WEBVTT 00:00.730 --> 00:02.952 Good morning . The Defense Subcommittee 00:02.952 --> 00:04.897 will come to order . We're here to 00:04.897 --> 00:06.897 discuss the Department of Air Force 00:06.897 --> 00:09.008 budget request for fiscal year 1919 , 00:09.008 --> 00:12.050 2027 . We have three witnesses before 00:12.050 --> 00:13.939 us , Secretary of the Air Force , 00:13.939 --> 00:15.828 Doctor Troy Minick , um , General 00:15.828 --> 00:17.883 Kenneth Welsbach , uh , Chief of the 00:17.883 --> 00:20.161 Air Force , and General Chance Salzman , 00:20.170 --> 00:22.281 Chief of Space Operations . I want to 00:22.281 --> 00:24.392 first recognize the Air Force efforts 00:24.392 --> 00:26.448 during the operations of Venezuela , 00:26.448 --> 00:28.629 now Iran . We have incredible airmen 00:28.629 --> 00:30.518 that serve . I certainly offer my 00:30.518 --> 00:32.573 condolences for those who , who paid 00:32.573 --> 00:34.629 the ultimate sacrifice and those who 00:34.629 --> 00:37.029 wounded , harrowing the rescue of Dude 00:37.029 --> 00:39.389 44 . Our airmen are the very best in 00:39.389 --> 00:41.759 the world . I also want to acknowledge 00:41.759 --> 00:43.870 the aircraft we've lost and munitions 00:43.870 --> 00:46.200 we've expended in Iran , which is not 00:46.200 --> 00:48.860 insignificant . We may see a request 00:48.860 --> 00:51.409 for a supplemental at some point . Uh , 00:51.759 --> 00:53.926 but we have not seen it yet , and it's 00:53.926 --> 00:55.981 unclear how we plan to replenish our 00:55.981 --> 00:58.092 stocks and address losses we've taken 00:58.092 --> 00:59.926 in our Air Force inventory . The 00:59.926 --> 01:01.815 request before the committee does 01:01.815 --> 01:03.926 include additional aircraft including 01:03.926 --> 01:07.080 24 F-15 EXs , 15 KC-46s , 01:07.150 --> 01:10.339 23 T7s , and a healthy request for 01:10.839 --> 01:13.129 F-47 and the next generation bomber . 01:13.480 --> 01:17.199 38 F-35As are requested , of which 14 01:17.199 --> 01:19.421 of those are requested in the mandatory 01:19.421 --> 01:21.477 side . That brings me to a concern I 01:21.477 --> 01:23.699 want to put on the record . In addition 01:23.699 --> 01:25.866 to the billions requested for the F-35 01:25.866 --> 01:28.032 Enterprise , several of these programs 01:28.032 --> 01:30.143 I consider highest priority are being 01:30.143 --> 01:32.310 funded through the mandatory request . 01:32.310 --> 01:35.889 $17.5 billion for Golden Dome , $7.7 01:35.889 --> 01:38.222 billion for Air Moving Target indicator , 01:38.222 --> 01:40.500 $4.6 billion for munitions procurement , 01:41.180 --> 01:43.680 and $3.9 billion for space data network . 01:44.500 --> 01:46.611 Mandatory funding bypasses the annual 01:46.611 --> 01:48.722 appropriations process , which is how 01:48.722 --> 01:50.556 Congress exercises its oversight 01:50.556 --> 01:52.722 responsibility . If these programs are 01:52.722 --> 01:54.611 as critical as the budget request 01:54.611 --> 01:56.611 suggests , and I believe they are , 01:56.699 --> 01:58.921 then they deserve all the full scrutiny 01:58.921 --> 02:01.220 and sustained attention that we on the 02:01.220 --> 02:04.019 appropriations process provides . I 02:04.019 --> 02:06.186 would urge the department to work with 02:06.186 --> 02:08.186 us to bring these programs into the 02:08.186 --> 02:10.463 discretionary budget where they belong . 02:10.463 --> 02:12.630 With that said , I would note that the 02:12.630 --> 02:14.960 US Space Force has made remarkable 02:14.960 --> 02:17.160 progress in a short time , maturing 02:17.160 --> 02:19.049 into a true warfighting service , 02:19.080 --> 02:21.191 accelerating the delivery of critical 02:21.191 --> 02:22.969 capability and prioritizing the 02:22.969 --> 02:25.309 resilience across its architecture . I 02:25.309 --> 02:27.476 commend the men and women of the Space 02:27.476 --> 02:29.520 Force for that work , but we cannot 02:29.520 --> 02:31.687 afford to be satisfied . The domain is 02:31.687 --> 02:33.687 evolving faster than ever , and the 02:33.687 --> 02:36.289 challenges ahead are serious . China 02:36.289 --> 02:38.289 and Russia are not standing still . 02:38.449 --> 02:40.589 China has dramatically expanded its 02:41.210 --> 02:43.630 on-orbit presence , and both nations 02:43.630 --> 02:45.797 continue to test and develop dedicated 02:45.797 --> 02:48.910 space combat capability . This is not a 02:48.910 --> 02:51.021 future threat . It is a present one , 02:51.021 --> 02:52.910 and the posture must reflect that 02:52.910 --> 02:56.850 reality . The Space Force FY 27 02:56.850 --> 02:59.059 budget request of $71 billion up 02:59.059 --> 03:02.059 roughly $40 billion in FY 26 is a 03:02.059 --> 03:04.740 recognition of that threat . I support 03:04.740 --> 03:07.330 investing capabilities that we need . A 03:07.330 --> 03:09.274 budget of this scale will test our 03:09.274 --> 03:11.274 acquisition workforce , and we must 03:11.274 --> 03:13.219 ensure that growth and spending is 03:13.219 --> 03:15.274 matched by growth in our capacity to 03:15.274 --> 03:17.649 execute . We will work closely with you 03:17.649 --> 03:20.020 throughout the budget process to find 03:20.020 --> 03:22.500 ways we can accelerate the fielding of 03:22.500 --> 03:24.722 the platforms needed by our warfighters 03:24.722 --> 03:26.833 today . With that , I'll yield to the 03:26.833 --> 03:29.000 ranking member , Ms . McCollum for any 03:29.000 --> 03:31.278 opening remarks you would like to make . 03:31.278 --> 03:33.500 Thank you , Mr . Chair and good morning 03:33.500 --> 03:35.667 gentlemen , but a special good morning 03:35.667 --> 03:37.667 to you , General Saltzman . This is 03:37.667 --> 03:39.444 your last appearance before the 03:39.444 --> 03:41.389 committee , and you're the truly , 03:41.389 --> 03:43.556 you're my first Space Force person and 03:43.556 --> 03:45.889 so that I worked with for so many years . 03:45.889 --> 03:48.250 So thank you very much for taking me 03:48.250 --> 03:50.449 with on , on the journey to stand up 03:50.449 --> 03:52.970 this incredible group of men and women 03:52.970 --> 03:55.559 who work under your command . Um , 03:55.729 --> 03:57.951 we're gonna be scrutinizing , uh , what 03:57.951 --> 04:00.309 is a historically large budget request . 04:00.729 --> 04:02.840 For years we've been hearing that the 04:02.840 --> 04:05.250 department needs to be focused with its 04:05.250 --> 04:07.472 defense dollars on the challenge of the 04:07.472 --> 04:10.529 Indo-Pacific . But we've been anything 04:10.529 --> 04:13.520 but focused on China . We've seen major 04:13.520 --> 04:15.576 operations this year in our southern 04:15.576 --> 04:17.631 hemisphere and of course this budget 04:17.631 --> 04:19.687 drops as the president has taken our 04:19.687 --> 04:21.798 nation to war in Iran , which has not 04:21.798 --> 04:23.909 yet been authorized by Congress . The 04:23.909 --> 04:25.964 closure of the Strait of Hormu . has 04:25.964 --> 04:29.845 made energy prices go up globally and 04:29.845 --> 04:31.845 it's increased the cost of living . 04:32.125 --> 04:34.125 Everything from what my farmers are 04:34.125 --> 04:36.292 paying for fertilizer to the fuel that 04:36.292 --> 04:38.347 they're putting in their tractors as 04:38.347 --> 04:40.403 they go out to the field , let alone 04:40.403 --> 04:40.325 what everyday Americans are doing 04:40.325 --> 04:43.250 gassing up . The president says we 04:43.250 --> 04:46.070 can't afford to help American families 04:46.450 --> 04:48.617 with daycare or funding of Medicaid or 04:48.617 --> 04:50.783 Medicare because we're fighting wars . 04:50.783 --> 04:52.950 I strongly disagree with the president 04:52.950 --> 04:55.489 on this analysis . Um , there are many 04:55.489 --> 04:58.149 competing priorities . Your department 04:58.170 --> 05:00.281 is just one of them . We have to work 05:00.281 --> 05:02.392 to justify every dollar that you have 05:02.392 --> 05:04.869 requested . Mr . Secretary , I believe 05:04.869 --> 05:06.869 that you've worked very , very hard 05:06.869 --> 05:08.925 from our conversations to prioritize 05:08.925 --> 05:10.980 the requests , but you have to admit 05:10.980 --> 05:13.036 the numbers that the American people 05:13.036 --> 05:15.258 are hearing about are eye-popping . Air 05:15.258 --> 05:17.258 Force and Space Force , the request 05:17.258 --> 05:21.230 would increase by $92 billion and that 05:21.230 --> 05:22.897 increase alone , to put it in 05:22.897 --> 05:25.339 perspective , is the entire budget of 05:25.339 --> 05:27.390 commerce , justice , and science 05:27.390 --> 05:30.230 appropriation bills . General Saltzman , 05:30.489 --> 05:33.390 $71 billion for Space Force would be 3 05:33.390 --> 05:36.589 times the size of the NASA budget , so 05:36.790 --> 05:40.579 we have a lot of questions for you . Um , 05:40.670 --> 05:43.149 I just want to , um , and because of 05:43.149 --> 05:45.371 the , the amount of time that we have , 05:45.429 --> 05:47.910 especially for you , um , um , General 05:47.910 --> 05:50.070 Saltzman , you talked about your need 05:50.070 --> 05:52.510 for scientists and engineers , and for 05:52.510 --> 05:55.269 me that's why we can't cut STEM and as 05:55.269 --> 05:57.491 we call it Minnesota because we include 05:57.491 --> 06:00.309 the arts . ESTEM , that's our higher 06:00.309 --> 06:02.476 education funding for your workforce , 06:02.476 --> 06:04.698 so I'm curious to learn more about your 06:04.698 --> 06:06.920 plans to grow the Space Force and stand 06:06.920 --> 06:08.865 up the new program officers , Mr . 