510 part is , is , is , is 37:48.510 --> 37:51.030 malfeasance and so I think that's an 37:51.030 --> 37:53.030 important way to attack that . That 37:53.030 --> 37:55.889 problem , Mr . Secretary , the other 37:55.889 --> 37:58.610 thing that's concerning me is the speed 37:58.729 --> 38:01.129 of adaptation . We have had a 38:01.129 --> 38:03.449 tremendous lesson in Ukraine about 38:03.449 --> 38:06.090 adaptation , where a country that is 3 38:06.090 --> 38:08.050 or 4 times as large has now been 38:08.050 --> 38:09.994 stopped cold on the battlefield by 38:10.540 --> 38:12.120 Ukraine's incredible 38:14.100 --> 38:16.860 adaptation and utilization of drone 38:16.860 --> 38:19.739 warfare . I fear that we're still stuck 38:19.739 --> 38:22.360 in a kind of longer term 38:22.360 --> 38:25.560 sclerotic process of procurement , and 38:25.699 --> 38:27.588 it's got to be the perfect weapon 38:27.588 --> 38:30.100 rather than an 80% weapon that we can 38:30.100 --> 38:32.860 then innovate as we're we're moving 38:32.860 --> 38:35.419 forward . drones and directed energy 38:35.419 --> 38:37.699 are two areas that I think we're we're 38:37.699 --> 38:39.939 just slow to adapt . We're still 38:39.939 --> 38:43.040 knocking down $50,000 drones with 38:43.739 --> 38:46.139 several million dollar missiles , and I 38:46.139 --> 38:48.250 know we're moving in that direction , 38:48.250 --> 38:50.250 but I think it's got to move much , 38:50.250 --> 38:52.472 much faster . We can take a lesson . In 38:52.472 --> 38:54.417 fact , I think we should benchmark 38:54.417 --> 38:54.260 against Ukraine in terms of 38:54.260 --> 38:56.050 productivity level , speed of 38:56.050 --> 38:59.540 innovation , and , and cost . I hope 38:59.540 --> 39:01.596 that's something you'll take back to 39:01.596 --> 39:03.762 the department . Yeah , absolutely . I 39:03.762 --> 39:05.818 think you probably heard me say time 39:05.818 --> 39:07.873 and time again that that that we not 39:07.873 --> 39:10.096 only have to be innovative , we have to 39:10.096 --> 39:09.899 innovate faster than all of our 39:09.899 --> 39:12.010 potential adversaries , or in the end 39:12.010 --> 39:13.955 we end up losing . And so that's , 39:13.955 --> 39:15.788 that's , that is our focus going 39:15.788 --> 39:17.732 forward . It's the militaries that 39:17.732 --> 39:19.899 adopt the new technologies the soonest 39:19.899 --> 39:22.010 that win . The Battle of Agincourt is 39:22.010 --> 39:24.010 probably one of the best historical 39:24.010 --> 39:26.121 examples where the longbow overcame a 39:26.121 --> 39:28.288 very vast , supposedly vastly superior 39:28.288 --> 39:30.455 French French army . So let's remember 39:30.455 --> 39:32.919 the Battle of Agincourt . Thank you , 39:33.209 --> 39:35.889 thank you . I , I hope , uh , we all 39:35.889 --> 39:38.209 agree that the forged act has gone 39:38.209 --> 39:41.750 quite a long way in , um , in moving us 39:41.750 --> 39:44.429 away from the previous sclerotic 39:45.010 --> 39:48.899 process , um . Um 39:49.610 --> 39:51.979 Senator , Senator Kaine , thank you , 39:51.989 --> 39:53.767 Mr . Chair and thank you to the 39:53.767 --> 39:56.729 witnesses . Um , one of the costs of 39:56.729 --> 39:59.520 the Iran war has been in rising fuel 39:59.520 --> 40:02.169 prices . The estimate as of today is 40:02.169 --> 40:04.739 that American consumers have paid $40 40:04.739 --> 40:08.129 billion more for fuel just because of 40:08.129 --> 40:11.159 the Iran war . The estimate is Memorial 40:11.159 --> 40:13.800 Day weekend , a time when people will 40:13.800 --> 40:15.800 drive to see family or drive to the 40:15.800 --> 40:18.639 beach , is going to cost about $3.5 40:18.639 --> 40:21.560 billion more in fuel costs for 40:21.560 --> 40:24.129 Americans just over the coming weekend , 40:24.239 --> 40:27.000 and the estimate is that by the end of 40:27.000 --> 40:30.159 2026 , the American public will have 40:30.159 --> 40:33.979 paid $193 billion 40:34.120 --> 40:36.159 in excess fuel costs because of the 40:36.159 --> 40:39.679 Iran war based on projections . In the 40:39.679 --> 40:42.280 preparation of the of the president's 40:42.280 --> 40:44.530 budget , I know the way it's done , the 40:44.530 --> 40:46.610 different units , for example , Air 40:46.610 --> 40:49.290 Force , Space Force . Do budget 40:49.290 --> 40:51.512 submissions and those work their way up 40:51.512 --> 40:53.568 through the chain of command and the 40:53.568 --> 40:55.734 Office of Management and Budget . Um , 40:55.734 --> 40:58.239 my understanding is the president's 40:58.239 --> 41:01.070 budget submitted to us did not include 41:01.070 --> 41:04.570 any costs that were costs related to 41:04.570 --> 41:06.729 the Iran war because it had largely 41:06.729 --> 41:09.129 been prepared and submitted through 41:09.129 --> 41:11.570 this budgetary chain of command before 41:11.570 --> 41:15.000 the Iran war started . There is a 41:15.000 --> 41:17.222 portion of the Air Force budget that is 41:17.222 --> 41:19.530 a big portion that's the purchase of 41:19.530 --> 41:22.780 aviation fuel , and I'm assuming that 41:22.780 --> 41:25.879 in the Air Force budget , the aviation 41:25.879 --> 41:29.580 fuel number was based upon a supposed 41:29.580 --> 41:32.620 or predicted price for fuel . 41:33.189 --> 41:35.830 Um , can you tell me , General or 41:35.830 --> 41:38.989 Secretary , what the budget price for 41:38.989 --> 41:42.149 aviation fuel is in the PB and what it 41:42.149 --> 41:44.205 actually is today , because as we're 41:44.205 --> 41:46.149 grappling with writing this bill , 41:46.189 --> 41:48.022 we're going to have to take into 41:48.022 --> 41:50.260 account the new reality . Um , the , 41:50.350 --> 41:53.070 the on the commercial side , I've been 41:53.070 --> 41:55.149 reading that avian aviation fuel has 41:55.149 --> 41:57.750 increased by about 50% . But how about 41:57.750 --> 42:01.070 in terms of the president's budget for 42:01.070 --> 42:03.610 the Air Force for fuel purchases and 42:03.669 --> 42:05.836 compare the budget to what the current 42:05.836 --> 42:08.169 number is , please ? Yes , Senator , um , 42:08.169 --> 42:10.780 so we did account for an increased , uh , 42:11.270 --> 42:14.550 flying hour cost from last year to or 42:14.550 --> 42:18.270 from 26 to 27 , and you're , 42:18.709 --> 42:20.709 like you said , we , we figure that 42:20.709 --> 42:22.709 number , you know , well before the 42:22.709 --> 42:24.876 market determines what the actual cost 42:24.876 --> 42:27.020 will be . some years it's more , some 42:27.020 --> 42:30.149 years it's less , and so we , uh , we 42:30.149 --> 42:34.030 will adjust our dollars if we 42:34.030 --> 42:36.086 end up having to pay more per dollar 42:36.086 --> 42:38.350 for a gallon of fuel , if it ends up 42:38.350 --> 42:40.989 being more than we assessed . Do you 42:40.989 --> 42:43.719 know what the assumed Per gallon cost 42:43.719 --> 42:45.840 was in the PB that we're analyzing 42:45.840 --> 42:48.070 right now , the increased cost in 42:48.070 --> 42:51.199 flying hours , was roughly about a 10 , 42:51.280 --> 42:53.840 I believe it's about a 10% increase of 42:53.840 --> 42:55.951 what we anticipated from last year to 42:55.951 --> 42:58.062 this year . So you took last year and 42:58.062 --> 43:01.000 you again just kind of and that's what 43:01.000 --> 43:03.167 we proposed an increase by about 10% . 43:03.510 --> 43:05.732 If what I'm reading is accurate that on 43:05.732 --> 43:08.800 the commercial side , aviation fuel has 43:08.800 --> 43:12.209 increased by about 50% . Um , since 43:12.209 --> 43:14.350 February twenty-eighth , uh , would , 43:14.469 --> 43:16.750 would that be similar to what the 43:16.750 --> 43:19.229 prices for aviation fuel necessary for 43:19.229 --> 43:21.699 Air Force operations would be ? Well , 43:21.739 --> 43:23.906 the current , the current market price 43:23.906 --> 43:26.072 isn't necessarily what we paid because 43:26.072 --> 43:28.072 we've bought the fuel in the past , 43:28.072 --> 43:29.850 right ? You have some long term 43:29.850 --> 43:32.017 contracts . You have some storage . We 43:32.017 --> 43:34.183 do , we do . So the , the specifics of 43:34.183 --> 43:36.239 this will be known at such time when 43:36.239 --> 43:36.100 it's , you know , when we're finished 43:36.100 --> 43:38.340 burning the fuel . Yeah , but , but I 43:38.340 --> 43:40.507 imagine you've got some people who are 43:40.507 --> 43:42.618 looking at the price of aviation fuel 43:42.618 --> 43:44.840 pretty carefully . Have you reached any 43:44.840 --> 43:47.020 conclusion about whether your 10% 43:47.020 --> 43:49.620 suggested increase ? Is going to be 43:49.620 --> 43:51.842 close to where we are , or are we going 43:51.842 --> 43:53.342 to be needing to look at a 43:53.342 --> 43:56.489 significantly greater fuel cost ? It's 43:56.489 --> 43:58.545 hard to say at this point , but what 43:58.545 --> 44:00.878 I'll tell you is this is routine for us . 44:00.878 --> 44:03.270 Every year , the cost of flying hours 44:03.969 --> 44:06.136 changes from the time we budget for it 44:06.136 --> 44:08.929 to the time we execute it , and we , we 44:08.929 --> 44:11.370 work it out with moving money around in 44:11.370 --> 44:13.481 various accounts to cover down on the 44:13.481 --> 44:15.481 cost . Do you know whether that's a 44:15.481 --> 44:17.703 factor that's being contemplated in the 44:17.703 --> 44:19.926 preparation of a potential supplemental 44:19.926 --> 44:21.981 bill ? I mean , obviously this isn't 44:21.981 --> 44:23.926 just an Air Force issue . Aviation 44:23.926 --> 44:26.092 fuels by all the service branches , is 44:26.092 --> 44:28.037 this one of the items that's being 44:28.037 --> 44:30.148 contemplated , Mr . Secretary ? Yes , 44:30.148 --> 44:32.481 it's , um , we looked at the total cost . 44:32.481 --> 44:36.229 I think that . When the secretary 44:36.229 --> 44:38.530 was I don't know what committee was 44:38.530 --> 44:40.697 that , but I think Jay Hurst mentioned 44:40.697 --> 44:42.752 we're looking at about a $29 billion 44:42.889 --> 44:45.169 impact , and , uh , I'm fairly 44:45.169 --> 44:47.280 confident that it includes , uh , the 44:47.280 --> 44:49.558 total cost , including some of the O&M , 44:49.558 --> 44:51.889 uh , fuel costs , uh , and , and it , 44:51.969 --> 44:54.136 it , it really depends on , you know , 44:54.136 --> 44:56.320 how long those costs stay high to what 44:56.320 --> 44:58.264 would be the impact . So it really 44:58.264 --> 45:00.431 depends on that as well . Yeah , we'll 45:00.431 --> 45:02.376 just , just , I'll conclude , Mr . 45:02.376 --> 45:04.598 Chair , just order of magnitude . We're 45:04.598 --> 45:06.820 going to have a very You know , I think 45:06.820 --> 45:09.042 a challenging debate today . It's gonna 45:09.042 --> 45:11.209 be a very long day on a reconciliation 45:11.209 --> 45:13.431 bill where we're proposing to spend $70 45:13.431 --> 45:17.320 billion for ICE and CBP . Uh , we gave 45:17.320 --> 45:19.487 them $140 billion last year , of which 45:19.487 --> 45:22.989 $100 billion remains unobligated . But , 45:23.020 --> 45:25.350 but that 70 billion of rice and the CBP 45:25.350 --> 45:27.350 that we're going to talk about with 45:27.350 --> 45:29.183 some degree of intensity today . 