Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011

Floor Speech

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Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise to support the amendment introduced by my colleague from Illinois (Mr. Gutierrez). If we are truly serious about reducing our long-term deficits, we must look at the whole picture, a picture that includes defense. There can be no sacred cows or pork.

Today, defense spending, including security-related programs, comprises almost 20 percent of Federal spending, yet it is the only part of this budget that is exempt from the tough cuts facing all other Departments.

The Osprey is one of the most egregious examples of waste in the defense budget, yet DOD continues to request this costly, ineffective machine. And with due respect, the only threat this amendment poses if it doesn't pass, it could kill our own troops. Even worse, Congress continues to fund it.

The Osprey was originally created to allow Marines to carry troops and cargo faster, higher and farther than a traditional helicopter. Now the Osprey is 186 percent over budget, costs $100 million per unit to produce, it is not suited to fly safely in extreme heat, excessive sand or under fire, and, sadly, this aircraft has killed 30 Marines in accidents.

The Government Accountability Office recommended DOD reconsider procurement of the Osprey, and experts argue a helicopter could achieve many of the objectives of the Osprey at a much lower cost. Let's show our constituents we are serious about cutting the deficit by looking at all parts of the budget. Waste is waste; bloat is bloat. The fact that it comes under the Department of Defense doesn't change anything.

I urge adoption of this amendment because eliminating funding for procurement of a costly, inefficient and over-budget V-22 Osprey will prove to our constituents that we are serious about reducing spending. It will help realign our military strategy to meet today's needs, and it will save the taxpayers $415 million this year alone.

I yield back.

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