06:08.865 --> 06:10.976 Chair , and in the interest of making 06:10.976 --> 06:13.198 sure that everybody gets a chance to do 06:13.198 --> 06:16.579 anything , I am going to yield back . I 06:16.579 --> 06:18.857 thank the gentle lady and uh with that , 06:18.857 --> 06:21.100 uh , we'll , uh , start with the , your 06:21.100 --> 06:23.322 opening remarks . I just want to make a 06:23.322 --> 06:25.489 um Comment , we'll , we expect to have 06:25.489 --> 06:27.544 a vote series called about 9:45 . So 06:27.544 --> 06:29.600 we'll get through what we can recess 06:29.600 --> 06:31.899 and come back uh right after that . So 06:31.899 --> 06:33.732 with that , uh , doctor , you're 06:33.732 --> 06:35.955 recognized for your opening statement . 06:35.955 --> 06:37.788 Thank you , Mr . Chairman . Uh , 06:37.788 --> 06:39.788 appreciate it . Uh , Ranking Member 06:39.788 --> 06:42.010 McCollum , distinguished members of the 06:42.010 --> 06:41.369 committee , thank you for the 06:41.369 --> 06:43.536 opportunity to come and walk through , 06:43.536 --> 06:45.758 uh , at least at some level , the FY 27 06:46.130 --> 06:48.074 Department of the Air Force , uh , 06:48.074 --> 06:49.852 budget request . Appreciate the 06:49.852 --> 06:52.130 opportunity , appreciate the time . Uh , 06:52.130 --> 06:54.074 I'm proud to represent the 680,000 06:54.074 --> 06:56.297 airmen , guardians and civilians of the 06:56.297 --> 06:55.910 Department of the Air Force , as well 06:55.910 --> 06:57.854 as their families and loved ones . 06:58.070 --> 07:00.070 After the events of the last year , 07:00.070 --> 07:02.126 Midnight Hammer , Absolute resolve , 07:02.126 --> 07:04.348 epic Fury . I don't think anyone doubts 07:04.348 --> 07:06.514 that the Air Force and Space Force are 07:06.514 --> 07:08.514 the most capable in the world . But 07:08.514 --> 07:10.237 today we're in the middle of a 07:10.237 --> 07:12.459 generational shift in how we employ air 07:12.459 --> 07:14.126 and space power . Advances in 07:14.126 --> 07:15.681 microelectronics , adaptive 07:15.681 --> 07:17.959 manufacturing manufacturing , autonomy , 07:17.959 --> 07:19.779 AI , and more give us a unique 07:19.779 --> 07:21.859 opportunity to drive down cost and 07:21.859 --> 07:24.239 drive up effectiveness across the board . 07:24.690 --> 07:27.019 However , our adversaries recognize 07:27.019 --> 07:29.130 that opportunity every bit as much as 07:29.130 --> 07:30.739 we do . Those adversaries , 07:30.940 --> 07:33.162 particularly China , are modernizing at 07:33.162 --> 07:35.519 a very rapid pace . To stay ahead , we 07:35.519 --> 07:37.741 must innovate faster in everything that 07:37.741 --> 07:40.000 we do . That means staying ready not 07:40.000 --> 07:42.278 just to fight tonight , but next month , 07:42.278 --> 07:43.944 next year , and next decade . 07:44.519 --> 07:46.741 Unfortunately , for the past 25 years , 07:46.741 --> 07:48.852 the DAFF budget has actually been the 07:48.852 --> 07:51.186 smallest relative to GDP in its history . 07:51.186 --> 07:53.408 At the same time , the nation has asked 07:53.408 --> 07:55.352 more of it . To meet these mission 07:55.352 --> 07:57.297 needs , the DAF was forced to both 07:57.297 --> 07:59.463 continually cut foundational readiness 07:59.463 --> 08:01.019 and shortchange much-needed 08:01.019 --> 08:03.929 modernization . The fiscal year 2027 08:03.929 --> 08:06.096 president's budget breaks that pattern 08:06.096 --> 08:08.207 with a $338.8 billion request for the 08:08.207 --> 08:11.119 DAF , a 34% increase from last year . 08:11.920 --> 08:14.087 I'll start with our investments to win 08:14.087 --> 08:15.920 the fight tonight . Foundational 08:15.920 --> 08:18.142 readiness . Boosting readiness requires 08:18.142 --> 08:20.087 increased and stable investments , 08:20.087 --> 08:22.198 particularly given the age of many of 08:22.198 --> 08:24.364 our platforms . FY 27 budget increases 08:24.364 --> 08:26.531 our foundational readiness investments 08:26.531 --> 08:28.642 by 34% , providing the jump needed to 08:28.642 --> 08:30.753 truly recover . We're also looking at 08:30.753 --> 08:32.753 ways to operate more efficiently by 08:32.753 --> 08:34.976 accelerating decision-making , reducing 08:34.976 --> 08:36.809 industry barriers to entry , and 08:36.809 --> 08:38.531 leveraging innovative contract 08:38.531 --> 08:40.909 structures . The DAS lean budget over 08:40.909 --> 08:43.109 the years has also resulted in a $50 08:43.109 --> 08:45.276 billion facility maintenance backlog . 08:45.549 --> 08:47.771 This has been further compounded by the 08:47.771 --> 08:50.105 way , we have traditionally done MilCon , 08:50.105 --> 08:52.271 which results in cost more than double 08:52.271 --> 08:54.160 that in the commercial world . To 08:54.160 --> 08:55.938 reverse this , the FY 27 budget 08:55.938 --> 08:58.160 requests roughly doubles investments in 08:58.160 --> 09:00.327 both MLCO and facilities sustainment , 09:00.327 --> 09:02.950 restoration , and modernization , which 09:02.950 --> 09:05.172 we will couple with the new authorities 09:05.172 --> 09:07.283 such as Progressive design build that 09:07.283 --> 09:09.394 we've gotten from Congress . Second , 09:09.394 --> 09:11.672 production , particularly of munitions . 09:11.672 --> 09:13.894 We retain enough munitions worldwide to 09:13.894 --> 09:16.859 meet mission needs . We strongly need 09:16.869 --> 09:19.059 factory lines to sustain that and 09:19.059 --> 09:21.409 bolster our stockpiles . Therefore , 09:21.460 --> 09:23.460 this budget takes full advantage of 09:23.460 --> 09:25.460 multi-year procurement for our most 09:25.460 --> 09:27.900 critical munitions , totaling 39,000 09:27.900 --> 09:31.419 weapons of all types by FY 33 . We are 09:31.419 --> 09:33.659 also developing munitions designed from 09:33.659 --> 09:36.059 the start to be lower cost and faster 09:36.059 --> 09:37.809 to build . With advances in 09:37.809 --> 09:40.890 technologies , we will nearly be , they 09:40.890 --> 09:42.723 will nearly be as capable of our 09:42.723 --> 09:44.890 high-end munitions , but at a fraction 09:44.890 --> 09:47.570 of the cost . Third , modernization . 09:47.739 --> 09:49.795 The DAFF is currently engaged in the 09:49.795 --> 09:51.850 broadest program of modernization in 09:51.850 --> 09:54.017 its history . Well , not every program 09:54.017 --> 09:56.239 has gone perfect , we have already seen 09:56.239 --> 09:57.906 a lot of success with the new 09:57.906 --> 10:00.072 proliferated space architectures , the 10:00.072 --> 10:02.239 collaborative combat aircraft , F-47 , 10:02.239 --> 10:04.250 B-21 , and our command control and 10:04.250 --> 10:07.210 battle management systems . The FY27 10:07.210 --> 10:09.432 request accelerates those successes and 10:09.432 --> 10:11.489 applies lessons learned from them 10:11.489 --> 10:14.039 across the board . To that end , we are 10:14.039 --> 10:16.150 transforming our acquisition system , 10:16.150 --> 10:18.261 focusing , focusing on empowering our 10:18.261 --> 10:20.317 new portfolio acquisition executives 10:20.489 --> 10:22.656 and their teams with the authorities , 10:22.656 --> 10:24.890 resources and talent they need to 10:24.890 --> 10:27.650 accelerate capability to delivery . We 10:27.650 --> 10:29.761 have delegated nearly every authority 10:29.761 --> 10:32.094 we are legally allowed down to the PAEs . 