45:29.409 --> 45:33.260 Compared to the prospect of $193 45:33.260 --> 45:35.439 billion being paid by American 45:35.439 --> 45:37.495 consumers between now and the end of 45:37.495 --> 45:39.570 the year just because of this war , 45:39.850 --> 45:41.683 that gives you some sense of the 45:42.010 --> 45:44.066 challenge that American families are 45:44.066 --> 45:46.288 facing , and I suspect as we're looking 45:46.288 --> 45:48.510 at the military budget , we're going to 45:48.510 --> 45:50.677 see a similar need to adjust it pretty 45:50.677 --> 45:52.732 dramatically because of fuel costs . 45:52.732 --> 45:52.530 With that , Mr . Chair , you're back . 45:53.270 --> 45:55.214 Um , thank you very much , Senator 45:55.214 --> 45:57.010 Hirono . Are you ready for your 45:57.010 --> 46:00.899 questions ? Made it , thank you very 46:00.899 --> 46:01.320 much . 46:06.310 --> 46:08.449 General salesman . Thank you Mr . 46:08.459 --> 46:12.449 Chairman . Thank you . Uh , the , 46:12.629 --> 46:16.580 the Space Force is planning to build 46:16.580 --> 46:18.540 up to 7 additional telescopes on 46:18.540 --> 46:21.540 Haleakala to support space domain 46:21.540 --> 46:24.100 awareness . Uh , monitoring and 46:24.100 --> 46:26.378 tracking the increasing number of , uh , 46:26.379 --> 46:28.340 objects in orbit is critical to 46:28.340 --> 46:30.673 supporting the joint . Forces . However , 46:30.770 --> 46:32.639 Haleakala also holds cultural 46:32.639 --> 46:35.010 significance to the native Hawaiian 46:35.010 --> 46:36.732 community , and I know you are 46:36.732 --> 46:39.010 currently reviewing public feedback for 46:39.010 --> 46:41.250 the final EIS which is scheduled for 46:41.250 --> 46:43.489 publication this fall . And given the 46:43.489 --> 46:45.267 unique environment and cultural 46:45.267 --> 46:47.610 sensitivities of Haleakalau , will you 46:47.610 --> 46:50.790 commit to continue to work with and , 46:50.800 --> 46:53.770 um , uh , in incorporating the concerns 46:53.770 --> 46:56.090 of local stakeholders to ensure 46:56.090 --> 46:58.312 transparency and community engagement . 46:58.520 --> 47:00.719 As the Space Force prepares to make a 47:00.719 --> 47:02.840 final decision on this project , and 47:02.840 --> 47:05.062 I'm sure that you are aware that we are 47:05.062 --> 47:06.951 engaging in some pretty important 47:06.951 --> 47:09.899 leases , the Army , the Navy , etc . so 47:10.209 --> 47:12.899 Uh , what you're doing on Haleakala is 47:12.899 --> 47:15.659 part of , uh , all of that activity by 47:15.659 --> 47:17.437 our services , and it is really 47:17.437 --> 47:19.548 important to our community that their 47:19.548 --> 47:21.548 voices are heard . So I'd like your 47:21.548 --> 47:23.715 commitment that that will be happening 47:23.715 --> 47:25.826 or that is happening . Haleakala is a 47:25.826 --> 47:27.992 very important site for us . It's also 47:27.992 --> 47:30.326 we understand the cultural significance , 47:30.326 --> 47:32.437 uh , to the community , and , uh , we 47:32.437 --> 47:31.969 take it very seriously , and we are 47:31.969 --> 47:34.025 committed to working with them as we 47:34.025 --> 47:35.525 move forward . Thank you . 47:37.790 --> 47:40.550 For , uh , Secretary , Mr . Secretary , 47:40.989 --> 47:43.149 uh , timely procurement of a capable 47:43.149 --> 47:45.429 airborne command and control and 47:45.429 --> 47:48.350 tracking capability is vital to our 47:48.350 --> 47:50.572 forces in the Indo-Pacific , especially 47:50.572 --> 47:54.149 as the remaining E-3 planes are phased 47:54.149 --> 47:56.110 out , and funding for a potential 47:56.110 --> 47:59.229 replacement of the E-7 wedge tail was 47:59.229 --> 48:01.870 originally not included in the Air 48:01.870 --> 48:05.219 Force's FYA 27 budget . But just last 48:05.219 --> 48:07.219 week , Secretary Hicks said reverse 48:07.219 --> 48:10.419 course and told the House he had just 48:10.419 --> 48:14.139 sent a budget amendment uh to OMB to 48:14.139 --> 48:16.361 restore the funding and , and , I'm not 48:16.361 --> 48:18.583 clear on how much they restored funding 48:18.583 --> 48:20.639 is , but , um , Mr . Secretary , can 48:20.639 --> 48:22.379 you clarify where things stand 48:22.379 --> 48:25.729 regarding funding for the E7 ? Uh , yes , 48:25.850 --> 48:28.389 Senator , thanks . We have submitted a 48:28.389 --> 48:30.610 budget amendment . Uh , I , I do not 48:30.610 --> 48:32.832 believe it's on the hill yet , but it's 48:32.832 --> 48:35.050 approximately $1.5 billion.27 and then 48:35.050 --> 48:37.770 we'll work the out years as we do the 48:37.770 --> 48:40.360 uh uh 2028 budget builds . 48:41.909 --> 48:44.610 Uh , and that , again , that what was 48:44.610 --> 48:46.969 the driver is when , when it , it was 48:46.969 --> 48:49.350 never that the program wasn't important . 48:49.810 --> 48:52.409 Uh , it was that , and at the time , we 48:52.409 --> 48:54.520 were looking at about an $890 billion 48:54.520 --> 48:56.742 top line and at , at that , at that top 48:56.742 --> 48:58.853 line , a number of important programs 48:58.853 --> 49:01.790 were cut , uh , including the E7 . Um , 49:01.929 --> 49:04.040 we had to have the space-based AMTI . 49:04.209 --> 49:06.370 Uh , we wanted to have the E7 49:06.370 --> 49:08.409 capability , but under the budget 49:08.409 --> 49:10.631 constraints , it was cut , but now with 49:10.631 --> 49:12.631 more budget flexibility , we put it 49:12.631 --> 49:14.465 back in . I think it's important 49:14.465 --> 49:16.687 because that , that whole program uh uh 49:16.687 --> 49:18.798 has uh encountered a number of delays 49:18.798 --> 49:20.909 as you probably know . Uh , General 49:20.909 --> 49:23.239 Wilsback , funding for the Joint Base 49:23.239 --> 49:25.449 Pearl Harbor Hickam Airfield 49:25.449 --> 49:28.469 Development Plan , uh , remains a 49:28.469 --> 49:30.636 continuing concern of mine , and I , I 49:30.636 --> 49:32.510 raised the issue on Tuesday with 49:32.510 --> 49:35.709 Admiral Cottle and , uh , received his 49:35.709 --> 49:37.969 commitment to ensure the Navy support 49:37.969 --> 49:40.560 for planned facility restoration . Uh , 49:40.639 --> 49:42.695 and I'm particularly concerned about 49:42.695 --> 49:45.080 the runway restoration and repair 49:45.080 --> 49:48.530 projects will be , uh , Uh , on 49:48.530 --> 49:50.649 schedule , not delayed . Given your 49:50.649 --> 49:52.969 background as a commander of Pacific 49:52.969 --> 49:55.169 Air Forces and your current role , I'd 49:55.169 --> 49:56.947 like you to briefly discuss the 49:56.947 --> 49:59.290 importance of these upgrades to the 49:59.290 --> 50:02.149 joint forces in the joint force in the 50:02.149 --> 50:04.429 Indo-Pacific and get your commitment . 50:05.270 --> 50:07.540 To um continuing to work closely with 50:07.540 --> 50:09.899 the Navy to ensure that these projects 50:09.899 --> 50:12.629 are completed . On time and on budget . 50:13.830 --> 50:16.052 Um , Mahalo , uh , Senator , uh , thank 50:16.052 --> 50:17.830 you for the opportunity . I was 50:17.830 --> 50:20.052 actually just in Hawaii last week and , 50:20.052 --> 50:22.274 uh , we actually went around and looked 50:22.274 --> 50:24.441 at the taxiways and the runway , and , 50:24.441 --> 50:26.608 uh , we had , had a discussion . Thank 50:26.608 --> 50:28.719 you for your continued support . Uh , 50:29.199 --> 50:31.110 Hickam Air Force Base is a power 50:31.110 --> 50:33.229 projection platform for the entire 50:33.229 --> 50:35.389 Pacific , uh , for the Air Force and 50:35.389 --> 50:37.780 really for the entire joint . Force . 50:37.820 --> 50:40.479 Uh , we use that as a , uh , spot , uh , 50:40.489 --> 50:43.810 to refuel , refit , uh , to move 50:43.810 --> 50:46.570 cargo and people , uh , from the 50:46.570 --> 50:48.570 Pacific back to the states and vice 50:48.570 --> 50:50.459 versa . And so it's an incredibly 50:50.459 --> 50:52.792 important power projection platform for , 50:52.810 --> 50:55.800 um , the nation . Um , that agreement 50:55.800 --> 50:57.911 between the Air Force and the Navy in 50:57.911 --> 50:59.967 my view was , uh , uh , about time I 50:59.967 --> 51:01.967 would say in Sawa to just make sure 51:01.967 --> 51:03.744 that it continues , and this is 51:03.744 --> 51:05.911 certainly an issue that you brought to 51:05.911 --> 51:07.967 my attention . Thank you very much . 51:08.560 --> 51:10.727 Thank you , Mr . Chairman . Uh , thank 51:10.727 --> 51:14.699 you , Senator Blumenthal . Thanks , Mr . 51:14.790 --> 51:18.580 Chairman . Uh . The war 51:18.580 --> 51:22.000 in Iraq in Ukraine , uh , 51:22.580 --> 51:25.340 has provided a lot of lessons . I think 51:25.340 --> 51:26.340 you would agree . 51:28.760 --> 51:31.360 Beyond drones and air defense , the 51:31.360 --> 51:33.649 conflict has underscored how essential . 51:35.280 --> 51:38.510 Fighters , that is aircraft , uh , 51:39.010 --> 51:41.066 space-based surveillance , satellite 51:41.066 --> 51:43.121 communication , electronic warfare , 51:43.429 --> 51:45.459 and resilient command and control 51:45.459 --> 51:48.540 networks are in a Highly contested 51:48.540 --> 51:51.449 fight like that one or any for that 51:51.449 --> 51:53.671 matter . At the same time , Ukraine has 51:53.671 --> 51:56.040 shown how difficult it is to operate in 51:56.040 --> 51:58.770 an environment that's shaped by 51:58.770 --> 52:01.840 persistent surveillance , GPS jamming , 52:02.290 --> 52:04.639 advanced air defenses , cyberattacks , 52:05.050 --> 52:07.080 and long-range precision strikes . 52:07.370 --> 52:09.570 Ukrainians have fought back and pushed 52:09.570 --> 52:12.229 back the Russians because they've made . 52:13.030 --> 52:15.340 Use very ingeniously and creatively , 52:15.350 --> 52:17.949 not only of drones , but of all kinds 52:17.949 --> 52:21.760 of other instruments . That disable . 52:22.830 --> 52:25.679 The Russian . Aggression . 52:28.189 --> 52:30.078 Assumptions the United States has 52:30.078 --> 52:32.780 relied on for probably decades , 52:33.149 --> 52:35.371 particularly around air superiority and 52:35.371 --> 52:38.149 uncontested access to space-enabled 52:38.149 --> 52:41.409 systems , can no longer be taken for 52:41.409 --> 52:44.810 granted in a future potential 52:45.350 --> 52:49.189 conflict . The administration's now 52:49.189 --> 52:51.629 committing tens of billions of dollars 52:51.629 --> 52:53.851 to next generation fighters and missile 52:53.851 --> 52:55.407 defense and space systems , 52:55.407 --> 52:58.189 specifically with China in mind . Are 52:58.189 --> 52:59.870 any of the lessons of Ukraine 52:59.870 --> 53:03.330 applicable to The potential 53:03.330 --> 53:04.889 conflict with China . 53:07.969 --> 53:10.191 Uh , thank , thanks , Senator . I think 53:10.191 --> 53:12.247 one of the biggest lessons , uh , to 53:12.247 --> 53:14.358 take away , um , which perhaps is the 53:14.358 --> 53:16.469 reason why the conflict has drawn out 53:16.469 --> 53:18.247 for so long , is neither side . 53:18.879 --> 53:21.159 Established air and space superiority , 53:21.169 --> 53:23.280 and they go together . Uh , you , you 53:23.280 --> 53:25.489 have to have space superiority in the 53:25.489 --> 53:28.489 21st century if you hope to achieve air 53:28.489 --> 53:31.169 superiority because of the reliance we 53:31.169 --> 53:33.330 have on our systems in space , 53:33.370 --> 53:35.830 communication and navigation and timing . 53:36.330 --> 53:38.610 Uh , so that , uh , the fact that 53:38.610 --> 53:41.209 neither side ever , uh , established 53:41.209 --> 53:44.209 air superiority , uh , is why it's 53:44.209 --> 53:46.320 drawn out to a really long conflict . 53:46.370 --> 53:49.610 Which is why our , our budget 53:49.610 --> 53:52.010 emphasizes air and space superiority 53:52.010 --> 53:54.232 with a number of the systems that we're 53:54.232 --> 53:56.739 wanting to field . But the United 53:56.739 --> 53:58.820 States is not going to establish air 53:58.820 --> 54:01.179 superiority against China if there is a 54:01.179 --> 54:03.659 potential invasion of Taiwan . We 54:03.659 --> 54:07.179 actually intend to try to establish air 54:07.179 --> 54:10.219 superiority , and it's , it's important 54:10.219 --> 54:12.780 not to confuse air superiority with air 54:12.780 --> 54:15.580 supremacy . Air supremacy is much like 54:15.580 --> 54:17.580 what we had in Afghanistan where we 54:17.580 --> 54:19.719 could fly around anytime , anywhere , 54:20.340 --> 54:23.100 but what you saw in In 54:24.850 --> 54:27.770 Iran , both , you know , just recently 54:27.770 --> 54:29.937 and other times we would establish air 54:29.937 --> 54:33.560 superiority where we would establish a 54:34.010 --> 54:36.066 maybe a smaller part of the airspace 54:36.066 --> 54:38.288 where we can fly around and execute the 54:38.288 --> 54:40.399 missions that we would like to do and 54:40.399 --> 54:42.454 then you would maybe get out of that 54:42.454 --> 54:44.566 airspace and you would no longer have 54:44.566 --> 54:46.677 air superiority , but you didn't care 54:46.677 --> 54:48.677 because you're not there anyway . I 54:48.677 --> 54:48.270 think that's an important distinction . 54:49.129 --> 54:52.800 Do you Foresee . 54:53.560 --> 54:57.370 Ukraine establishing Or 54:57.459 --> 55:01.250 moving toward air superiority . I , I 55:01.250 --> 55:04.570 would probably defer that to my uh the 55:04.570 --> 55:07.739 UCO colleagues , but it's possible that 55:07.739 --> 55:09.699 they could , uh , and it's also 55:09.699 --> 55:11.939 possible that Russia could , but what 55:11.939 --> 55:14.689 we're seeing is neither side really 55:14.689 --> 55:16.300 ever achieving air and space 55:16.300 --> 55:18.959 superiority . But the trend there . 55:20.050 --> 55:23.010 In , in my view , simply on the basis 55:23.010 --> 55:26.929 of Non-classified information is 55:26.929 --> 55:29.209 that the Ukrainians in their use of 55:29.209 --> 55:31.510 drones and cyber in 55:32.739 --> 55:36.379 Satellite intelligence . have come a 55:36.379 --> 55:39.219 long way farther than the Russians have 55:39.219 --> 55:42.479 done . You certainly have . I , I , I , 55:42.580 --> 55:45.149 I go back to Senator , the , the 55:45.149 --> 55:47.205 foundational lesson that , that I've 55:47.205 --> 55:50.929 taken out of that conflict is . The 55:50.929 --> 55:53.459 principality of establishing air and 55:53.459 --> 55:56.100 space superiority allows you to do so 55:56.100 --> 55:58.322 many other things with your military to 55:58.322 --> 56:00.929 achieve objectives , and the lack of 56:00.929 --> 56:03.199 having um air and space superiority 56:03.780 --> 56:05.780 really limits you to the objectives 56:05.780 --> 56:07.979 that you can achieve . Thank you . 56:08.879 --> 56:11.212 Thank you very much , Mr . Chair . Well , 56:11.212 --> 56:13.046 thank you , Senator Blumenthal , 56:13.046 --> 56:14.919 Senator Slotkin . Thank you . I 56:14.919 --> 56:17.189 apologize . I sound like I'm smoking a 56:17.189 --> 56:19.245 pack of cigarettes a day . Um , I am 56:19.245 --> 56:21.919 not , um , but , uh , I'm , I'm a 56:21.919 --> 56:24.030 little bit under the weather . Um , I 56:24.030 --> 56:26.409 wanna start out by thanking , um , 56:26.649 --> 56:29.169 Secretary Mek and , and , uh , General 56:29.169 --> 56:32.419 Wilsbach . I , I just , um . We had 56:32.659 --> 56:34.603 some important things culminate in 56:34.603 --> 56:36.770 Michigan in the past week on Selfridge 56:36.770 --> 56:38.826 Air Force Base . Um , we worked with 56:38.826 --> 56:41.899 you all on , um , commitments after the 56:41.899 --> 56:44.260 president made the decision to replace 56:44.260 --> 56:46.316 the fighter mission at Selfridge Air 56:46.316 --> 56:48.316 Force Base . Um , and I know that's 56:48.316 --> 56:51.379 been a really , um , big and complex 56:51.379 --> 56:53.435 problem set for you all , and I just 56:53.435 --> 56:55.379 want to thank you for doing that . 56:55.379 --> 56:57.657 Yesterday , the state of Michigan . Um , 56:57.657 --> 56:59.823 per our discussions , um , approved on 56:59.823 --> 57:01.879 a bipartisan basis , we have a split 57:01.879 --> 57:03.768 Democrat and Republican House and 57:03.768 --> 57:06.739 Senate , um , uh , approved , um , $152 57:06.739 --> 57:09.659 million to start work now on the runway 57:09.659 --> 57:12.020 at Selfridge , which I know unlocks a 57:12.020 --> 57:14.353 lot of . Of what we're able to do there , 57:14.510 --> 57:17.179 um , so thank you for , um , uh , 57:17.189 --> 57:19.411 putting into the fight up in the next 5 57:19.411 --> 57:22.989 years , um , almost $800 million into 57:22.989 --> 57:25.050 upgrades there . We of course would 57:25.050 --> 57:27.161 like you to move some of that forward 57:27.161 --> 57:29.459 now that we've , um . Uh , lived up to 57:29.459 --> 57:31.626 our end of the bargain , but this is a 57:31.626 --> 57:33.848 genuine thank you . Um , and I'm really 57:33.848 --> 57:36.015 proud of how my state over the past 12 57:36.015 --> 57:37.949 years have worked state , local , 57:38.270 --> 57:40.939 federal , um , Democrat , Republican , 57:41.300 --> 57:43.411 everyone's done their part , and this 57:43.411 --> 57:45.467 is a , a huge deal for us and a huge 57:45.467 --> 57:47.522 deal for our economy . So I just , I 57:47.522 --> 57:49.467 wanna thank you , um . Um , I also 57:49.467 --> 57:51.578 wanna say , um , you both should come 57:51.578 --> 57:53.949 to Michigan , um , and see it in action . 57:54.070 --> 57:56.237 We'd love to have you come through one 57:56.237 --> 57:58.403 of our Gant chart conversations to see 57:58.403 --> 58:00.626 the , the puts and takes , and we'll be 58:00.626 --> 58:03.120 sending you a formal invitation . Um , 58:03.350 --> 58:06.929 um , I do also want to raise the issue 58:07.110 --> 58:10.590 break break of PFOS in Oskoda , 58:10.669 --> 58:12.989 Michigan . Um , this is PFOS 58:12.989 --> 58:16.350 contamination of a very pro-military 58:16.350 --> 58:19.189 community , um , that lives near the 58:19.189 --> 58:21.830 closed Air Force base Wesmith's Air 58:21.830 --> 58:23.663 Force Base , um , that have been 58:23.663 --> 58:26.510 dealing for the better part of 20 plus 58:26.510 --> 58:28.790 years with contamination that came from 58:28.790 --> 58:30.870 that Air Force base . They have been 58:30.870 --> 58:34.310 through the wringer and yesterday we're 58:34.310 --> 58:37.030 told by Air Force officials that 58:37.030 --> 58:38.989 they're now further delaying the 58:38.989 --> 58:41.949 cleanup commitments they had made . For 58:41.949 --> 58:45.100 another 5 years . Um , I'm , I , I'm 58:45.100 --> 58:47.211 sure no one at the local level , um , 58:47.211 --> 58:49.322 put together that you all were coming 58:49.322 --> 58:51.433 up here for your hearing . Um , the , 58:51.433 --> 58:54.100 the , and so I , I just , Um , um , the 58:54.100 --> 58:56.939 Air Force has in recent years been 58:56.939 --> 58:59.161 working more productively on the ground 58:59.161 --> 59:01.383 with the , with the residents there and 59:01.383 --> 59:03.606 made commitments , but there are plumes 59:03.606 --> 59:06.139 of this contamination in like under 59:06.139 --> 59:09.419 lakes that host YMCA camps . It's at 59:09.419 --> 59:11.659 risk of going into other lakes and into 59:11.659 --> 59:14.199 the Osbo River . Things that are just 59:15.020 --> 59:17.459 fundamentally why people buy property 59:17.459 --> 59:20.399 and live up there . Um , and so I , I 59:20.399 --> 59:22.689 have to ask again , you know , again , 59:22.719 --> 59:25.360 this long precedes you , um , but I 59:25.360 --> 59:27.471 just ask you to think about what it's 59:27.471 --> 59:29.693 like to be a family in that community , 59:29.800 --> 59:32.022 um , and be some of the residents there 59:32.022 --> 59:34.959 have the highest PFAST blood levels of 59:34.959 --> 59:38.189 anyone in the entire world . Um , and 59:38.189 --> 59:40.356 they have been put off and put off and 59:40.356 --> 59:42.522 put off since 2010 . We finally got to 59:42.522 --> 59:45.570 a decent commitment , and yesterday 59:45.709 --> 59:48.350 we're told it's another five years . So 59:48.629 --> 59:50.851 while I'm thrilled with what we've done 59:50.851 --> 59:53.018 on Selfridge and genuinely thank you , 59:53.018 --> 59:55.949 I have to ask , um , that you pull in 59:55.949 --> 59:58.005 the troops , that your people on the 59:58.005 --> 01:00:00.310 ground and say , what are we doing to 01:00:00.310 --> 01:00:03.510 this community ? Um , because , um , 01:00:03.719 --> 01:00:05.941 the other thing that happened this week 01:00:05.941 --> 01:00:08.052 is the Trump administration on Monday 01:00:08.052 --> 01:00:10.108 notified that they are reverting and 01:00:10.108 --> 01:00:12.560 going back to old PEFAS standards , 01:00:13.000 --> 01:00:15.167 changing the federal standards through 01:00:15.167 --> 01:00:17.080 the EPA . So if you're in this 01:00:17.080 --> 01:00:19.136 community , you're just feeling like 01:00:19.136 --> 01:00:21.024 whatever progress we made 2 steps 01:00:21.024 --> 01:00:23.247 forward , we're now going to take about 01:00:23.247 --> 01:00:25.247 10 steps back . So . Can I get some 01:00:25.247 --> 01:00:27.302 commitment that you'll just pull the 01:00:27.302 --> 01:00:30.199 folks together and , and try and 01:00:30.199 --> 01:00:32.421 understand what , why we'd have another 01:00:32.421 --> 01:00:35.719 five-year delay after 20 years of 01:00:35.719 --> 01:00:38.620 waiting on the Air Force . Uh , so , 01:00:38.649 --> 01:00:40.760 Senator , thanks . Um , again , thank 01:00:40.760 --> 01:00:42.760 you for the , the support , uh , at 01:00:42.760 --> 01:00:44.927 Selfridge , and it's gonna allow us to 01:00:44.927 --> 01:00:46.982 get the airplanes in there and leave 01:00:46.982 --> 01:00:48.649 them there . Um , so I really 01:00:48.649 --> 01:00:50.760 appreciate that . Uh , yeah , on this 01:00:50.760 --> 01:00:53.093 side , we will continue to support , uh , 01:00:53.093 --> 01:00:55.205 we doubled the , the PFASS investment 01:00:55.205 --> 01:00:57.482 in the FY 27 budget submission to , to , 01:00:57.482 --> 01:00:59.649 to keep getting after these problems . 