10:32.330 --> 10:34.441 We are realigning portfolios to match 10:34.441 --> 10:36.770 mission outcomes . We're simplifying 10:36.770 --> 10:38.937 decision making wherever we can . This 10:38.937 --> 10:41.159 is a big change and it will impact both 10:41.159 --> 10:43.489 readiness and modernization . Finally , 10:43.599 --> 10:45.821 our most decisive advantage remains our 10:45.821 --> 10:47.932 people , the airmen and the guardians 10:47.932 --> 10:49.932 who make everything possible . This 10:49.932 --> 10:52.099 budget invests in them . That includes 10:52.099 --> 10:54.229 a 5 to 7% pay raise for military , 10:54.729 --> 10:57.049 larger bonus pools to incentivize high 10:57.049 --> 10:59.090 performing civilians , increased 10:59.090 --> 11:02.090 military end strength , and a 300% 11:02.090 --> 11:05.039 increase in dormitory investments . In 11:05.039 --> 11:07.169 conclusion , this budget represents a 11:07.169 --> 11:09.391 clear-eyed assessment of the threats we 11:09.391 --> 11:11.609 face and the discipline strategy to 11:11.609 --> 11:14.869 meet them . While FY 27 does represent 11:14.869 --> 11:17.091 a major increase in our budget , we are 11:17.091 --> 11:19.258 ready to execute that budget . Much of 11:19.258 --> 11:21.425 the new funding will accelerate mature 11:21.425 --> 11:23.369 programs with established contract 11:23.369 --> 11:25.536 vehicles . And regardless of the final 11:25.536 --> 11:27.770 total , we will remain accountable and 11:27.770 --> 11:29.937 transparent to the American taxpayer . 11:29.969 --> 11:32.025 Thank you and I look forward to your 11:32.025 --> 11:34.080 questions . Thank you , uh , General 11:34.080 --> 11:36.179 Wilsbach . You're recognized . All 11:36.179 --> 11:38.401 right . Thank you . Good morning , uh , 11:38.401 --> 11:40.290 Chairman Calvert , Ranking Member 11:40.290 --> 11:42.512 McCollum , and distinguished members of 11:42.512 --> 11:44.679 the committee . I'm proud to represent 11:44.679 --> 11:47.059 665,000 total force airmen serving our 11:47.059 --> 11:49.619 nation . Thank you for the opportunity 11:49.619 --> 11:52.000 to appear before you today . Your 11:52.179 --> 11:54.820 continued support for airmen and their 11:54.820 --> 11:57.630 families is greatly appreciated . The 11:57.630 --> 11:59.519 United States Air Force exists to 11:59.519 --> 12:01.352 provide the nation with decisive 12:01.352 --> 12:03.574 options at both speed and scale . Every 12:03.574 --> 12:05.950 day our airmen deliver that capability 12:05.950 --> 12:07.830 by controlling the air , holding 12:07.830 --> 12:11.030 targets at risk , moving forces all 12:11.030 --> 12:13.030 across the globe , and underpinning 12:13.989 --> 12:16.211 underpinning the joint force with these 12:16.211 --> 12:18.750 combined efforts . As illustrated in 12:18.750 --> 12:20.950 recent operations such as Operation 12:20.950 --> 12:23.270 Midnight Hammer , Absolute Resolve , 12:23.349 --> 12:25.030 and Epic Fury , they do it 12:25.030 --> 12:28.229 professionally and without pause . We 12:28.229 --> 12:30.109 operate in an environment where 12:30.109 --> 12:33.070 distance no longer guarantees sanctuary , 12:33.469 --> 12:35.080 networks are contested , and 12:35.080 --> 12:37.330 adversaries are fielding capabilities 12:37.700 --> 12:39.756 specifically designed to deny us the 12:39.756 --> 12:41.849 advantages we've relied on before . 12:42.469 --> 12:45.909 That reality drives our focus , and 12:45.909 --> 12:48.229 that is readiness , modernization , and 12:48.229 --> 12:50.285 taking care of airmen and families . 12:51.369 --> 12:53.510 Readiness is the ability to generate 12:53.510 --> 12:55.929 combat power quickly , operate in 12:55.929 --> 12:58.260 contested environments , and sustain 12:58.260 --> 13:00.609 operations over time . Today , our 13:00.609 --> 13:02.776 airmen are meeting the mission but are 13:02.776 --> 13:05.390 doing so while managing significant 13:05.390 --> 13:08.630 strain . We are flying aircraft that in 13:08.630 --> 13:10.750 many cases are older than the airmen 13:10.750 --> 13:13.710 who maintain them . We are operating at 13:13.710 --> 13:16.710 high tempo across multiple theaters and 13:16.710 --> 13:19.309 doing so while preparing to be ready 13:19.309 --> 13:22.349 for any future conflict . Our fiscal 13:22.349 --> 13:26.309 year 2027 budget request prioritizes 13:26.309 --> 13:28.150 restoring depth to our force by 13:28.150 --> 13:30.261 increasing funding for flying hours , 13:30.469 --> 13:33.299 munitions , maintenance , and advanced 13:33.299 --> 13:35.989 training that reflects the realities of 13:35.989 --> 13:38.429 today and tomorrow's fight . Weapons 13:38.429 --> 13:40.651 system sustainment funding increases to 13:40.651 --> 13:42.950 over $22 billion in flying hours , 13:43.109 --> 13:45.909 nearly $10 billion . We are focused on 13:45.909 --> 13:48.390 readiness that continues to remain 13:48.390 --> 13:50.334 credible and can deliver effects . 13:51.780 --> 13:53.729 Modernization is not only about 13:53.729 --> 13:55.951 replacing old platforms with new ones , 13:55.979 --> 13:58.659 but evolving how we fight . Speed , 13:58.780 --> 14:01.270 survivability , and decision advantage 14:01.619 --> 14:03.659 will define future conflict . It 14:03.659 --> 14:05.881 requires a force that is more connected 14:05.881 --> 14:08.059 and adaptable . To this end , we are 14:08.059 --> 14:10.281 increasing our research and development 14:10.281 --> 14:13.580 funding by 27% to over $57 billion . 14:14.020 --> 14:16.500 The fiscal year 2027 budget request 14:16.500 --> 14:18.389 will accelerate our modernization 14:18.389 --> 14:20.859 programs . We are advancing the F-47 14:20.859 --> 14:23.299 and collaborative combat aircraft to 14:23.299 --> 14:25.299 increase combat mass and complicate 14:25.299 --> 14:27.820 adversary targeting . We are upgrading 14:27.820 --> 14:30.059 our current fighter fleet to ensure it 14:30.059 --> 14:32.226 remains viable while also investing in 14:32.226 --> 14:34.503 long-range strike , advanced munitions , 14:34.503 --> 14:36.503 and resilient command and control . 14:36.503 --> 14:38.615 Additionally , our nuclear enterprise 14:38.615 --> 14:40.837 remains foundational . Investments will 14:40.837 --> 14:42.892 now sustain the modernization of the 14:42.892 --> 14:46.159 Triad through the Sentinel , B-21 radar 14:46.159 --> 14:48.909 and upgrades to the B-52 and E4B . 14:49.409 --> 14:51.076 These capabilities ensure our 14:51.076 --> 14:53.510 deterrence remains credible and ready . 14:54.799 --> 14:56.855 Third priority is taking care of our 14:56.855 --> 14:58.910 airmen and their families . We ask a 14:58.910 --> 15:01.077 lot of our people , frequent moves and 15:01.077 --> 15:03.460 operational stress take a toll . Our 15:03.590 --> 15:05.549 Air Force continues to invest in 15:05.549 --> 15:07.493 improving options for healthcare , 15:07.520 --> 15:09.520 childcare , and spouse employment . 15:09.719 --> 15:12.059 Therefore , our budget request 15:12.059 --> 15:14.229 strengthens quality of life . We are 15:14.229 --> 15:16.451 executing the largest investment in our 15:16.451 --> 15:18.562 permanent party dormitories in over a 15:18.562 --> 15:22.169 decade . Which is $1.3 billion . We are 15:22.169 --> 15:24.058 looking for solutions to meet the 15:24.058 --> 15:26.280 housing needs of our family and funding 15:26.280 --> 15:28.336 new construction projects to address 15:28.336 --> 15:30.502 childcare capacity shortfalls , adding 15:30.502 --> 15:34.070 1,718 childcare spaces Air Force-wide . 15:34.530 --> 15:36.530 The Air Force exists to be the best 15:36.530 --> 15:38.808 possible fighting force for our nation . 15:38.900 --> 15:40.733 We are building a force that can 15:40.733 --> 15:42.678 operate under pressure and deliver 15:42.678 --> 15:44.820 effects anywhere in the world . That 15:44.820 --> 15:46.598 requires sustained investment , 15:46.598 --> 15:49.099 disciplined choices , and an unwavering 15:49.099 --> 15:51.900 focus on our people . With your support , 15:52.369 --> 15:54.425 we will ensure they have the tools , 15:54.425 --> 15:56.591 training , and the backing they need . 15:56.591 --> 15:58.536 Thank you . I look forward to your 15:58.536 --> 16:00.425 questions . Thank you , General . 16:00.425 --> 16:02.591 General Salzman . Thank you , Chairman 16:02.591 --> 16:04.591 Calvert , Ranking Member McCollum , 16:04.591 --> 16:06.869 distinguished members of the committee . 16:06.869 --> 16:06.780 Thank you for your support for the 16:06.780 --> 16:09.058 Space Force and our nation's guardians , 16:09.058 --> 16:11.224 and for this opportunity to testify on 16:11.224 --> 16:13.280 the Space Force's posture for fiscal 16:13.280 --> 16:15.002 year 27 . As the past year has 16:15.002 --> 16:17.113 demonstrated , space is more vital to 16:17.113 --> 16:19.280 our , uh , more vital than ever to our 16:19.280 --> 16:21.224 economic prosperity , our national 16:21.224 --> 16:23.447 security , and the effectiveness of the 16:23.447 --> 16:25.669 joint force . However , our adversaries 16:25.669 --> 16:27.891 are constantly working to take away our 16:27.891 --> 16:30.113 military and economic advantages in the 16:30.113 --> 16:32.224 space domain . To defend our nation's 16:32.224 --> 16:34.280 interests in space , the Space Force 16:34.280 --> 16:36.502 must do more than grow . We must evolve 16:36.502 --> 16:38.780 to meet the challenges of this new era . 