01:00:59.649 --> 01:01:01.705 Um , we , we , I think we are making 01:01:01.705 --> 01:01:03.927 progress there . Uh , you know , with a 01:01:03.927 --> 01:01:05.649 number of things , significant 01:01:05.649 --> 01:01:07.871 resources spent , and we're starting to 01:01:07.871 --> 01:01:10.093 do a cleanup . I , I am still trying to 01:01:10.093 --> 01:01:12.260 get to the bottom of where that 5 year 01:01:12.260 --> 01:01:14.316 delay is coming from . I will figure 01:01:14.316 --> 01:01:16.371 out where that's coming from , and I 01:01:16.371 --> 01:01:15.810 will get back to you on it , but we are 01:01:15.810 --> 01:01:17.477 not , we are not changing our 01:01:17.477 --> 01:01:19.366 commitment . Yeah , we'll , we'll 01:01:19.366 --> 01:01:21.532 follow up . I hate to congratulate you 01:01:21.532 --> 01:01:23.477 in one breath and thank you in one 01:01:23.477 --> 01:01:25.643 breath and then ask , but I , I just , 01:01:25.643 --> 01:01:27.699 you would be doing the same thing if 01:01:27.699 --> 01:01:27.530 you were in my position for people who 01:01:27.530 --> 01:01:29.530 have waited 20 years to drink their 01:01:29.530 --> 01:01:31.530 local water and swim in their local 01:01:31.530 --> 01:01:32.820 lake . I yield back 01:01:36.330 --> 01:01:38.386 Uh , Senator , thank you very much , 01:01:38.386 --> 01:01:40.552 Senator Slotkin Senator Warren . Thank 01:01:40.552 --> 01:01:42.870 you , Mr . Chairman . President Trump's 01:01:42.870 --> 01:01:45.300 war with Iran has raised prices across 01:01:45.300 --> 01:01:47.467 the country and around the world , and 01:01:47.467 --> 01:01:49.300 this means higher prices for the 01:01:49.300 --> 01:01:51.750 Pentagon as well . Sometimes those 01:01:51.750 --> 01:01:53.361 price hikes will be a direct 01:01:53.361 --> 01:01:55.250 consequence of the war , like the 01:01:55.250 --> 01:01:57.510 rising cost of jet fuel , as Senator 01:01:57.510 --> 01:01:59.790 Kaine discussed this morning , but it 01:01:59.790 --> 01:02:02.429 also creates a big opportunity for 01:02:02.429 --> 01:02:05.830 defense contractors to sneak in extra 01:02:05.830 --> 01:02:08.989 price hikes to pad their profits with 01:02:08.989 --> 01:02:12.350 American taxpayers . The Air Force has 01:02:12.350 --> 01:02:14.429 experienced this price gouging 01:02:14.429 --> 01:02:17.030 firsthand . The Department of Defense's 01:02:17.030 --> 01:02:19.409 Inspector General found that Boeing 01:02:19.709 --> 01:02:22.189 charged the Air Force more than a fair 01:02:22.189 --> 01:02:25.669 and reasonable price for 1 out of 01:02:25.669 --> 01:02:29.229 every 4 spare parts that the Air Force 01:02:29.229 --> 01:02:32.709 bought , including charging 80 times 01:02:32.709 --> 01:02:36.050 more . Than the commercially available 01:02:36.050 --> 01:02:38.689 cost for a plain old soap dispensary 01:02:38.689 --> 01:02:40.911 and for anyone who wants to do the math 01:02:40.911 --> 01:02:43.078 on that , that's , for example , a $10 01:02:43.078 --> 01:02:46.429 soap dispenser that now costs $800 when 01:02:46.429 --> 01:02:49.439 the Air Force buys it . Now the IG 01:02:49.439 --> 01:02:51.669 recommended requiring Boeing and other 01:02:51.669 --> 01:02:54.669 contractors to notify the Air Force of 01:02:54.669 --> 01:02:57.189 any price increases above 01:02:57.189 --> 01:03:01.070 25% . Secretary Min , would it be 01:03:01.070 --> 01:03:03.550 easier for the Air Force to keep costs 01:03:03.550 --> 01:03:06.620 under control if companies had to 01:03:06.620 --> 01:03:09.429 affirmatively disclose when prices 01:03:09.429 --> 01:03:12.550 shoot up by more than 25% ? 01:03:14.429 --> 01:03:16.429 Uh , so Senator , I'm not , I'm not 01:03:16.429 --> 01:03:18.318 familiar with the specific , uh , 01:03:18.318 --> 01:03:20.318 number you quoted , but , but we do 01:03:20.318 --> 01:03:22.719 have . In many of our contracts we do 01:03:22.719 --> 01:03:26.550 have requirements to , to , matter of 01:03:26.550 --> 01:03:28.772 fact , they can't raise prices . Matter 01:03:28.772 --> 01:03:30.994 of fact , as we go to many of the fixed 01:03:30.994 --> 01:03:33.161 price contract structures , multi-year 01:03:33.161 --> 01:03:32.939 fixed price contract structures , the 01:03:32.939 --> 01:03:35.659 contractor is not allowed to raise 01:03:35.959 --> 01:03:38.070 costs , but I appreciate that you put 01:03:38.070 --> 01:03:39.903 that in some contracts , but I'm 01:03:39.903 --> 01:03:41.959 actually asking a somewhat different 01:03:41.959 --> 01:03:44.181 question if I can , and that is what is 01:03:44.181 --> 01:03:45.903 the baseline for every defense 01:03:45.903 --> 01:03:49.239 contractor working . Last year , the 01:03:49.239 --> 01:03:52.370 House and the Senate's NDAA 01:03:53.129 --> 01:03:56.370 included my bipartisan Transparency in 01:03:56.370 --> 01:03:59.320 Contract Pricing Act with Senators 01:03:59.320 --> 01:04:02.850 Ernst , Slotkin , and Grassley , and it 01:04:02.850 --> 01:04:05.929 would implement the IG's recommendation . 01:04:06.639 --> 01:04:08.840 Unfortunately it was removed in 01:04:08.840 --> 01:04:11.007 conference , and the reason I'm asking 01:04:11.007 --> 01:04:12.896 you about this and asking you for 01:04:12.896 --> 01:04:15.169 support is we want to try to get this 01:04:16.350 --> 01:04:18.350 across the finish line , and I just 01:04:18.350 --> 01:04:20.683 like your help on that . Well , Senator , 01:04:20.683 --> 01:04:22.850 I'll , I'll , I'll take a look at that 01:04:22.850 --> 01:04:24.961 and I will definitely get back to you 01:04:24.961 --> 01:04:27.128 if we have any suggestions there , but 01:04:27.128 --> 01:04:29.239 I , I , I will , I mean , I don't , I 01:04:29.239 --> 01:04:32.129 mince words here that we support . Any 01:04:32.129 --> 01:04:34.449 help from the Congress to get improved 01:04:34.449 --> 01:04:36.616 access to data rights , to be honest , 01:04:36.616 --> 01:04:38.671 that's one of my biggest concerns is 01:04:38.671 --> 01:04:40.770 data right access and those sorts of 01:04:40.770 --> 01:04:42.770 things . But happy to work with the 01:04:42.770 --> 01:04:44.826 committee on that . Let's pick up on 01:04:44.826 --> 01:04:46.937 data because I agree with you . Let's 01:04:46.937 --> 01:04:49.103 do this one and try to get it across , 01:04:49.103 --> 01:04:51.270 but one of the things that's happening 01:04:51.270 --> 01:04:53.437 is that defense contractors monopolize 01:04:53.437 --> 01:04:56.689 their repairs by improperly labeling 01:04:56.689 --> 01:04:59.844 repairs . data as proprietary 01:05:00.814 --> 01:05:02.925 even when the Air Force had rights to 01:05:02.925 --> 01:05:05.036 the data and then banking on it being 01:05:05.036 --> 01:05:08.625 too hard for DOD to catch the mistake 01:05:08.625 --> 01:05:11.584 in how they had labeled it , Rand found 01:05:11.584 --> 01:05:14.185 that Boeing's inappropriate restrictive 01:05:14.185 --> 01:05:17.350 markings on software . Prevented the 01:05:17.350 --> 01:05:19.669 Air Force from repairing the 01:05:19.669 --> 01:05:23.310 KC-46 itself or contracting with 01:05:23.310 --> 01:05:25.532 somebody else to do it . So let me just 01:05:25.532 --> 01:05:27.588 ask you on that one , Secretary Ma , 01:05:27.590 --> 01:05:30.149 would rules incentivizing contractors 01:05:30.149 --> 01:05:32.870 to provide accurate markings allow the 01:05:32.870 --> 01:05:35.070 Air Force to repair aircraft both 01:05:35.070 --> 01:05:39.050 faster and improve readiness ? Any 01:05:39.050 --> 01:05:42.010 help to support , you know , right to 01:05:42.010 --> 01:05:44.199 repair , I think is the broader term 01:05:44.199 --> 01:05:46.421 that we use , and access to data rights 01:05:46.421 --> 01:05:48.421 is a big part of that is , yes , is 01:05:48.421 --> 01:05:50.810 important . Good . I'm , I'm trying to 01:05:50.810 --> 01:05:53.209 get us in as much detail as we can here . 01:05:53.489 --> 01:05:55.489 You know , this committee has heard 01:05:55.489 --> 01:05:57.711 from senior military leaders across the 01:05:57.711 --> 01:06:00.045 services that they need right to repair . 01:06:00.045 --> 01:06:02.100 Mr . Chairman , I'd like to submit a 01:06:02.100 --> 01:06:04.330 letter from Senator Sheehy and I that 01:06:04.330 --> 01:06:06.386 we sent to this committee collecting 01:06:06.386 --> 01:06:08.399 that testimony for the record . Is 01:06:08.399 --> 01:06:10.510 there objection ? Without objection , 01:06:10.510 --> 01:06:12.788 it will be submitted and received . OK . 01:06:12.810 --> 01:06:14.977 And I just want to do one more quickly 01:06:14.977 --> 01:06:17.032 if I can because big contractors are 01:06:17.032 --> 01:06:19.409 trying to trick us by offering an 01:06:19.409 --> 01:06:22.370 alternative to right to repair called 01:06:22.370 --> 01:06:25.610 data as service , which is really pay 01:06:25.610 --> 01:06:28.409 per view , and it's a module that keeps 01:06:28.409 --> 01:06:31.290 the big contractors in control . The 01:06:31.290 --> 01:06:34.500 Air Force knows how unsustainable that 01:06:34.500 --> 01:06:37.340 model is . When it wanted to access the 01:06:37.340 --> 01:06:40.699 repair manual for the AC-130J , 01:06:40.939 --> 01:06:43.229 Lockheed Martin charged the Air Force 01:06:43.229 --> 01:06:47.139 $900 per page just to look at 01:06:47.139 --> 01:06:50.260 the repair manual . So tackling the 01:06:50.260 --> 01:06:52.580 broken contracting around sustainment 01:06:52.580 --> 01:06:55.229 and pricing . would be transformative 01:06:55.229 --> 01:06:58.290 for our readiness . The GAO has found 01:06:58.290 --> 01:07:00.909 that obtaining needed technical data 01:07:00.909 --> 01:07:04.189 could save billions of dollars just for 01:07:04.189 --> 01:07:07.270 ship sustainment . Extending that to 01:07:07.270 --> 01:07:09.989 the Air Force's programs could be huge . 01:07:10.310 --> 01:07:13.229 The Air Force has already found that 01:07:13.229 --> 01:07:16.360 making its own C-5 pressure door handle . 01:07:16.870 --> 01:07:20.030 Could cut costs for that by 95% . So I 01:07:20.030 --> 01:07:21.863 look forward to working with the 01:07:21.863 --> 01:07:24.030 chairman and the ranking member to try 01:07:24.030 --> 01:07:26.919 to get more of this into our NDAA and 01:07:26.919 --> 01:07:29.252 all the way through and signed into law . 01:07:29.469 --> 01:07:31.691 Thank you , Mr . Chairman . Well , uh , 01:07:31.691 --> 01:07:33.580 thank you , um , thank you much , 01:07:33.580 --> 01:07:35.949 Senator Warren , and , uh , you were 01:07:35.949 --> 01:07:38.909 able to talk long enough , um , to 01:07:38.909 --> 01:07:41.429 allow Senator Rosen to arrive , and she 01:07:41.429 --> 01:07:44.979 is now recognized . Uh , thank you , 01:07:45.030 --> 01:07:47.141 Chairman Wicker , Ranking Member Reed 01:07:47.141 --> 01:07:49.252 for holding this hearing . Uh , thank 01:07:49.252 --> 01:07:51.363 you to our , uh , witnesses today and 01:07:51.363 --> 01:07:53.419 for serving our country . Appreciate 01:07:53.419 --> 01:07:56.379 you . And so , Secretary Mink . I want 01:07:56.379 --> 01:07:59.260 to talk about presumption of exposure 01:07:59.260 --> 01:08:01.820 parity as we discussed last year , 01:08:01.959 --> 01:08:04.181 service members who served at locations 01:08:04.181 --> 01:08:06.739 that other US government agencies has 01:08:06.739 --> 01:08:08.961 deemed contaminated like the Department 01:08:08.961 --> 01:08:10.961 of Energy considers portions of the 01:08:10.961 --> 01:08:13.128 Nevada Test and Training range to be , 01:08:13.128 --> 01:08:15.128 should have the same presumption of 01:08:15.128 --> 01:08:17.859 radiation exposure as DOE employees who 01:08:17.859 --> 01:08:19.859 served alongside them . We're just 01:08:19.859 --> 01:08:22.220 asking for parity . But because DOD 01:08:22.220 --> 01:08:24.109 does not consider places like the 01:08:24.109 --> 01:08:26.109 Tonopaw Test Range to be a location 01:08:26.109 --> 01:08:28.379 where contamination occurred as DOE 01:08:28.379 --> 01:08:30.546 does , and because the service records 01:08:30.546 --> 01:08:32.879 of those stations there are data masked , 01:08:33.100 --> 01:08:35.459 these veterans can't prove to the VA 01:08:35.459 --> 01:08:38.250 that they ever served there . This is a 01:08:38.250 --> 01:08:41.529 problem that DOD has the power . You 01:08:41.529 --> 01:08:43.649 have the power to solve this . So 01:08:43.649 --> 01:08:45.816 Secretary Mink , recognizing that this 01:08:45.816 --> 01:08:48.569 is a DOD-wide problem , not singular to 01:08:48.569 --> 01:08:51.049 the Air Force , I have several 01:08:51.049 --> 01:08:53.299 questions . What progress has the 01:08:53.299 --> 01:08:55.299 department made to identify service 01:08:55.299 --> 01:08:57.620 members who serve within the NIT at DOE 01:08:57.620 --> 01:09:00.180 covered facilities , um , locations 01:09:00.180 --> 01:09:02.899 which DOE considers contaminating , and 01:09:02.899 --> 01:09:05.020 will you commit to providing the VA 01:09:05.020 --> 01:09:07.076 with adequate documentation of these 01:09:07.076 --> 01:09:10.669 veteran services ? Yeah , 01:09:10.819 --> 01:09:12.910 Senator , uh , uh , thanks for the 01:09:12.910 --> 01:09:15.470 question . It's , it's protecting the 01:09:15.470 --> 01:09:17.526 health both on active duty and , and 01:09:17.526 --> 01:09:19.748 retired of our , of our service members 01:09:19.748 --> 01:09:21.803 is , is critically important . And , 01:09:21.803 --> 01:09:23.970 and we do continue to work that . Uh , 01:09:23.970 --> 01:09:26.589 the general focus has been trying to 01:09:26.589 --> 01:09:29.189 get to the data , uncover all the data . 01:09:29.660 --> 01:09:31.882 Uh , and then provide , uh , you know , 01:09:32.149 --> 01:09:34.316 dose ratings and those sorts of things 01:09:34.316 --> 01:09:36.371 to the VA so that the VA can make an 01:09:36.371 --> 01:09:38.371 assessment on , on , on how are you 01:09:38.371 --> 01:09:40.371 working on this ? Can you commit to 01:09:40.371 --> 01:09:42.705 completion date , Yes , we are , and we , 01:09:42.705 --> 01:09:41.990 we've made , we've made some progress 01:09:41.990 --> 01:09:44.212 on that , but it's something we need to 01:09:44.212 --> 01:09:46.379 continue . Will you come to talk to us 01:09:46.379 --> 01:09:48.712 about when your completion date will be ? 01:09:48.712 --> 01:09:50.934 Because I have veterans who are waiting 01:09:50.934 --> 01:09:53.101 on this very thing in order to get the 01:09:53.101 --> 01:09:55.268 care that they desperately need . They 01:09:55.268 --> 01:09:57.434 were injured in their service and they 01:09:57.434 --> 01:09:59.657 need some help . I also want to ask you 01:09:59.657 --> 01:09:59.439 a question if you'll commit to 01:09:59.439 --> 01:10:01.550 classifying the knitter as a location 01:10:01.550 --> 01:10:03.550 where contamination occurred , that 01:10:03.550 --> 01:10:07.000 puts the DOD in parity with the DOE . 01:10:07.120 --> 01:10:10.919 It is not right that one agency says 01:10:10.919 --> 01:10:13.520 contaminated , so civilian employees . 01:10:14.709 --> 01:10:18.399 Are covered And our veterans are not . 01:10:19.799 --> 01:10:22.279 Uh , Senator , we will continue to work 01:10:22.279 --> 01:10:24.850 on this issue , and , uh , how long ? I 01:10:24.850 --> 01:10:26.850 don't know if I , I don't know if I 01:10:26.850 --> 01:10:28.572 actually have the authority to 01:10:28.572 --> 01:10:30.794 designate the entire thing , but , uh , 01:10:30.794 --> 01:10:32.961 but , so how long ? So you said you're 01:10:32.961 --> 01:10:32.129 continuing to work on it . You don't 01:10:32.129 --> 01:10:34.240 even know if you have the authority . 01:10:34.240 --> 01:10:36.462 Let me tell you , you need to come talk 01:10:36.462 --> 01:10:38.518 to us because how long this has been 01:10:38.518 --> 01:10:40.573 going on since tests have started in 01:10:40.573 --> 01:10:42.796 the 1950s . So Senator , may , maybe be 01:10:42.796 --> 01:10:44.629 very clear , we , we do have the 01:10:44.629 --> 01:10:47.029 authority to work through . And make 01:10:47.029 --> 01:10:49.140 sure that we've uncovered the data so 01:10:49.140 --> 01:10:51.140 that we can provide it to the VA so 01:10:51.140 --> 01:10:53.140 that we can get the proper care for 01:10:53.140 --> 01:10:55.473 those . Declaring all of the test range , 01:10:57.339 --> 01:10:59.506 uh , not all of is , is , is something 01:10:59.506 --> 01:11:01.728 that that that authority , I'm not sure 01:11:01.728 --> 01:11:03.783 I have . I appreciate if you come to 01:11:03.783 --> 01:11:03.379 speak with my office and we can get 01:11:03.379 --> 01:11:05.549 into this in more detail . I also want 01:11:05.549 --> 01:11:07.910 to ask you about the C-130J basing , as 01:11:07.910 --> 01:11:09.743 we've discussed , the Nevada Air 01:11:09.743 --> 01:11:12.470 National Guard's 157 Airlift Wing in 01:11:12.470 --> 01:11:14.310 Reno flies the dangerous modular 01:11:14.310 --> 01:11:16.643 Airborne firefighting System , the MAFS . 01:11:16.979 --> 01:11:18.812 Uh , they fly it with the Legacy 01:11:18.812 --> 01:11:21.490 C-130H's . As the only MAS unit still 01:11:21.490 --> 01:11:23.700 flying H models , the only one , 01:11:23.979 --> 01:11:26.299 upgrading to C-130Js would provide 01:11:26.299 --> 01:11:28.466 increased power and cargo capacity for 01:11:28.466 --> 01:11:30.819 fire retardant , which equals increased 01:11:30.819 --> 01:11:32.541 flight safety and firefighting 01:11:32.541 --> 01:11:34.430 capability . In fact , during the 01:11:34.430 --> 01:11:36.740 summer , C-130H is fully loaded with 01:11:36.740 --> 01:11:38.796 fire retardant , can't even take off 01:11:38.796 --> 01:11:40.979 from Reno with a full tank of fuel due 01:11:40.979 --> 01:11:43.709 to heat and elevation . Uh , the high 01:11:43.709 --> 01:11:45.876 rollers have maintained a greater than 01:11:45.876 --> 01:11:47.820 95% mission ready rate in spite of 01:11:47.820 --> 01:11:49.987 operating , maintaining an aging fleet 01:11:49.987 --> 01:11:52.098 with a dwindling supply chain . So it 01:11:52.098 --> 01:11:54.180 is no surprise that the 1902nd 01:11:54.979 --> 01:11:57.029 Expeditionary Airlift squadron was 01:11:57.029 --> 01:11:59.180 tasked and able to deploy across the 01:11:59.180 --> 01:12:01.979 Atlantic 72 hours after receiving 01:12:01.979 --> 01:12:04.080 orders in support of Operation Epic 01:12:04.080 --> 01:12:07.629 Fury and then again picked up on 72 01:12:07.629 --> 01:12:09.851 hours' notice to move into a completely 01:12:09.851 --> 01:12:11.979 different AOR and mission set at the 01:12:11.979 --> 01:12:14.270 drop of a hat . On behalf of all 01:12:14.270 --> 01:12:16.270 Nevadans , I want to thank them for 01:12:16.270 --> 01:12:18.270 answering our nation's call , and I 01:12:18.270 --> 01:12:20.381 pray for their safety . But Secretary 01:12:20.381 --> 01:12:22.270 Mink , given all of this and with 01:12:22.270 --> 01:12:24.214 another basing decision to be made 01:12:24.214 --> 01:12:26.326 after Congress appropriated another 8 01:12:26.326 --> 01:12:28.990 C-130Js in recent years , can I have 01:12:28.990 --> 01:12:31.910 your commitment that the 157th Air 01:12:31.910 --> 01:12:34.310 Airlift Wing will finally receive the 01:12:34.310 --> 01:12:37.620 C-130Js they need and deserve to 01:12:37.620 --> 01:12:41.390 complete their mission ? Senator , 01:12:41.439 --> 01:12:43.879 commit to working through the strategic 01:12:43.879 --> 01:12:46.799 basing process , uh , to allocate those 01:12:46.799 --> 01:12:49.879 airplanes , uh , as , as the , as , as 01:12:49.879 --> 01:12:51.823 we go through the criteria . I , I 01:12:51.823 --> 01:12:53.879 would say I want to tell you we have 01:12:53.879 --> 01:12:56.046 worked on that strategic basing . I've 01:12:56.046 --> 01:12:58.101 seen the spreadsheets . There were 4 01:12:58.101 --> 01:13:00.268 places they got them allocated . There 01:13:00.268 --> 01:13:02.490 were 4 more . We were first on the list 01:13:02.490 --> 01:13:04.546 and then we were dropped down to the 01:13:04.546 --> 01:13:06.879 last . One we have completed everything . 01:13:06.879 --> 01:13:09.046 There's nothing more to work through . 01:13:09.046 --> 01:13:11.101 It was a different decision . Please 01:13:11.101 --> 01:13:11.095 come again to our office , and we can 01:13:11.095 --> 01:13:14.055 show you how we have met every criteria 01:13:14.055 --> 01:13:16.388 over the last so many years . Thank you . 01:13:16.388 --> 01:13:18.666 Thank you , have you , Senator . I , I , 01:13:18.666 --> 01:13:20.722 I do just want to just reinforce the 01:13:20.722 --> 01:13:22.888 fact that they do great work . There's 01:13:22.888 --> 01:13:22.495 no question about that . Oh we're so 01:13:22.495 --> 01:13:24.551 proud of them . They're amazing . So 01:13:24.551 --> 01:13:26.717 are we , um , but , but the H models . 01:13:26.879 --> 01:13:28.712 You know , that's a very capable 01:13:28.712 --> 01:13:30.935 platform . You're right , it's not as , 01:13:30.935 --> 01:13:32.712 not , it doesn't have the exact 01:13:32.712 --> 01:13:34.823 performance of the J model , but that 01:13:34.823 --> 01:13:36.879 is a , those platforms have a lot of 01:13:36.879 --> 01:13:39.101 life left in them . So we , we take all 01:13:39.101 --> 01:13:41.323 those things into consideration when we 01:13:41.323 --> 01:13:42.990 do , well , we , we'll have a 01:13:42.990 --> 01:13:45.212 discussion in my office about , um . We 01:13:45.212 --> 01:13:47.615 were first on the remaining 4 bases 01:13:47.615 --> 01:13:49.837 that were supposed to get them and when 01:13:49.837 --> 01:13:52.004 we got moved to the last , so that's a 01:13:52.004 --> 01:13:54.226 different discussion . I see people are 01:13:54.226 --> 01:13:54.064 waiting . Thank you , Mr . Chairman . 01:13:54.274 --> 01:13:56.385 Thank you , sir . Thank you , Senator 01:13:56.385 --> 01:13:58.552 Rosen , Senator Sullivan . Gentlemen , 01:13:58.552 --> 01:14:00.607 thank you for your service . I think 01:14:00.607 --> 01:14:03.609 all 3 of you . are doing an exceptional 01:14:03.609 --> 01:14:06.689 job . So thank you . Um , I wanna thank 01:14:06.689 --> 01:14:09.819 you also . You , you made the decision 01:14:09.819 --> 01:14:13.379 to get the 4 KC-135s to Ileson . 01:14:14.200 --> 01:14:17.120 Um , every other chief of staff of the 01:14:17.120 --> 01:14:19.287 Air Force and the secretary of the Air 01:14:19.287 --> 01:14:21.509 Force committed to me to doing that for 01:14:21.509 --> 01:14:23.731 10 years , by the way , and you are the 01:14:23.731 --> 01:14:25.953 two who did it . So thank you . Can you 01:14:25.953 --> 01:14:28.589 explain ? Why that is so important , 01:14:28.609 --> 01:14:31.209 not just for ILson but for the national 01:14:31.209 --> 01:14:34.009 security of America on the KC-135s . 01:14:36.850 --> 01:14:39.410 The , the geography of Alaska allows it 01:14:39.410 --> 01:14:41.577 to be a very strategic location , uh , 01:14:41.577 --> 01:14:43.430 mainly because , especially for 01:14:44.000 --> 01:14:46.790 airpower advocates , because we can get 01:14:47.490 --> 01:14:49.689 to just about anywhere in the northern 01:14:49.689 --> 01:14:51.689 hemisphere within 9 hours of flying 01:14:51.689 --> 01:14:53.800 time if you want in a straight line . 