16:38.780 --> 16:40.613 To that end , the FY 27 budget's 16:40.613 --> 16:42.669 landmark investment of $71.1 billion 16:42.669 --> 16:44.780 for the Space Force represents a 16:44.780 --> 16:46.836 generational opportunity to position 16:46.836 --> 16:49.058 the force to meet the rapidly expanding 16:49.058 --> 16:51.710 threats and demands of the nation . I 16:51.710 --> 16:53.654 know some of the budget percentage 16:53.654 --> 16:55.988 increases being considered to sound big , 16:55.988 --> 16:58.321 but let me put those numbers in context . 16:58.321 --> 17:00.154 There are at least 25 individual 17:00.154 --> 17:02.043 military installations inside the 17:02.043 --> 17:03.932 United States that each have more 17:03.932 --> 17:06.154 personnel than the entire Space Force , 17:06.250 --> 17:08.361 and the top 10 of those installations 17:08.361 --> 17:10.528 are all at least twice the size of our 17:10.528 --> 17:12.750 service . And the Space Force budget in 17:12.750 --> 17:14.861 comparison to the other services will 17:14.861 --> 17:17.130 still be less than 5% of our nation's 17:17.130 --> 17:18.969 total military spending . An 17:18.969 --> 17:21.050 extraordinary value in a return 17:21.050 --> 17:23.449 investment for our nation . That 17:23.449 --> 17:25.560 investment is a critical down payment 17:25.560 --> 17:27.782 to meet the accelerating demands on the 17:27.782 --> 17:30.005 service . In 2025 , the Space Force saw 17:30.005 --> 17:31.859 a drastic increase in mission 17:31.859 --> 17:33.849 requirements across space access , 17:34.250 --> 17:36.361 global mission operations , and space 17:36.361 --> 17:38.890 control . This trend shows no signs of 17:38.890 --> 17:41.130 slowing . To position the service for 17:41.130 --> 17:43.074 this mission growth and inform our 17:43.074 --> 17:45.297 future needs , the Space Force has been 17:45.297 --> 17:47.463 working hard to define what we believe 17:47.463 --> 17:49.574 our future operating environment will 17:49.574 --> 17:51.741 look like over the next 15 years . And 17:51.741 --> 17:53.797 then based on that , we designed our 17:53.797 --> 17:55.963 objective force structure , which will 17:55.963 --> 17:57.852 provide a vector for our services 17:57.852 --> 17:59.686 investments to meet the nation's 17:59.686 --> 18:01.574 expanding needs and defeat future 18:01.574 --> 18:03.741 threats . That analysis makes it clear 18:03.741 --> 18:05.797 the Space Force we have today is not 18:05.797 --> 18:07.797 the Space force we will need in the 18:07.797 --> 18:09.797 future . Increases in the service's 18:09.797 --> 18:11.908 budget and in strength are a national 18:11.908 --> 18:14.019 security imperative . That is why the 18:14.019 --> 18:16.019 FY 27 budget boosts our top line by 18:16.019 --> 18:18.780 130% and our end strength by 27% . The 18:18.780 --> 18:20.613 proposed budget paired with this 18:20.613 --> 18:22.780 increase in in strength will allow the 18:22.780 --> 18:24.836 Space Force to recruit and train the 18:24.836 --> 18:26.947 guardians we need , build vital space 18:26.947 --> 18:29.002 capabilities for the joint force and 18:29.002 --> 18:31.058 the nation . And provide the support 18:31.058 --> 18:33.113 and infrastructure that that mission 18:33.113 --> 18:34.836 growth requires . Today we are 18:34.836 --> 18:36.669 deliberately building a cadre of 18:36.669 --> 18:38.836 space-minded warfighters equipped with 18:38.836 --> 18:41.002 the skills required in an increasingly 18:41.002 --> 18:43.169 contested and evolving domain . We are 18:43.169 --> 18:45.113 preparing our guardian officers to 18:45.113 --> 18:44.949 seamlessly integrate with the joint 18:44.949 --> 18:46.750 force . We are bolstering the 18:46.750 --> 18:48.806 development of our enlisted force to 18:48.806 --> 18:50.750 ensure they become technical space 18:50.750 --> 18:52.750 experts . And we are developing our 18:52.750 --> 18:54.750 civilian guardians so that they can 18:54.750 --> 18:56.861 best provide their unique expertise , 18:56.861 --> 18:58.972 ensure continuity of operations , and 18:58.972 --> 19:00.972 bring a depth of support across the 19:00.972 --> 19:03.139 mission sets . In order to execute all 19:03.139 --> 19:04.972 of our expanding missions , it's 19:04.972 --> 19:06.917 imperative that we responsibly and 19:06.917 --> 19:08.861 effectively convert this increased 19:08.861 --> 19:10.917 appropriation into combat capability 19:10.917 --> 19:13.229 and warfighting advantage . Unlike the 19:13.229 --> 19:15.285 other services , the majority of our 19:15.285 --> 19:17.396 budget , nearly 2/3 , is dedicated to 19:17.396 --> 19:19.396 developing and fielding new systems 19:19.760 --> 19:21.927 instead of personnel or operations and 19:21.927 --> 19:23.927 maintenance . This is why the Space 19:23.927 --> 19:26.149 Force is so focused on taking advantage 19:26.149 --> 19:27.760 of this once in a generation 19:27.760 --> 19:29.927 opportunity to enhance our acquisition 19:29.927 --> 19:31.760 processes , all with the goal of 19:31.760 --> 19:33.927 accelerating the field of vital combat 19:33.927 --> 19:36.260 space systems at the speed and scale 19:36.260 --> 19:38.593 required for each mission . To that end , 19:38.660 --> 19:40.771 newly empowered portfolio acquisition 19:40.771 --> 19:42.660 executives are positioned to make 19:42.660 --> 19:44.604 better and faster program trades , 19:44.660 --> 19:46.549 expediting our ability to deliver 19:46.549 --> 19:48.800 combat credible systems on 19:48.800 --> 19:50.744 operationally relevant timelines . 19:51.050 --> 19:53.010 We're simplifying our approach to 19:53.010 --> 19:55.177 requirements , bolstering , bolstering 19:55.177 --> 19:57.121 our relationship with industry and 19:57.121 --> 19:58.899 allies , and ensuring our vital 19:58.899 --> 20:01.066 guardian workforce is expertly trained 20:01.066 --> 20:03.339 in the complex task of acquisitions . 20:03.770 --> 20:05.492 Unlike other services that are 20:05.492 --> 20:07.603 modernizing in existing systems , the 20:07.603 --> 20:09.659 Space Force cannot modernize what it 20:09.659 --> 20:11.881 does not have . We are creating some of 20:11.881 --> 20:13.992 these innovative capabilities for new 20:13.992 --> 20:15.659 missions from the ground up , 20:15.659 --> 20:17.826 particularly in space control . And we 20:17.826 --> 20:19.770 are investing in all categories of 20:19.770 --> 20:21.937 counterpace systems necessary to deter 20:21.937 --> 20:23.770 and defeat aggression in space . 20:23.800 --> 20:25.744 Additionally , we are aggressively 20:25.744 --> 20:27.411 pursuing more resilient space 20:27.411 --> 20:29.244 architectures that can withstand 20:29.244 --> 20:31.467 attacks and continue to operate through 20:31.467 --> 20:33.356 extended conflict . This includes 20:33.356 --> 20:35.578 expanding our resilient missile warning 20:35.578 --> 20:37.689 and tracking initiative that provides 20:37.689 --> 20:39.856 life saving alerts to troops worldwide 20:39.856 --> 20:42.022 and enhancing satellite communications 20:42.022 --> 20:44.078 to connect joint , joint force units 20:44.078 --> 20:43.829 and commanders around the globe during 20:43.829 --> 20:46.030 battle . And growing our space-based 20:46.030 --> 20:48.141 sensing and targeting architecture to 20:48.141 --> 20:50.252 hold adversary forces at risk through 20:50.252 --> 20:52.910 space-based AMTI and GMTI anywhere in 20:52.910 --> 20:55.229 the world . But the added manpower , 20:55.270 --> 20:57.270 missions , and capabilities require 20:57.270 --> 20:58.937 commensurate increases in the 20:58.937 --> 21:01.048 structures that support them . So the 21:01.048 --> 21:03.214 FY 27 budget request also includes the 21:03.214 --> 21:05.326 required MLCO to ensure our guardians 21:05.326 --> 21:07.437 are fully supported . The Space Force 21:07.437 --> 21:09.714 has laid the organizational foundation , 21:09.714 --> 21:11.770 defined the compounding threat , and 21:11.770 --> 21:13.770 delivered the blueprint required to 21:13.770 --> 21:15.826 counter it . Now we must build those 21:15.826 --> 21:18.048 structures and systems to ensure domain 21:18.048 --> 21:17.689 superiority for years to come . 21:18.199 --> 21:20.421 Although our growth request looks large 21:20.421 --> 21:22.532 in a vacuum , the request is actually 21:22.532 --> 21:24.532 quite small relative to the overall 21:24.532 --> 21:26.699 budget for the Department of War , and 21:26.699 --> 21:28.699 I think the payoff is significant . 21:28.699 --> 21:30.532 With the continued advocacy from 21:30.532 --> 21:32.755 Congress , our guardians stand ready to 21:32.755 --> 21:34.588 deter aggression , protect space 21:34.588 --> 21:36.588 enabled way of life , and if called 21:36.588 --> 21:38.810 upon , fight and win . As I conclude my 21:38.810 --> 21:41.032 final presentation to this committee as 21:41.032 --> 21:42.866 a CSO , let me say thank you for 21:42.866 --> 21:44.921 enabling our successes . And for the 21:44.921 --> 21:44.430 opportunity to highlight the 21:44.430 --> 21:46.652 exceptional work that our guardians are 21:46.652 --> 21:48.819 doing every day to secure our nation's 21:48.819 --> 21:50.986 interests in , from , and to space . I 21:50.986 --> 21:53.939 look forward to your questions . Thank 21:53.939 --> 21:56.161 you , uh , thank you , General , and uh 21:56.161 --> 21:58.161 thank you for your service and your 21:58.161 --> 21:59.995 last uh presence in front of the 21:59.995 --> 22:02.161 committee . Uh , I'm gonna start off a 22:02.161 --> 22:04.383 question . We have time for , I think , 22:04.383 --> 22:03.849 a few questions before we break , uh , 22:03.939 --> 22:06.859 to go vote . Uh , FY 40 , uh , excuse 22:06.859 --> 22:09.569 me , FY 27 , uh , budget request 22:09.569 --> 22:12.819 includes 27.5 billion for the 22:12.819 --> 22:15.479 Department of Air Force , uh , 321 . 22:16.310 --> 22:18.643 0.7 billion requests and reconciliation . 22:18.643 --> 22:21.369 It includes 17.5 billion for the Golden 22:21.369 --> 22:24.290 Dome , $7.1 billion for space-based 22:24.290 --> 22:27.589 AMTI , $2.3 billion for 14 22:27.890 --> 22:30.770 F-35s , $4.6 billion for Air Force 22:30.770 --> 22:33.729 munitions , and $5.6 billion for 22:33.729 --> 22:36.007 facilities sustainment and restoration , 22:36.007 --> 22:37.951 the facilities that you're talking 22:37.951 --> 22:40.250 about that are in dire need . Uh , 22:40.410 --> 22:42.466 Secretary , these are obviously high 22:42.466 --> 22:44.688 priority items that are included in the 22:44.688 --> 22:47.359 department's mandatory request . Uh , 22:47.439 --> 22:49.606 what risk is there to long-term health 22:49.606 --> 22:51.550 stability programs by this funding 22:51.550 --> 22:53.717 strategy , uh , in case we don't get a 22:53.717 --> 22:57.449 reconciliation ? Well , 22:57.530 --> 22:59.586 Mr . Chairman , as , as we discussed 22:59.586 --> 23:01.697 the resources regardless of mandatory 23:01.697 --> 23:03.808 or discretionary , we , they're all a 23:03.808 --> 23:05.919 priority to execute the , the mission 23:05.919 --> 23:08.030 in the future , both from a readiness 23:08.030 --> 23:10.141 and modernization that we just talked 23:10.141 --> 23:12.363 about . Uh , so any reduction on either 23:12.363 --> 23:14.308 side of the house will have , um , 23:14.308 --> 23:16.308 either side mandatory discretionary 23:16.308 --> 23:18.641 will have significant consequences . Uh , 23:18.641 --> 23:20.863 we didn't put one priority here and one 23:20.863 --> 23:22.919 priority there . It's all a priority 23:22.919 --> 23:22.689 for , for what we need to execute the , 23:22.890 --> 23:25.130 the mission going forward . Uh , 23:25.300 --> 23:27.900 general , uh , Welsbach , are you 23:27.900 --> 23:30.011 concerned about the amount of funding 23:30.011 --> 23:32.233 for munitions included reconciliation ? 23:33.459 --> 23:35.839 Uh , well , as the secretary said , uh , 23:36.339 --> 23:39.339 we need munitions , uh , so we , you 23:39.339 --> 23:41.506 know , we put that in as a requirement 23:41.506 --> 23:44.839 and if it comes in , um , via the , via 23:45.180 --> 23:47.579 the reconciliation or the base budget , 23:48.030 --> 23:51.099 um , we will expend those , uh , those 23:51.099 --> 23:53.780 resources to restock our munitions and 23:53.780 --> 23:55.930 get them to where . They need to be . 23:56.400 --> 23:58.650 The fact is , is that we've used , 23:58.930 --> 24:01.263 we've used some munitions and Epic Fury , 24:01.329 --> 24:03.880 and those need to be restocked . We can 24:03.880 --> 24:07.329 also get at this with a supplemental as 24:07.329 --> 24:09.729 well . This is more of a comment than 24:09.729 --> 24:12.900 it is a question , but I I would put 24:12.900 --> 24:15.500 your priority needs either in the base 24:15.500 --> 24:18.400 budget or in the supplemental , and 24:19.839 --> 24:22.319 Because , uh , we want to make sure 24:22.319 --> 24:24.541 that especially on the munition side of 24:24.541 --> 24:26.652 it , we had , we had a munition issue 24:26.652 --> 24:28.819 before the conflict even started . And 24:28.819 --> 24:31.319 uh now uh the number of munitions we 24:31.319 --> 24:33.520 expended in Iran , we're we're , we're 24:33.520 --> 24:35.520 gonna need to get that done . So uh 24:35.760 --> 24:38.520 maybe uh you may share that with the 24:38.520 --> 24:42.119 secretary and see what occurs . Um , 24:42.829 --> 24:46.000 Ms . McCollum . Thank you , Mr . Chair . 24:46.119 --> 24:49.790 Well , um , We're talking about a 24:49.790 --> 24:53.199 $92 billion increase between Air Force 24:53.199 --> 24:56.040 and Space Force , but we also need some 24:56.040 --> 24:59.020 help . Um , you have mentioned , uh , 24:59.040 --> 25:01.800 in previous testimony and , uh , other 25:01.800 --> 25:03.967 conversations about the need to remove 25:03.967 --> 25:06.189 older buildings and facilities that eat 25:06.189 --> 25:08.133 into your operations , uh , legacy 25:08.133 --> 25:10.356 systems that are too old to operate and 25:10.356 --> 25:12.467 maintain that all cost us more . That 25:12.467 --> 25:14.810 we need the authorizers to do that . So , 25:14.819 --> 25:17.041 I think that that needs to be a message 25:17.041 --> 25:19.375 that's delivered loud and clear to them . 25:19.375 --> 25:21.430 When we talk about modernization and 25:21.430 --> 25:23.810 readiness , they can become broad catch 25:23.810 --> 25:25.780 words across a swath of programs . 25:25.900 --> 25:27.979 Golden Dome , just to mention one . 25:28.329 --> 25:30.551 There's a nuclear modernization through 25:30.551 --> 25:32.385 Sentinel , which has been out of 25:32.385 --> 25:35.099 control . It's 81% over what we were 25:35.099 --> 25:37.260 originally told it was going to cost 25:37.260 --> 25:40.000 years ago . We've got strategic bomber 25:40.000 --> 25:41.889 programs , tanker modernization , 25:41.890 --> 25:45.260 fighter jets like the F-35 . And uh we 25:45.260 --> 25:47.316 even have executive airlift programs 25:47.316 --> 25:49.538 that we've been asked to plan from from 25:49.538 --> 25:51.739 the Air Force to recapitalize uh those 25:51.739 --> 25:55.459 heavy use planes so um we have no 25:55.459 --> 25:59.199 idea um what is going to be happening 25:59.199 --> 26:01.500 in future based budgets to the 26:01.500 --> 26:03.979 chairman's point . That's why having 26:03.979 --> 26:05.923 things built into the base or in a 26:05.923 --> 26:07.923 supplemental where we can track and 26:07.923 --> 26:09.812 know with . How the money's gonna 26:09.812 --> 26:12.069 happen versus a reconciliation is so 26:12.069 --> 26:14.180 very important . We talked about that 26:14.180 --> 26:16.347 yesterday . So , Mr . Secretary , back 26:16.347 --> 26:18.569 to what the chairman was asking , we do 26:18.569 --> 26:20.569 have to prioritize . I have to 26:20.569 --> 26:22.791 prioritize in my personal life . I have 26:22.791 --> 26:25.209 to prioritize when I , uh , put forward , 26:25.219 --> 26:27.497 uh , budget ideas with my constituents . 26:27.497 --> 26:29.719 So , Mr . Secretary , what are your top 26:29.719 --> 26:31.886 three priority programs in this budget 26:31.930 --> 26:34.089 that would , uh , face significant 26:34.089 --> 26:36.250 setbacks if funding was lower than 26:36.250 --> 26:38.083 requested ? Same thing for you , 26:38.083 --> 26:40.083 gentlemen , Salzman . What are your 26:40.083 --> 26:42.139 three must-have priority programs to 26:42.139 --> 26:43.361 get after this year ? 