01:14:53.800 --> 01:14:56.022 Now , obviously , international borders 01:14:56.022 --> 01:14:58.245 don't always allow you to do that , but 01:14:58.245 --> 01:15:00.356 uh we can project power from Alaska , 01:15:00.356 --> 01:15:02.633 um , better than a lot of other places , 01:15:02.633 --> 01:15:04.633 um , in our country . And so having 01:15:04.633 --> 01:15:06.856 additional air refuelers . At Ielson um 01:15:06.856 --> 01:15:09.022 helps us to project more power . Thank 01:15:09.022 --> 01:15:11.245 you , gentlemen , and on that , I wanna 01:15:11.245 --> 01:15:14.049 talk about the other big initiative in 01:15:14.049 --> 01:15:17.089 the president's budget . In the Air 01:15:17.089 --> 01:15:19.311 Force's budget , and that's the fighter 01:15:19.311 --> 01:15:21.367 town recapitalization , uh , General 01:15:21.367 --> 01:15:24.169 Wilsbach , I appreciated the classified 01:15:24.169 --> 01:15:26.569 briefing on that , but can you and the 01:15:26.569 --> 01:15:28.569 secretary walk through again that , 01:15:28.850 --> 01:15:31.129 which is a huge investment , uh , in 01:15:31.129 --> 01:15:33.830 the pre in , in the Air Force's budget , 01:15:34.290 --> 01:15:37.169 uh , a request of a it's essentially 01:15:37.169 --> 01:15:41.089 $7 billion . $2 billion to be 01:15:41.089 --> 01:15:43.209 appropriated this year , but why is 01:15:43.209 --> 01:15:46.140 that ? Such a national security 01:15:46.140 --> 01:15:48.689 priority for the Air Force in 01:15:49.180 --> 01:15:53.089 highlighting that . Uh , yes , 01:15:53.209 --> 01:15:55.759 Senator , the kind of along the lines 01:15:55.759 --> 01:15:57.981 of , and this is what I'm talking about 01:15:57.981 --> 01:16:00.148 is the J Bear recapitalization , yep , 01:16:00.148 --> 01:16:02.370 the J Bear recapitalization , uh , just 01:16:02.370 --> 01:16:04.592 as the general was saying , it's a very 01:16:04.592 --> 01:16:06.703 strategic location , uh , making sure 01:16:06.703 --> 01:16:09.037 that the infrastructure and , and , and , 01:16:09.037 --> 01:16:10.981 and , yes , it is about $7 billion 01:16:10.981 --> 01:16:13.315 across the fight . Uh , to do that , uh , 01:16:13.315 --> 01:16:15.620 fighter to recap . So just due to the 01:16:15.620 --> 01:16:17.676 location and criticality of it , you 01:16:17.676 --> 01:16:19.731 need to make sure the infrastructure 01:16:19.731 --> 01:16:22.069 there is , is , is , is good , and 01:16:22.069 --> 01:16:23.902 that's , that's the investment , 01:16:23.902 --> 01:16:26.299 general . The , the only other thing 01:16:26.299 --> 01:16:29.890 that I would add is . That for 01:16:29.890 --> 01:16:32.112 years , you know , we've been operating 01:16:32.112 --> 01:16:34.168 out of some pretty old facilities um 01:16:34.168 --> 01:16:36.334 and built in the 1950s , a lot of them 01:16:36.334 --> 01:16:38.334 at JAR , right ? Yes , Senator . So 01:16:38.334 --> 01:16:40.410 this , this brings us up to the 21st 01:16:40.410 --> 01:16:43.450 century and um as we're operating 5th 01:16:43.450 --> 01:16:46.490 generation aircraft from Elmendorf , 01:16:46.729 --> 01:16:48.396 we'll have buildings that are 01:16:48.396 --> 01:16:50.618 commensurate with the technology in the 01:16:50.618 --> 01:16:52.673 aircraft . General , as a former OCO 01:16:52.673 --> 01:16:55.470 commander , can you talk about the , 01:16:55.740 --> 01:16:59.140 the , um , importance of , again , what 01:16:59.140 --> 01:17:01.084 you were talking about in terms of 01:17:01.084 --> 01:17:03.299 Alaska's strategic location , but this 01:17:03.299 --> 01:17:05.580 fighter town recapitalization , the 01:17:05.580 --> 01:17:07.747 F-22s that already exist at Java , the 01:17:07.747 --> 01:17:09.802 F-35s that already exist at Ielson . 01:17:10.950 --> 01:17:13.790 Over 100 5th generation fighters , uh , 01:17:13.839 --> 01:17:15.783 how do our adversaries view that , 01:17:15.783 --> 01:17:19.330 given what you talked about ? We're so 01:17:19.330 --> 01:17:21.386 close to them and uh can be in their 01:17:21.386 --> 01:17:23.250 backyard in a matter of hours , 01:17:23.490 --> 01:17:26.709 especially if we go supersonic . Uh , 01:17:26.810 --> 01:17:29.032 well , I , I , I haven't talked to them 01:17:29.032 --> 01:17:31.254 about this , but if I was them , I'd be 01:17:31.254 --> 01:17:33.477 worried . And the thing that I would be 01:17:33.477 --> 01:17:35.477 worried most about is the uh is the 01:17:35.477 --> 01:17:37.609 JPAC , the airspace that's between 01:17:37.609 --> 01:17:40.410 Allison and Elmendorf , and I'm , I'm 01:17:40.410 --> 01:17:42.521 sure they watch what we do in there , 01:17:42.521 --> 01:17:44.688 and they can see the capabilities that 01:17:44.688 --> 01:17:46.649 we have with our 5th generation 01:17:46.649 --> 01:17:49.430 aircraft . Um , which is extraordinary , 01:17:49.509 --> 01:17:51.990 but that airspace allows us to train at 01:17:51.990 --> 01:17:54.490 the highest levels , um , frankly , 01:17:54.790 --> 01:17:56.901 just about in anywhere in the world , 01:17:57.029 --> 01:17:59.251 um , because it's big enough and it has 01:17:59.251 --> 01:18:01.140 the capabilities to replicate the 01:18:01.140 --> 01:18:03.085 threat . And so that , that J PARC 01:18:03.085 --> 01:18:07.049 airspace is a crown jewel . So the , um , 01:18:07.629 --> 01:18:09.950 the fighter town recapitalization of 7 01:18:09.950 --> 01:18:12.390 billion doesn't include what we've done 01:18:12.390 --> 01:18:15.250 in terms of the new runway at JBA 01:18:16.500 --> 01:18:18.830 and the jitdi expansion , which are 01:18:18.830 --> 01:18:21.549 already happening . We're breaking 01:18:21.549 --> 01:18:24.029 ground on the jitdi expansion , close 01:18:24.029 --> 01:18:28.020 to 400 million , uh , in the budget , 01:18:28.029 --> 01:18:31.450 and we pretty much finished the . New 01:18:31.450 --> 01:18:33.561 runway at J Bear . Can you talk about 01:18:33.561 --> 01:18:35.783 those and their importance and really , 01:18:36.009 --> 01:18:38.231 as many , many Air Force officials have 01:18:38.231 --> 01:18:40.729 told me , with that expansion , Jay 01:18:40.729 --> 01:18:44.000 PARC , the new runway . The fighter 01:18:44.000 --> 01:18:47.120 town recapitalization that JBA is now 01:18:47.120 --> 01:18:49.342 looking to be certainly one of the most 01:18:49.342 --> 01:18:51.564 important Air Force bases on the planet 01:18:51.564 --> 01:18:53.676 Earth . Now , the runway extension is 01:18:53.676 --> 01:18:55.731 going to allow continuous operations 01:18:55.731 --> 01:18:57.453 regardless of the winds . Um , 01:18:57.500 --> 01:18:59.389 Previously , uh , the north-south 01:18:59.389 --> 01:19:01.810 runway was really too short . Uh , when 01:19:01.810 --> 01:19:03.977 the runway condition was either wet or 01:19:03.977 --> 01:19:06.032 icy and the winds were out of limits 01:19:06.032 --> 01:19:08.810 for operations , the about 2000 ft 01:19:08.810 --> 01:19:12.290 extension on the runway allows , almost 01:19:12.290 --> 01:19:14.770 no matter what the winds are , uh , you 01:19:14.770 --> 01:19:17.250 know , aside from a completely iced 01:19:17.250 --> 01:19:19.472 over runway , we're going to be able to 01:19:19.472 --> 01:19:21.694 operate , um , all year round , day and 01:19:21.694 --> 01:19:23.694 night . Um , so you just have a lot 01:19:23.694 --> 01:19:25.861 more access to the airspace , um , and 01:19:25.861 --> 01:19:27.861 you can get off the airfield and do 01:19:27.861 --> 01:19:29.917 real-world missions if , if you Uh , 01:19:29.917 --> 01:19:32.139 need to do that . Uh , the , the , uh , 01:19:32.139 --> 01:19:34.194 the JID , the training center , test 01:19:34.194 --> 01:19:36.417 and training center , uh , will allow a 01:19:36.417 --> 01:19:39.520 much more realistic training for all 01:19:39.520 --> 01:19:41.680 the crews , both at Allison and at 01:19:41.680 --> 01:19:43.902 Elmendorf , and people from other parts 01:19:43.902 --> 01:19:46.124 of our country will be able to go there 01:19:46.124 --> 01:19:48.069 and use that facility when they're 01:19:48.069 --> 01:19:47.950 doing red flag and other exercises . 01:19:48.040 --> 01:19:50.160 You , you , you could absolutely . 01:19:51.859 --> 01:19:53.803 Right , thank you very much , Mr . 01:19:53.803 --> 01:19:55.859 Chairman . This is a really exciting 01:19:55.859 --> 01:19:58.009 time for Jay Baron Ielson , and I 01:19:58.009 --> 01:20:00.319 appreciate the leadership of the , uh , 01:20:00.700 --> 01:20:03.033 General Wilsbach , Secretary Mick , and , 01:20:03.033 --> 01:20:05.089 uh , General , we'll get to you with 01:20:05.089 --> 01:20:07.033 some cue first because what you're 01:20:07.033 --> 01:20:09.311 doing is important as well . Thank you . 01:20:09.311 --> 01:20:11.256 Thank you very much , uh , Senator 01:20:11.256 --> 01:20:13.311 Sullivan , Senator Budd . Uh , thank 01:20:13.311 --> 01:20:13.020 you , Chairman . Gentlemen , thank you 01:20:13.020 --> 01:20:15.076 for being here . Uh , thanks for all 01:20:15.076 --> 01:20:16.853 you do for our airmen , for our 01:20:16.853 --> 01:20:19.020 guardians . Um , Secretary Mink , um , 01:20:19.020 --> 01:20:20.964 thanks for supporting my Air Power 01:20:20.964 --> 01:20:22.853 Exploration Act a few weeks ago , 01:20:22.853 --> 01:20:25.000 especially for the provision to 01:20:25.000 --> 01:20:27.930 increase the 15 EX fleet by an 01:20:27.930 --> 01:20:30.689 additional 200 aircraft . Um , I think 01:20:30.689 --> 01:20:32.911 that's the right number to recapitalize 01:20:32.911 --> 01:20:36.149 the , the 8 current F-15E squadrons . 01:20:36.649 --> 01:20:40.490 So after the six initial 15 F-15 EX 01:20:40.490 --> 01:20:42.930 bases received their aircraft , what's 01:20:42.930 --> 01:20:45.410 your vision for where the aircraft next 01:20:45.410 --> 01:20:49.270 go ? Uh , yeah , Senator , and , 01:20:49.399 --> 01:20:51.621 and I appreciate your support on that , 01:20:51.621 --> 01:20:53.677 uh , critical platform , critical of 01:20:53.677 --> 01:20:55.677 what , what you do in your state to 01:20:55.677 --> 01:20:57.843 support that platform . Uh , we really 01:20:57.843 --> 01:20:59.510 appreciate that and it's been 01:20:59.510 --> 01:21:01.677 demonstrated time and time again how , 01:21:01.677 --> 01:21:03.899 in even in combat , how good a platform 01:21:03.899 --> 01:21:05.955 that is . Uh , with respect to as we 01:21:05.955 --> 01:21:05.640 build those out , you know , we'll , 01:21:05.759 --> 01:21:08.040 we'll set up an , uh , strategic basin , 01:21:08.189 --> 01:21:10.479 the strategic basing criteria to go off 01:21:10.479 --> 01:21:12.701 and work that . I , I can't say exactly 01:21:12.701 --> 01:21:14.923 where they're gonna go , but it'll be a 01:21:14.923 --> 01:21:17.146 combination of active and guard reserve 01:21:17.146 --> 01:21:19.423 units that'll be looked at . Thank you . 01:21:19.790 --> 01:21:22.270 Um , Secretary , continuing with you on 01:21:22.270 --> 01:21:24.750 the topic of these 15 EXs , what's your 01:21:24.750 --> 01:21:27.270 plan to stand up the two squadrons at 01:21:27.270 --> 01:21:29.437 Kadena Air Base in Japan as quickly as 01:21:29.437 --> 01:21:31.437 possible ? Uh the background , I've 01:21:31.437 --> 01:21:33.048 been seeing constant fighter 01:21:33.048 --> 01:21:34.992 deployments to Kadena for almost 5 01:21:34.992 --> 01:21:36.992 years now to fill the vacuum of the 01:21:36.992 --> 01:21:39.214 F-15Cs that are that started leaving in 01:21:39.214 --> 01:21:42.899 2022 , I believe . Uh , yes , I believe 01:21:42.899 --> 01:21:45.066 we start , um , I'm looking through my 01:21:45.066 --> 01:21:47.010 numbers here . I think we actually 01:21:47.010 --> 01:21:49.177 deliver the first aircraft next year . 01:21:49.177 --> 01:21:51.288 Is that right ? General Wilsbach , if 01:21:51.288 --> 01:21:50.580 you wanna add it , yeah , I think it's 01:21:50.580 --> 01:21:53.500 next year we finish by 28 or 29 , 28 . 