26:48.160 --> 26:50.382 Uh , I , I , so thank you , thank you , 26:50.382 --> 26:52.520 ranking member . I , I appreciate the 26:52.520 --> 26:54.359 question and , and , and we have 26:54.359 --> 26:57.040 prioritized , uh , within our budget 26:57.040 --> 26:59.119 mission , uh , what we think is the 26:59.119 --> 27:01.119 most important . I , I think from a 27:01.119 --> 27:03.397 high-level perspective , uh , you know , 27:03.397 --> 27:05.619 the , the nuclear deterrence mission is 27:05.619 --> 27:05.479 always going to be one of our primary 27:05.479 --> 27:07.520 missions . So that is both the B-21 27:07.520 --> 27:09.687 Sentinel , some of the weapons systems 27:09.687 --> 27:11.909 that go along with those programs , and 27:11.909 --> 27:13.798 the infrastructure to field those 27:13.798 --> 27:15.798 programs are , are , are critically 27:15.798 --> 27:17.964 important . Again , nuclear deterrence 27:17.964 --> 27:19.964 is a no-fail mission . And , and we 27:19.964 --> 27:19.650 have to make sure we do that right as 27:19.650 --> 27:21.872 well as the NC-3 that sits in the space 27:21.872 --> 27:23.872 side . So that mission sits in , in 27:23.872 --> 27:26.039 both , both parts of the Department of 27:26.039 --> 27:28.317 the Air Force . Uh , from a , and then , 27:28.317 --> 27:30.650 and then the new weapons systems , F-47 , 27:30.650 --> 27:32.706 as we build the upgraded versions of 27:32.706 --> 27:34.372 F-35 , all those programs are 27:34.372 --> 27:36.594 critically important to , to maintain . 27:36.594 --> 27:39.130 Uh , match with the Chinese and other 27:39.130 --> 27:41.352 high-end adversaries going forward , as 27:41.352 --> 27:43.241 well as , as well as a lot of the 27:43.241 --> 27:45.408 munitions . And when I say munitions , 27:45.969 --> 27:48.025 not only the current munitions , but 27:48.025 --> 27:50.191 the lower cost munitions going forward 27:50.191 --> 27:52.247 are really a priority . I'm a little 27:52.247 --> 27:54.580 bit past 3 already . You've gone past 3 , 27:54.580 --> 27:54.510 and I , and , and I want to give , uh , 27:54.560 --> 27:56.671 Space Force a chance to give me , and 27:56.671 --> 27:58.727 he's probably going to have the same 27:58.727 --> 27:58.400 ones I will on the space side of the 27:58.400 --> 28:00.689 house , so I'll stop there . At least 28:00.689 --> 28:02.633 fingers are crossed that he will , 28:02.633 --> 28:04.800 right ? OK , this is the great boss is 28:04.800 --> 28:06.856 gonna go . He's your boss . Yeah , I 28:06.856 --> 28:09.010 know . No , I , I , ma'am , it's a 28:09.010 --> 28:11.343 perfectly valid point . The increase is , 28:11.343 --> 28:13.399 is dramatic . And so focusing on the 28:13.399 --> 28:15.621 things that we have increased with this 28:15.621 --> 28:15.609 budget request , I would put them into 28:15.609 --> 28:17.650 those three categories , the space 28:17.650 --> 28:19.761 control capabilities that we're gonna 28:19.761 --> 28:21.928 need to protect our assets and deny an 28:21.928 --> 28:23.872 adversary the use of space-enabled 28:23.872 --> 28:25.928 targeting against us . Second is the 28:25.928 --> 28:28.039 launch infrastructure to make sure we 28:28.039 --> 28:30.150 have the capacity in the ops tempo to 28:30.150 --> 28:30.130 continue to launch and put those 28:30.130 --> 28:31.963 capabilities on orbit . And then 28:31.963 --> 28:33.741 finally , there are the support 28:33.741 --> 28:35.963 structures that are necessary to enable 28:35.963 --> 28:38.074 the growth . And that's where you get 28:38.074 --> 28:40.241 the test and the , the training ranges 28:40.241 --> 28:40.209 and the training capacity to do that 28:40.209 --> 28:41.209 work . 28:50.079 --> 28:52.869 Thank you , Mr . Chairman . And Sheldon , 28:52.979 --> 28:56.660 uh , last year . I brought up concerns 28:56.660 --> 28:59.500 about our strategic airlift capacity . 29:00.800 --> 29:03.750 Uh , expressing concern around those 29:03.750 --> 29:06.239 aging C-5s and 17 . 29:07.670 --> 29:11.359 Um No production 29:11.359 --> 29:15.040 line to fall back on . Um , you said 29:15.040 --> 29:18.459 then that the department was assessing . 29:19.369 --> 29:22.089 Next generation airlift acquisition 29:22.089 --> 29:25.829 strategy . Mr . Secretary , what has 29:25.829 --> 29:28.579 the Air Force accomplished ? In the 29:28.579 --> 29:31.540 realm of air mobility this past year , 29:31.859 --> 29:35.609 have you developed a plan ? To preserve 29:35.609 --> 29:37.819 and modernize that fleet . 29:40.060 --> 29:42.839 Or . Yeah , yeah , let me make a couple 29:42.839 --> 29:44.950 of opening comments and I'll , I'll , 29:44.950 --> 29:47.172 I'll , if that's OK , I'll turn it over 29:47.172 --> 29:49.339 to uh Journal Wilsbach , uh , to add , 29:49.339 --> 29:51.395 add a little bit . Uh , yeah , yes , 29:51.395 --> 29:53.561 sir . We've , uh , yes , Congressman , 29:53.561 --> 29:52.660 we've , we've finished some of the 29:52.660 --> 29:54.771 analysis on what that next generation 29:54.771 --> 29:56.882 system is gonna look like . So , so , 29:56.882 --> 29:59.049 so that , that is progressing well and 29:59.049 --> 30:01.271 we , we kind of laid that out . Uh , we 30:01.271 --> 30:03.670 are extending the C5s . I believe we're 30:03.670 --> 30:07.500 now looking out through 2040 on the C5s . 30:07.819 --> 30:10.152 At that point , we intend to start , uh , 30:10.152 --> 30:12.375 replenishing those aircraft first , and 30:12.375 --> 30:14.541 then following that , we will go on to 30:14.541 --> 30:16.708 replenishment of the C-17s , which are 30:16.708 --> 30:18.930 in , in very good condition right now , 30:18.930 --> 30:21.219 General . Uh , the mobility , our 30:21.219 --> 30:23.599 mobility machine has , um , been 30:23.599 --> 30:26.079 operating marvelously through the last 30:26.079 --> 30:28.301 uh few operations , but in particular , 30:28.699 --> 30:31.260 uh , through Epic Fury . Um , the way , 30:31.380 --> 30:33.547 the way that , uh , we will be able to 30:33.547 --> 30:35.770 continue this into the future is , uh , 30:35.780 --> 30:38.819 to fund the $22 billion in weapons 30:38.819 --> 30:40.800 system sustainment . So as we have 30:41.099 --> 30:43.339 increased the number of flying hours to 30:43.339 --> 30:46.329 support Not just Air Force troops that 30:46.329 --> 30:49.290 are deployed , but also the joint force . 30:49.569 --> 30:51.625 We've been flying additional hours . 30:51.810 --> 30:54.969 The 27 budget calls for about 30:54.969 --> 30:57.180 $22 billion in weapons systems 30:57.180 --> 31:00.000 sustainment . So as we finish out Epic 31:00.000 --> 31:02.560 Fury and we bring those aircraft back , 31:03.130 --> 31:05.890 we'll refurbish them and allow them to 31:05.890 --> 31:07.270 extend their lifetime . 31:09.939 --> 31:12.160 Does this year's budget . 31:13.219 --> 31:16.729 Meaningfully move the needle . On 31:16.729 --> 31:20.410 maintaining global mobility . And lived 31:20.410 --> 31:23.609 capacity , or are we simply managing 31:23.609 --> 31:26.689 the decline of a critical capability ? 31:30.800 --> 31:32.911 Uh , I don't think we're in decline . 31:33.339 --> 31:35.579 Uh , we certainly have , uh , we have . 31:36.689 --> 31:38.689 Uh , modernization plans that we're 31:38.689 --> 31:40.522 looking at and evaluating , uh , 31:40.522 --> 31:43.630 Transcom owes us a , uh , a study that , 31:43.750 --> 31:45.917 that should come out , uh , here later 31:45.917 --> 31:48.194 this year , uh , that will help inform , 31:48.199 --> 31:50.540 uh , the future of what the Air Force , 31:51.170 --> 31:53.689 uh , will , uh , field . Um , but , uh , 31:53.719 --> 31:57.520 this budget with the 22 billion for 31:57.520 --> 31:59.520 weapons system sustainment and then 31:59.680 --> 32:02.359 just over $4 billion for the working 32:02.359 --> 32:04.670 capital fund . Um , allows us to 32:04.670 --> 32:08.099 maintain and then buy the parts , uh , 32:08.109 --> 32:10.290 that would , uh , sustain that force . 32:10.339 --> 32:12.410 And so I , I wouldn't categorize our 32:12.410 --> 32:14.349 mobility force as declining , but 32:14.349 --> 32:17.930 rather sustaining . Mr . Chairman . 32:19.109 --> 32:21.165 Thank you . Just real quick , what , 32:21.165 --> 32:23.220 what does he operate on the C5 now ? 32:23.220 --> 32:25.498 What's the operational rate ? Uh , how , 32:25.498 --> 32:27.290 how much does ? On the C5 . 32:32.939 --> 32:36.920 The uh C-5s are running , uh , the , 32:37.290 --> 32:41.069 the aircraft availability is 37% , 32:41.530 --> 32:43.419 which is why , which is why we're 32:43.419 --> 32:47.089 asking for the $22 billion because that , 32:47.170 --> 32:49.729 that , that dollar figure will allow us 32:49.729 --> 32:52.719 to . Buy the parts and maintain those 32:52.719 --> 32:55.430 aircraft and bring , bring the uh 32:55.520 --> 32:58.280 availability up . Thank you , John . I 32:58.280 --> 33:00.680 just say , uh , Mr . Chairman , in many 33:00.680 --> 33:02.736 of the cases what we've seen is it's 33:02.736 --> 33:05.069 not necessarily the age of the aircraft . 33:05.069 --> 33:07.236 The age of the aircraft does play into 33:07.236 --> 33:09.347 it , but a big part of it is just not 33:09.347 --> 33:11.458 having enough parts on the shelf to , 33:11.458 --> 33:13.624 and , and the maintainers to , to , to 33:13.624 --> 33:15.736 just keep those aircraft flying , and 33:15.736 --> 33:17.847 there's a big investment to do that . 33:17.847 --> 33:20.439 Thank you , Mr . Quer . Thank you , Mr . 33:20.520 --> 33:22.631 Chairman , ranking member . I want to 33:22.631 --> 33:24.798 thank all three of you all . Thank you 33:24.798 --> 33:26.964 for your service and the men and women 33:26.964 --> 33:26.719 that work for you all . Thank you so 33:26.719 --> 33:28.886 much . I think this committee has been 33:28.886 --> 33:31.520 very , very supportive , um , uh , in 33:31.520 --> 33:33.631 so many things , and I've read your , 33:33.631 --> 33:36.349 uh , Air Force posture statement . Um , 33:36.449 --> 33:38.671 whether it's quality of life , uh , for 33:38.671 --> 33:40.893 the service members or their families , 33:40.893 --> 33:42.949 uh , whether it's dormitories , uh , 33:42.969 --> 33:44.802 child development centers , uh , 33:44.802 --> 33:46.913 munitions , everything , I think this 33:46.913 --> 33:49.247 committee has been very supportive . Uh , 33:49.247 --> 33:51.302 one of the areas I focus on is human 33:51.302 --> 33:53.689 performance optimization . Uh , we 33:53.689 --> 33:55.800 started putting money in that . We're 33:55.800 --> 33:57.967 hoping to increase the funding again , 33:57.967 --> 34:00.133 but I think the , um , Uh , developing 34:00.133 --> 34:02.467 that elite , uh , person , uh , is very , 34:02.467 --> 34:04.633 very important . So we look forward to 34:04.633 --> 34:06.633 working with you . Now , I'm , uh , 34:06.633 --> 34:08.745 represent San Antonio Military Town . 34:08.745 --> 34:10.911 Yeah , I think , uh , y'all were there 34:10.911 --> 34:12.911 just recently . I wanna bring up an 34:12.911 --> 34:15.022 issue that , um , the former Chairman 34:15.022 --> 34:17.189 Mac Thornberry from Texas and myself , 34:17.189 --> 34:19.078 we amended , uh , at my request , 34:19.078 --> 34:21.133 amended the , uh , NDAA , I think it 34:21.133 --> 34:24.659 was in 2019 . Uh , then after that , um , 34:24.860 --> 34:27.459 there was a , uh , memorandum of 34:27.459 --> 34:29.959 understanding . Uh , in , uh , August 34:29.959 --> 34:32.280 of 2019 between the Air Force and the 34:32.280 --> 34:35.000 San Antonio water , uh , system , and 34:35.000 --> 34:37.560 it had to do with the resolution of 34:37.560 --> 34:40.389 this , uh , 54 inch pipeline under 34:40.389 --> 34:43.360 Lackland Air Force Base . Uh , and , 34:43.439 --> 34:45.550 and basically , under the agreement , 34:45.550 --> 34:47.600 y'all , the Air Force forced San 34:47.600 --> 34:50.590 Antonio Water System to put the , uh , 34:50.600 --> 34:53.060 water line outside instead of going 34:53.080 --> 34:55.270 through . The base because as you know 34:55.270 --> 34:57.550 there are some problems underneath your 34:57.550 --> 35:00.110 folks said they didn't want to disturb 35:00.110 --> 35:02.229 what's underneath , which is a little 35:02.229 --> 35:05.149 disturbing to our uh to our community 35:05.149 --> 35:07.149 because we really don't know what's 35:07.149 --> 35:09.205 underneath . But nevertheless , they 35:09.205 --> 35:11.510 went around the base and under the 35:11.510 --> 35:14.469 agreement , uh , the Air Force had 35:14.469 --> 35:18.250 accepted to uh to accept this pipeline . 35:18.639 --> 35:22.620 Uh , now 3 years later . Uh , uh , you 35:22.620 --> 35:25.639 all have been , uh , delaying , uh , 35:25.739 --> 35:28.820 for several reasons , uh , and despite 35:28.820 --> 35:32.600 a law , NDAA , besides 35:32.600 --> 35:35.500 an agreement that you all signed , uh , 35:35.659 --> 35:38.500 you all are still , uh , 3 years behind . 35:38.860 --> 35:41.082 Uh , to do this , and as you know , San 35:41.082 --> 35:43.949 Antonio has been very , very , very 35:43.949 --> 35:46.260 supportive , uh , of the , uh , 35:46.270 --> 35:48.270 military there , especially the Air 35:48.270 --> 35:50.840 Force . Uh , so , uh , Mr . Secretary 35:50.840 --> 35:53.510 and to the Chief of Staff , uh , why is 35:53.510 --> 35:55.677 the Air Force more than 3 years behind 35:55.677 --> 35:58.110 on resolving an impasse with the San 35:58.110 --> 36:01.635 Antonio water system over this . Legacy , 36:01.695 --> 36:05.655 uh , 54 sewer line beneath Lackland Air 36:05.655 --> 36:08.455 Force Base . Uh , and it was done back 36:08.455 --> 36:11.294 in 2019 . Law got changed . You all 36:11.294 --> 36:13.405 signed a memorandum , and here we are 36:13.405 --> 36:15.495 three years later , uh , and we're 36:15.495 --> 36:18.455 still waiting . So , again , y'all got 36:18.455 --> 36:20.504 to be good partners with our local 36:20.504 --> 36:23.804 community in San Antonio . So hopefully , 36:23.814 --> 36:26.036 you can give us an answer on a specific 36:26.036 --> 36:28.719 date when we can work this out . So 36:28.719 --> 36:30.886 thanks , Congressman . Uh , yes , we , 36:30.886 --> 36:32.997 we all need to be good partners and , 36:32.997 --> 36:35.330 and my understanding is they're working , 36:35.330 --> 36:37.552 uh , closely with the San Antonio Water 36:37.552 --> 36:39.608 Service . Uh , what I would say that 36:39.608 --> 36:41.719 maybe have a real short answer to the 36:41.719 --> 36:43.830 question is I'm , I'm told we believe 36:43.830 --> 36:45.830 by June of this year , uh , we will 36:45.830 --> 36:48.879 have , uh , kind of mediated and come 36:48.879 --> 36:51.320 to agreement on the number of issues 36:51.320 --> 36:53.542 that are still outstanding . Uh , if we 36:53.542 --> 36:55.653 don't get there by June , I'll , I'll 36:55.653 --> 36:57.764 come down and let you know why . OK . 36:57.764 --> 36:59.764 Thank you so much . Look forward to 36:59.764 --> 37:01.876 sitting down with y'all . I think I'm 37:01.876 --> 37:03.931 gonna try to cut the votes down to , 37:03.931 --> 37:03.879 you know , the , the question down to 2 37:03.879 --> 37:06.840 to 3 minutes . Yeah , I try to do that 37:06.840 --> 37:09.062 too , uh , 2 to 3 minutes before we can 37:09.062 --> 37:11.284 get as many because I think we're gonna 37:11.284 --> 37:13.396 be on the floor till about 11:30 . It 37:13.396 --> 37:15.507 looks like the way this is going . So 37:15.507 --> 37:17.840 with that , uh , Mr . Carter . Judge it . 37:20.709 --> 37:23.520 Um , Secretary 37:24.570 --> 37:26.689 The Air Force recently selected 3 37:26.689 --> 37:30.419 companies under the ANPI 37:31.030 --> 37:34.689 program to deploy . Uh microreactors 37:35.149 --> 37:38.330 targeting Uh , a 20 . 37:39.209 --> 37:43.010 28 timeline CODIS 37:43.010 --> 37:46.729 deployment acceleration , accelerating 37:46.969 --> 37:50.169 the original 20 to 30 . 37:51.070 --> 37:53.780 Timeline . Given the Air Force's 37:53.780 --> 37:56.780 growing power , demands , and the 37:56.780 --> 37:59.260 operational advantages these systems 37:59.260 --> 38:03.040 provide . In a contested in contested 38:03.040 --> 38:06.590 logistics environment , in particular , 38:06.959 --> 38:10.610 and in , in Opaco . What is the primary 38:10.870 --> 38:14.350 limiting factor to deploying this 38:14.350 --> 38:18.070 capability in operational settings over 38:18.070 --> 38:19.237 the next few years ? 38:21.919 --> 38:24.086 So thank you , Congressman . I'm a big 38:24.086 --> 38:26.790 supporter . Um , I , I , we're pushing 38:26.790 --> 38:29.379 hard to , to feel these , not only , um , 38:29.469 --> 38:31.580 um , Oconos , but Konas , a matter of 38:31.580 --> 38:33.636 fact , there are , I think the first 38:33.636 --> 38:33.530 fielding is going to be up in Alaska 38:34.129 --> 38:36.989 for Oconis uh microreactor . Um , with 38:36.989 --> 38:39.739 respect to the overseas , uh , the , 38:39.870 --> 38:41.909 the , the , the long pole there is 38:41.909 --> 38:43.742 going to be . Just to finish the 38:43.742 --> 38:45.909 technical aspect because there is some 38:45.909 --> 38:47.965 technical work that has to be done . 38:47.965 --> 38:49.965 It's actually easier to build these 38:49.965 --> 38:49.919 stationary versus being able to deploy 38:49.919 --> 38:52.169 them into theater . Um , so there's 38:52.169 --> 38:54.391 some technical aspects of that , that , 38:54.391 --> 38:56.502 that we are working through , as well 38:56.502 --> 38:58.613 as the army is working through , uh , 38:58.613 --> 39:00.558 and we're working with the army on 39:00.558 --> 39:02.502 those deployable , uh , uh , those 39:02.502 --> 39:04.280 deployable microreactors . Uh , 39:04.280 --> 39:06.447 probably the biggest long pole , aside 39:06.447 --> 39:08.613 from the technical is just going to be 39:08.613 --> 39:10.669 in the negotiation with Our overseas 39:10.669 --> 39:12.969 allies and partners on getting the 39:12.969 --> 39:15.120 flexibility to actually , uh , place 39:15.120 --> 39:17.120 those reactors in theater . I think 39:17.120 --> 39:19.009 that's good , that's , I'm afraid 39:19.009 --> 39:21.064 that's gonna be probably the , the , 39:21.064 --> 39:23.120 the , the driver . It looks like the 39:23.120 --> 39:25.342 technology is moving pretty well . It's 39:25.342 --> 39:27.398 gonna be , it's gonna be that , that 39:27.398 --> 39:27.179 environmental and negotiations with 39:27.179 --> 39:29.346 some of the partners overseas . What's 39:29.346 --> 39:31.457 that gonna do to your time schedule ? 