01:21:54.600 --> 01:21:56.720 So , uh , as you , as you know , 01:21:56.890 --> 01:21:59.112 Senator , we're , we're pushing hard to 01:21:59.112 --> 01:22:01.379 ramp production . Uh , Boeing has 01:22:01.379 --> 01:22:04.120 fallen behind a bit . A lot of it's due 01:22:04.120 --> 01:22:06.009 to the strike , but we're working 01:22:06.009 --> 01:22:07.676 closely with them to increase 01:22:07.676 --> 01:22:09.842 production , uh , to get well beyond 2 01:22:09.842 --> 01:22:12.009 per month , which will not only enable 01:22:12.009 --> 01:22:14.176 what we're doing , um , in Korea , but 01:22:14.176 --> 01:22:16.342 also , um , uh , the rest of the bases 01:22:16.342 --> 01:22:18.564 around the world . Thank you . Anything 01:22:18.564 --> 01:22:20.731 else to add , General ? On that , no , 01:22:20.731 --> 01:22:20.310 Senator , yeah , thank you . Um , 01:22:20.479 --> 01:22:22.590 Secretary , another piece of my Power 01:22:22.590 --> 01:22:24.646 Acceleration Act is the provision to 01:22:24.646 --> 01:22:26.701 allow multi-year procurement for the 01:22:26.701 --> 01:22:29.810 F-35 and for the 15EX . Uh , can you 01:22:29.810 --> 01:22:31.866 describe the benefits this authority 01:22:31.866 --> 01:22:33.866 would bring to the service , to the 01:22:33.866 --> 01:22:35.699 industry , and to the taxpayer ? 01:22:35.699 --> 01:22:38.032 Multi-year procurements . Yes , Senator , 01:22:38.032 --> 01:22:40.490 this increasing our flexibility to use 01:22:40.490 --> 01:22:42.689 multi-year procurement is just 01:22:42.689 --> 01:22:45.490 critically important . Uh , 15 is an 01:22:45.490 --> 01:22:47.101 exemplar of that because the 01:22:47.101 --> 01:22:49.810 instability , uh , in the production 01:22:49.810 --> 01:22:52.229 rates and the unknown future , the , 01:22:52.290 --> 01:22:54.810 the contractor just couldn't make the 01:22:54.810 --> 01:22:58.310 investments necessary to , to tool up 01:22:58.689 --> 01:23:01.609 and improve and really modernizing how 01:23:01.609 --> 01:23:03.442 they're doing production of that 01:23:03.442 --> 01:23:05.810 aircraft . Uh , so , so doing that , a 01:23:05.810 --> 01:23:07.921 lot , that long term stability allows 01:23:07.921 --> 01:23:10.088 the contractor to do those things that 01:23:10.088 --> 01:23:12.310 it eventually save the government money 01:23:12.310 --> 01:23:14.477 and allow us to produce those aircraft 01:23:14.477 --> 01:23:16.421 quicker . Uh , so it , it's , it's 01:23:16.421 --> 01:23:18.477 important there , F-35 , not only on 01:23:18.477 --> 01:23:20.588 the aircraft production , but also on 01:23:20.588 --> 01:23:22.810 the parts production , right ? Having a 01:23:22.810 --> 01:23:24.754 stable long-term , uh , multi-year 01:23:25.069 --> 01:23:27.540 contract on parts as well as the 01:23:27.540 --> 01:23:29.707 aircraft themselves or , or spacecraft 01:23:29.707 --> 01:23:31.930 in that case . Uh , or in other cases 01:23:31.930 --> 01:23:35.169 is just super important . Um , year to 01:23:35.169 --> 01:23:37.939 year is , is , is , is inefficient , 01:23:38.049 --> 01:23:40.529 but it's also doesn't allow us to do 01:23:40.529 --> 01:23:43.490 the things to , to improve the systems 01:23:43.490 --> 01:23:45.546 going forward as well . Yeah , thank 01:23:45.546 --> 01:23:47.601 you very much for that answer . Um , 01:23:47.601 --> 01:23:49.609 General , um , Wilsbach on pilot 01:23:49.609 --> 01:23:51.720 retention , I've helped introduce the 01:23:51.720 --> 01:23:54.029 Britain Act with Senator Shaheen . And 01:23:54.029 --> 01:23:55.751 a lot of my colleagues on this 01:23:55.751 --> 01:23:57.973 committee joined me . So this bill aims 01:23:57.973 --> 01:23:59.807 to boost pilot retention through 01:23:59.807 --> 01:24:01.990 monetary and non-monetary incentives . 01:24:02.439 --> 01:24:04.495 Can you talk a little bit about what 01:24:04.495 --> 01:24:07.160 the Air Force is specifically doing to 01:24:07.160 --> 01:24:09.879 help better pilot retention ? Um , yes , 01:24:09.990 --> 01:24:12.157 Senator . So I , I would say we have a 01:24:12.157 --> 01:24:14.759 trifecta approach . Uh , the most 01:24:14.759 --> 01:24:16.870 important one , I believe , is pilots 01:24:16.870 --> 01:24:19.080 want to fly . Um , and so getting them 01:24:19.080 --> 01:24:21.024 in the cockpit and flying multiple 01:24:21.024 --> 01:24:23.220 times a week is , is the biggest 01:24:23.220 --> 01:24:25.331 complaint that they have that they're 01:24:25.331 --> 01:24:27.220 not getting to do . And so the 27 01:24:27.220 --> 01:24:29.442 budget dedicates $24 billion to weapons 01:24:29.442 --> 01:24:31.276 systems sustainment , which will 01:24:31.276 --> 01:24:33.442 generate additional sorties . And then 01:24:33.442 --> 01:24:35.553 the $10 billion for flying hours will 01:24:35.553 --> 01:24:37.720 allow the pilots to get more sorties . 01:24:37.720 --> 01:24:39.942 That's the first of the trifecta . Um , 01:24:39.942 --> 01:24:42.370 the second one is , um , incentives , 01:24:42.379 --> 01:24:44.709 uh , via pay . There's a monthly , uh , 01:24:44.790 --> 01:24:46.679 monthly , uh , your , your , your 01:24:46.679 --> 01:24:48.957 flight pay and then the bonus . And so , 01:24:49.029 --> 01:24:51.085 uh , Congress has helped us out this 01:24:51.085 --> 01:24:53.310 year with maximizing uh those amounts 01:24:53.310 --> 01:24:55.629 in the 27 budget request , um , that 01:24:55.629 --> 01:24:57.685 maximization as well . That , that's 01:24:57.685 --> 01:25:00.640 meaningful to the families . And then , 01:25:00.870 --> 01:25:03.259 uh , the last one is , uh , uh , 01:25:03.270 --> 01:25:06.549 quality of life measures . And probably 01:25:06.549 --> 01:25:09.180 the biggest complaint we hear is too 01:25:09.180 --> 01:25:11.700 many moves , and so we've instituted a 01:25:11.700 --> 01:25:14.779 number of programs where pilots can 01:25:14.779 --> 01:25:17.100 choose to stay at locations for longer 01:25:17.100 --> 01:25:19.540 periods of time and reduce the number 01:25:19.540 --> 01:25:21.707 of moves , and that provides stability 01:25:21.707 --> 01:25:23.707 for their families . So those three 01:25:23.707 --> 01:25:25.651 features are things we believe are 01:25:25.651 --> 01:25:27.818 going to help us with retention . Very 01:25:27.818 --> 01:25:30.151 helpful . Thank you all , Chairman . Uh , 01:25:30.160 --> 01:25:32.327 thank you very much , Senator Peters . 01:25:32.327 --> 01:25:34.493 You were recognized . Thank you , Mr . 01:25:34.493 --> 01:25:36.382 Chairman , and , uh , thank you , 01:25:36.382 --> 01:25:36.169 gentlemen for being here , uh , 01:25:36.399 --> 01:25:38.399 testifying here today and certainly 01:25:38.399 --> 01:25:40.288 appreciate the opportunity in our 01:25:40.288 --> 01:25:42.177 closed session prior to this open 01:25:42.177 --> 01:25:44.066 session to talk about a number of 01:25:44.066 --> 01:25:46.343 important issues . Secretary Benk , um , 01:25:46.500 --> 01:25:49.029 uh , as you know , in April 2025 , 01:25:49.399 --> 01:25:51.510 President Trump visited the Selfridge 01:25:51.510 --> 01:25:53.732 Air National Guard base in Michigan and 01:25:53.732 --> 01:25:55.732 announced . That Selfridge would be 01:25:55.732 --> 01:25:59.000 receiving 21 F-15EXs in addition to the 01:25:59.000 --> 01:26:02.439 previously announced KC-46s . Uh , in 01:26:02.439 --> 01:26:04.495 preparation for these aircraft , the 01:26:04.495 --> 01:26:06.328 Air Force requested the state of 01:26:06.328 --> 01:26:08.217 Michigan to fund Selfridge Runway 01:26:08.217 --> 01:26:10.600 encroachment project . Um , and as , uh , 01:26:10.609 --> 01:26:12.831 you know , and you heard today and have 01:26:12.831 --> 01:26:14.887 heard before today as well that this 01:26:14.887 --> 01:26:17.080 project is critical to ensure on-time 01:26:17.080 --> 01:26:19.020 military construction . And the 01:26:19.020 --> 01:26:21.076 Michigan , uh , legislature actually 01:26:21.076 --> 01:26:23.409 passed that funding and signed into law , 01:26:23.409 --> 01:26:25.631 so accomplishing a check mark on a , on 01:26:25.631 --> 01:26:27.798 a critical piece of all of that . Uh , 01:26:27.798 --> 01:26:29.909 this was following months of advocacy 01:26:29.909 --> 01:26:32.020 from folks at the state , local , and 01:26:32.020 --> 01:26:34.242 federal level . Uh , and now with the , 01:26:34.250 --> 01:26:36.083 uh , the state delivering on the 01:26:36.083 --> 01:26:38.250 funding , I think it's imperative that 01:26:38.250 --> 01:26:40.528 we move forward as quickly as possible . 01:26:40.528 --> 01:26:42.583 When , when we met last month , uh , 01:26:42.583 --> 01:26:44.861 General , uh , Wilsbach , um , or when , 01:26:44.861 --> 01:26:47.083 uh , we met with General Wilsbach , you 01:26:47.083 --> 01:26:48.750 shared , uh , that successful 01:26:48.750 --> 01:26:50.806 completion of all necessary military 01:26:50.806 --> 01:26:52.917 construction projects , including the 01:26:52.917 --> 01:26:55.139 state's vital contribution we'll make , 01:26:55.139 --> 01:26:55.089 and I like this , uh , phrase you said 01:26:55.089 --> 01:26:57.256 it'll make it the finest guard base in 01:26:57.256 --> 01:26:59.478 the country , uh , quote . So I'm gonna 01:26:59.478 --> 01:27:01.645 quote you often , uh , on that because 01:27:01.645 --> 01:27:03.978 that is wonderful . Uh , so my question , 01:27:03.978 --> 01:27:06.089 uh , for you , sir , is , uh , do you 01:27:06.089 --> 01:27:08.200 have a commitment to work to actually 01:27:08.200 --> 01:27:10.311 accelerate as much as possible , uh , 01:27:10.311 --> 01:27:12.089 Selfridge military construction 01:27:12.089 --> 01:27:14.089 projects ? We want to make sure not 01:27:14.089 --> 01:27:14.069 only does it live up to the finest base 01:27:14.069 --> 01:27:16.180 in the country , but understand , and 01:27:16.180 --> 01:27:18.513 I've been around long enough , you know , 01:27:18.513 --> 01:27:20.736 until the shovels get in the ground and 01:27:20.736 --> 01:27:22.958 things start moving , uh , the . Things 01:27:22.958 --> 01:27:22.879 could occur at some point that will 01:27:22.879 --> 01:27:24.935 slow that down , and if we slow that 01:27:24.935 --> 01:27:26.990 down , that could potentially impact 01:27:26.990 --> 01:27:29.212 actually bedding down those aircraft in 01:27:29.212 --> 01:27:31.268 a timely fashion . I would certainly 01:27:31.268 --> 01:27:33.379 love to work with you to see if there 01:27:33.379 --> 01:27:35.379 are ways that we can accelerate the 01:27:35.379 --> 01:27:37.657 timeline that you have put out . Again , 01:27:37.657 --> 01:27:37.600 I appreciate your commitment . We've 01:27:37.600 --> 01:27:39.767 had amazing conversations about this . 01:27:39.767 --> 01:27:41.878 I know you're fully committed . But I 01:27:41.878 --> 01:27:43.544 also believe that any kind of 01:27:43.544 --> 01:27:46.589 acceleration ensures for sure that this 01:27:46.589 --> 01:27:48.756 actually gets accomplished . Just love 01:27:48.756 --> 01:27:50.645 to have your thoughts on that and 01:27:50.645 --> 01:27:50.589 hopefully a commitment to try to figure 01:27:50.589 --> 01:27:53.069 that out . Yeah , sure , Senator , and 01:27:53.069 --> 01:27:55.410 I , I . I don't , I didn't write it 01:27:55.410 --> 01:27:57.632 down . I think I may have said the most 01:27:57.632 --> 01:27:59.799 capable guard base . I don't know if I 01:27:59.799 --> 01:28:02.021 said the finest . I may have said the , 01:28:02.021 --> 01:28:04.299 you said the finest . Yeah , yeah . Uh , 01:28:04.299 --> 01:28:06.410 the general , the general did , and I 01:28:06.410 --> 01:28:08.299 love his words . I really do . No 01:28:08.299 --> 01:28:10.466 question with the 21 F-15s and as well 01:28:10.466 --> 01:28:12.632 as the , the tankers , it's gonna be a 01:28:12.632 --> 01:28:14.743 very , very capable , uh , uh , guard 01:28:14.743 --> 01:28:16.688 base as , as , as , as many of our 01:28:16.688 --> 01:28:18.919 guard bases are . Um , so , so again , 01:28:19.459 --> 01:28:21.626 thank you for the work , um , as we've 01:28:21.626 --> 01:28:23.848 discussed many times , the , the key to 01:28:23.848 --> 01:28:26.070 the , the state's investment was to get 01:28:26.070 --> 01:28:28.700 the runway done in time for the F-15s 01:28:28.700 --> 01:28:30.533 to show up so that we actually , 01:28:30.533 --> 01:28:32.589 Wouldn't have to move them until the 01:28:32.589 --> 01:28:34.700 runway was fixed and then come back . 01:28:34.700 --> 01:28:36.867 So that , that dramatically simplifies 01:28:36.867 --> 01:28:39.033 and lowers the risk of being able to , 01:28:39.033 --> 01:28:41.089 to keep the aircraft there once they 01:28:41.089 --> 01:28:43.200 show up . So , again , thank you very 01:28:43.200 --> 01:28:43.200 much , really , really appreciate that . 01:28:43.529 --> 01:28:45.640 Um , and , and I , I'm sure as you're 01:28:45.640 --> 01:28:47.751 also tracking , there's about 8000 to 01:28:47.751 --> 01:28:49.696 $900 million of , of additional uh 01:28:49.696 --> 01:28:51.751 Milcom that has to occur there , not 01:28:51.751 --> 01:28:53.807 just for the 15s , but for the , the 01:28:53.807 --> 01:28:56.950 KC-46s as , as well . Uh , so we are , 01:28:57.069 --> 01:28:59.459 we are , we are looking now at with the 01:28:59.459 --> 01:29:01.790 flexibility now that , uh , the state 01:29:01.790 --> 01:29:04.109 has approved the funding , uh , looking 01:29:04.109 --> 01:29:06.276 now at what options do we have to , to 01:29:06.276 --> 01:29:09.189 pull things back and , uh , potentially 01:29:09.189 --> 01:29:11.411 with some funding flexibility that that 01:29:11.411 --> 01:29:13.633 gives us . So we're working on that and 01:29:13.633 --> 01:29:15.800 we'll get back to you on that . No , I 01:29:15.800 --> 01:29:15.729 appreciate that and , uh , I appreciate , 01:29:15.790 --> 01:29:17.846 uh , your efforts on that and . Look 01:29:17.846 --> 01:29:20.068 forward to getting that completed . I , 01:29:20.068 --> 01:29:22.068 I've also been working with the Air 01:29:22.068 --> 01:29:24.179 Force for years to address the PFASST 01:29:24.179 --> 01:29:26.234 contamination , uh , particularly at 01:29:26.234 --> 01:29:28.568 Wordsmith Air Force Base in Oskoda . Uh , 01:29:28.568 --> 01:29:30.234 and I certainly recognize the 01:29:30.234 --> 01:29:32.234 complexity of this cleanup effort . 01:29:32.234 --> 01:29:34.346 I've been working on it , as I said , 01:29:34.346 --> 01:29:33.870 for years , and I also appreciate the 01:29:33.870 --> 01:29:36.149 time and energy that the Air Force has 01:29:36.149 --> 01:29:38.140 dedicated to it and the continued 01:29:38.140 --> 01:29:40.307 communication , uh , we've had related 01:29:40.307 --> 01:29:42.418 to , uh , uh , the , uh , the cleanup 01:29:42.418 --> 01:29:44.640 that it's done , uh , correctly . But I 01:29:44.640 --> 01:29:46.870 am extremely concerned and disappointed 01:29:46.870 --> 01:29:49.910 by some recent reports that show that 01:29:49.910 --> 01:29:51.966 cleanup efforts may be delayed by as 01:29:51.966 --> 01:29:54.350 much as 5 years , with remedial action 01:29:54.350 --> 01:29:57.649 construction now set in 2035 . That's 01:29:57.649 --> 01:30:00.589 25 years after contamination was first 01:30:00.589 --> 01:30:02.811 identified in the state . You know , we 01:30:02.811 --> 01:30:04.533 just , we just can't keep this 01:30:04.533 --> 01:30:06.756 community waiting forever . It's , it's 01:30:06.756 --> 01:30:08.867 unacceptable . Uh , we need a cleanup 01:30:08.867 --> 01:30:10.867 done right , and we need it done as 01:30:10.867 --> 01:30:13.033 soon as possible . Uh , and if there's 01:30:13.033 --> 01:30:15.367 a way to get this cleanup back on track , 01:30:15.367 --> 01:30:17.478 whether it's a matter of funding or , 01:30:17.478 --> 01:30:19.645 or some other factor , uh , we need to 01:30:19.645 --> 01:30:21.978 pursue all of those , uh , options . So , 01:30:21.978 --> 01:30:24.145 um , really , my , my question for you 01:30:24.145 --> 01:30:26.145 is , is how can we get this back on 01:30:26.145 --> 01:30:27.811 track ? I'd love to have your 01:30:27.811 --> 01:30:29.978 commitment . Uh , to , to work with me 01:30:29.978 --> 01:30:31.756 to try to figure out how we can 01:30:31.756 --> 01:30:33.756 reassess that , that delay . And as 01:30:33.756 --> 01:30:35.756 part of that , I'm hoping you could 01:30:35.756 --> 01:30:37.922 provide me and the community , and the 01:30:37.922 --> 01:30:39.978 community desperately needs this , a 01:30:39.978 --> 01:30:42.089 detailed rationale for why this delay 01:30:42.089 --> 01:30:44.145 was announced . And I'd also like to 01:30:44.145 --> 01:30:46.089 know the current status of ongoing 01:30:46.089 --> 01:30:48.256 interim remedial actions at the site . 01:30:48.256 --> 01:30:50.422 And how this delay is now gonna impact 01:30:50.422 --> 01:30:52.533 uh those uh remedial actions that are 01:30:52.533 --> 01:30:54.645 going on in the site . And I , I hope 01:30:54.645 --> 01:30:56.756 you agree with me , Secretary , and , 01:30:56.756 --> 01:30:58.756 and I , I know you care about these 01:30:58.756 --> 01:31:00.922 issues . We've had a lot of discussion 01:31:00.922 --> 01:31:03.089 about it , but certainly the community 01:31:03.089 --> 01:31:02.810 deserves to have more detailed answers 01:31:02.810 --> 01:31:04.977 than they're getting right now . And I 01:31:04.977 --> 01:31:07.143 hope that I could have your commitment 01:31:07.143 --> 01:31:09.199 that we could get that done and meet 01:31:09.199 --> 01:31:08.959 with your team , have my team meet with 01:31:08.959 --> 01:31:11.181 yours , whatever it takes , and have an 01:31:11.181 --> 01:31:13.403 opportunity to let everyone know that . 01:31:13.750 --> 01:31:15.861 This will get done and hopefully much 01:31:15.861 --> 01:31:18.028 sooner than what is being contemplated 01:31:18.028 --> 01:31:20.250 now . Uh , yes , Senator , absolutely . 01:31:20.339 --> 01:31:22.506 We , we do take these issues serious , 01:31:22.506 --> 01:31:24.672 both for our firemen and for the local 01:31:24.672 --> 01:31:26.895 community . Uh , so I'll go back to you 01:31:26.895 --> 01:31:29.006 on that . Um , I'm actually trying to 01:31:29.006 --> 01:31:31.172 dig up where that five-year delay came 01:31:31.172 --> 01:31:33.395 from . I actually can't find where that 01:31:33.395 --> 01:31:35.228 has , uh , that , that , that is 01:31:35.228 --> 01:31:37.450 actually going to occur , but I'm gonna 01:31:37.450 --> 01:31:39.672 dig into it and get back to you on it . 01:31:39.672 --> 01:31:39.660 I appreciate it . Thank you for your 01:31:39.660 --> 01:31:41.771 efforts . Thank you , Mr . Chairman . 01:31:41.771 --> 01:31:43.993 Uh , thank you , Senator Peters , and , 01:31:43.993 --> 01:31:45.993 uh , gentlemen , there will be a An 01:31:45.993 --> 01:31:49.759 unusual amount of questions for the 01:31:49.759 --> 01:31:52.629 record and , and Mr . Secretary , 01:31:52.839 --> 01:31:55.470 you'll be able to supplement your uh 01:31:55.470 --> 01:31:59.270 answer to Senator Peters , um , um , in , 01:31:59.279 --> 01:32:01.759 um . In in your follow up , uh , 01:32:01.810 --> 01:32:04.009 answers to the record , uh , we're 01:32:04.009 --> 01:32:06.790 almost through , um , but General 01:32:06.790 --> 01:32:09.068 Saltzman , this , this may be the last , 01:32:09.068 --> 01:32:12.169 uh , question you , uh , uh , ever 01:32:12.169 --> 01:32:14.391 answered before , uh , this committee , 01:32:14.391 --> 01:32:16.790 and I wanna give you an opportunity . 01:32:17.040 --> 01:32:19.470 You pointed out this is a lot of money 01:32:19.569 --> 01:32:22.310 that we're asking for . Every bit of it 01:32:22.689 --> 01:32:25.930 is , is justified . Um , it's , it's a 01:32:25.930 --> 01:32:29.850 124% increase . In the budget 01:32:29.850 --> 01:32:33.620 alongside a 27% increase in in strength . 01:32:34.319 --> 01:32:36.500 Um , And , and you're going to be 01:32:36.500 --> 01:32:39.779 standing up a lot of very essential 01:32:39.779 --> 01:32:42.120 things on something that is relatively 01:32:42.459 --> 01:32:46.209 new . Assure us and assure the 01:32:46.209 --> 01:32:49.609 taxpayers and the public that that 01:32:50.080 --> 01:32:53.490 we will be able to absorb this amount 01:32:53.810 --> 01:32:57.479 and actually put it to work and 01:32:57.569 --> 01:33:01.509 and put these capabilities in place 01:33:02.120 --> 01:33:05.160 in short order . Well , thank you very 01:33:05.160 --> 01:33:07.382 much , Senator , for the opportunity to 01:33:07.382 --> 01:33:09.493 say that . Um , it , it is a historic 01:33:09.493 --> 01:33:12.290 increase , 124% , uh , in one year . Uh , 01:33:12.470 --> 01:33:14.692 mostly it's obviously attributed to the 01:33:14.692 --> 01:33:17.140 12 or 15 new systems we're bringing on , 01:33:17.549 --> 01:33:19.660 the number of people we're gonna have 01:33:19.660 --> 01:33:21.827 to bring on to operate those systems , 01:33:21.827 --> 01:33:23.549 the program officers to do the 01:33:23.549 --> 01:33:25.549 acquisition work , the MLCon that's 01:33:25.549 --> 01:33:27.771 necessary to build out the resiliency . 01:33:27.771 --> 01:33:29.438 Uh , we're taking some , uh , 01:33:29.438 --> 01:33:31.216 constellations that were 4 or 5 01:33:31.216 --> 01:33:30.910 satellites and turning them into 01:33:30.910 --> 01:33:33.750 constellations of 300+ satellites . Uh , 01:33:33.979 --> 01:33:36.257 this is not inconsequential investment , 01:33:36.990 --> 01:33:39.101 um , but what I can tell you is we've 01:33:39.101 --> 01:33:41.323 done the design work , the architecture 01:33:41.323 --> 01:33:43.546 is in place , the contract vehicles are 01:33:43.546 --> 01:33:43.330 in place . I'm looking at my numbers 01:33:43.330 --> 01:33:46.430 here , about 90% of the budget requests 01:33:46.529 --> 01:33:49.200 are already on existing programs . Uh , 01:33:49.209 --> 01:33:53.169 only 7.6% will require new starts . 01:33:53.285 --> 01:33:55.507 For example , so we believe we have the 01:33:55.507 --> 01:33:57.396 structure in place , the contract 01:33:57.396 --> 01:33:59.396 vehicles in place , uh , the design 01:33:59.396 --> 01:34:01.618 work has been complete , and now we can 01:34:01.618 --> 01:34:03.841 simply add the resources , uh , attract 01:34:03.841 --> 01:34:05.952 the , the , the new personnel , train 01:34:05.952 --> 01:34:08.118 them , and , and , and spend the money 01:34:08.118 --> 01:34:10.118 that's being allocated to the Space 01:34:10.118 --> 01:34:12.490 Force . Uh , thank you very much and 01:34:12.490 --> 01:34:15.169 Godspeed to you , Senator Reed . Uh , 01:34:15.290 --> 01:34:17.346 do you have further questions ? No , 01:34:17.346 --> 01:34:19.410 sir . I just , uh , again to thank 01:34:19.410 --> 01:34:20.799 everyone here and , uh , 01:34:20.799 --> 01:34:22.910 congratulations . Well done , General 01:34:22.910 --> 01:34:25.132 Salton . Thank you . This concludes the 01:34:25.132 --> 01:34:27.132 open portion of today's hearing . I 01:34:27.132 --> 01:34:29.359 want to thank our witnesses and for the 01:34:29.359 --> 01:34:31.470 information of members' questions for 01:34:31.470 --> 01:34:33.692 the record will be due to the committee 01:34:33.692 --> 01:34:35.479 within 2 business days of the 01:34:35.479 --> 01:34:38.129 conclusion of the hearing and with that 01:34:38.129 --> 01:34:38.930 we are adjourned .