39:31.457 --> 39:33.939 So . So I think our 39:36.139 --> 39:37.972 time schedule for the Kona space 39:37.972 --> 39:40.195 systems is , is , is , is probably much 39:40.195 --> 39:43.100 higher , uh , higher . Higher , more 39:43.100 --> 39:45.060 accurate , uh , lower risk , uh , 39:45.260 --> 39:47.593 schedule than some of the overseas ones , 39:47.593 --> 39:49.593 but I can get back to you on that , 39:49.593 --> 39:51.704 Congressman , if I think that's gonna 39:51.704 --> 39:51.370 affect it . Well , I think first off , 39:52.280 --> 39:54.540 I like the technology very much . I 39:54.540 --> 39:57.169 think it's a , uh , you will be 39:57.169 --> 40:00.199 introducing something that The whole 40:00.340 --> 40:02.729 country may be introducing one of these 40:02.729 --> 40:05.790 days . And so , uh , I'm hoping we can 40:05.790 --> 40:08.100 get that success out there as an 40:08.100 --> 40:11.570 example of what nuclear energy today 40:12.000 --> 40:15.850 is all about , the fear factor out , 40:16.229 --> 40:19.219 as far as I'm concerned . Uh , one more 40:20.040 --> 40:22.590 question , Mr . um , but what , uh , 40:22.820 --> 40:24.987 Judge , we only have , we're gonna , I 40:24.987 --> 40:26.987 think when we adjourn , we're gonna 40:26.987 --> 40:29.042 have to probably not be able to come 40:29.042 --> 40:31.264 back . So , well , on the MAC command , 40:31.264 --> 40:34.719 the transport , I happened to go on a 40:34.719 --> 40:38.439 trip with Bergstrom years ago on that 40:38.439 --> 40:41.879 command . And I learned that our 40:41.879 --> 40:45.159 allies don't have any way to 40:45.159 --> 40:48.679 transport people by air at that time at 40:48.679 --> 40:52.370 least . Do , are we still 40:52.530 --> 40:55.689 basically , if the NATO decides to 40:55.689 --> 40:58.570 fight , that's a real question . But if 40:58.570 --> 41:01.770 they do , We're gonna have to move them , 41:02.010 --> 41:04.889 as well as us . Are we capable of doing 41:04.889 --> 41:07.639 that still ? Well , many of our allies 41:07.639 --> 41:11.070 have invested in , in mobility aircraft , 41:11.629 --> 41:14.330 um , especially our NATO partners . So 41:14.330 --> 41:17.689 they have invested not only in C-17s , 41:17.889 --> 41:20.689 um , but they also have , uh , the A400 , 41:20.889 --> 41:23.189 uh , which is an Airbus platform . So , 41:23.610 --> 41:25.888 um , and then all , all over the world , 41:25.888 --> 41:27.999 our allies are , are , are doing it , 41:27.999 --> 41:30.370 but we still have the preponderance of 41:30.370 --> 41:33.370 the mobility assets . Uh , for the 41:33.370 --> 41:35.426 entire world , I mean , we , we just 41:35.426 --> 41:37.537 have a very large , uh , capability , 41:37.537 --> 41:39.592 and so there'll still be cases where 41:39.592 --> 41:41.592 our , our allies will be asking for 41:41.592 --> 41:43.648 help , but we also ask them for help 41:43.648 --> 41:45.537 occasionally as well . And so the 41:45.537 --> 41:47.814 partnerships are important . Thank you , 41:47.814 --> 41:47.129 General . At least they're trying to 41:47.129 --> 41:50.969 get in the game , Mr . Morrell . Thank 41:50.969 --> 41:53.025 you , uh , Mr . Chairman and ranking 41:53.025 --> 41:55.247 member for holding this , and thank you 41:55.247 --> 41:57.136 so much to our witnesses for your 41:57.136 --> 41:59.358 service , General Saltzman . Appreciate 41:59.358 --> 42:01.691 your long service and grateful for , uh , 42:01.691 --> 42:01.250 For all that you do for our country . 42:01.290 --> 42:03.457 And I think our concerns about the war 42:03.457 --> 42:05.679 and budget should in no way , I think , 42:05.679 --> 42:07.679 uh , diminish our great respect and 42:07.679 --> 42:09.734 admiration for the men and women who 42:09.734 --> 42:11.957 wear the uniform of the United States . 42:11.957 --> 42:11.239 So , thank you for that . I want to 42:11.239 --> 42:13.183 come back to something I think the 42:13.183 --> 42:15.350 chairman was talking about , uh , Mr . 42:15.350 --> 42:17.406 Secretary , and that is , you know , 42:17.406 --> 42:19.350 the overall budget request for the 42:19.350 --> 42:21.461 Department of Air Force , $16 billion 42:21.461 --> 42:21.350 for Air Force , 12 billion . Space 42:21.350 --> 42:23.517 Force's budget structured as mandatory 42:23.517 --> 42:25.517 funding rather than discretionary , 42:25.517 --> 42:27.072 which raises concerns about 42:27.072 --> 42:29.350 transparency , congressional oversight , 42:29.350 --> 42:31.517 the long-term fiscal sustainability of 42:31.517 --> 42:33.628 this , and the work of this committee 42:33.628 --> 42:35.850 and the oversight that we bring to this 42:35.850 --> 42:37.406 job . And I wonder what the 42:37.406 --> 42:39.461 department's plan is if the Congress 42:39.461 --> 42:41.572 fails to pass the requested mandatory 42:41.572 --> 42:42.683 funding this year . 42:46.600 --> 42:48.656 So , so again , Congressman , thanks 42:48.656 --> 42:50.767 for the , thanks for the question and 42:50.767 --> 42:52.989 on the first part of our transparency , 42:52.989 --> 42:55.211 we are always willing and happy to come 42:55.211 --> 42:57.520 down and walk through the details on 42:57.520 --> 42:59.576 our budget requests regardless of it 42:59.576 --> 43:01.687 sits in reconciliation or in the base 43:01.687 --> 43:03.870 budget , uh , on the , what happens , 43:03.989 --> 43:05.989 uh , you know , again , this is the 43:05.989 --> 43:08.280 priority , the entire request , 43:08.360 --> 43:10.909 reconciliation and the base budget , uh , 43:10.919 --> 43:13.141 is a priority for the department and we 43:13.141 --> 43:15.252 need you all to execute the program . 43:15.252 --> 43:17.419 Uh , and we will continue to work with 43:17.419 --> 43:19.697 you , uh , as that , as that rolls out . 43:19.697 --> 43:21.919 Well , should we expect this request to 43:21.919 --> 43:23.808 be a one year anomaly , or is the 43:23.808 --> 43:25.752 department planning to continue to 43:25.752 --> 43:27.808 shift defense funding into mandatory 43:27.808 --> 43:27.760 accounts going forward , which would 43:27.760 --> 43:29.870 give this . Committee , far less 43:30.330 --> 43:34.120 oversight over defense spending . So , 43:34.209 --> 43:36.376 so again , we are always happy to come 43:36.376 --> 43:38.729 down and walk through with you how 43:38.729 --> 43:40.673 we're spending the resources fully 43:40.673 --> 43:42.173 transparent , whether it's 43:42.173 --> 43:44.229 reconciliation or in the base , uh , 43:44.229 --> 43:46.562 with respect to the out years , we will , 43:46.562 --> 43:48.618 the department will continue to work 43:48.618 --> 43:50.673 with the Department of War and there 43:50.673 --> 43:50.649 have been no conversations about future 43:50.649 --> 43:52.816 years and what the design will be . In 43:52.816 --> 43:54.760 terms of whether or not this is an 43:54.760 --> 43:56.593 appropriations responsibility or 43:56.593 --> 43:58.538 ultimately authorizers who are not 43:58.538 --> 44:00.760 appropriators but are effectively being 44:00.760 --> 44:02.705 turned into appropriators as we go 44:02.705 --> 44:04.871 through this process , do you , do you 44:04.871 --> 44:04.820 know if there's any conversations about 44:04.820 --> 44:07.042 doing this in the out years ? I , I , I 44:07.042 --> 44:08.598 can't speak to the level of 44:08.598 --> 44:10.542 conversation of the strategy going 44:10.542 --> 44:12.764 forward . Well , let me just say this , 44:12.764 --> 44:12.189 and then I'll yield back in a 44:12.189 --> 44:14.300 respectful one . Other people will be 44:14.300 --> 44:16.189 able to speak . I think this is a 44:16.189 --> 44:18.356 dangerous precedent . Uh , I , I think 44:18.356 --> 44:20.411 Article One responsibilities and the 44:20.411 --> 44:22.356 role , uh , that is vested in this 44:22.356 --> 44:24.467 committee to do oversight , and I'm a 44:24.467 --> 44:26.578 new member , but I , I , I think this 44:26.578 --> 44:28.411 is really important not only for 44:28.411 --> 44:30.633 congressional , uh , uh , integrity and 44:30.633 --> 44:32.578 congressional responsibilities and 44:32.578 --> 44:34.745 prerogatives for the American people . 44:34.745 --> 44:36.856 So I would pass that message along to 44:36.856 --> 44:36.729 those who are helping make those 44:36.729 --> 44:38.562 decisions . And with that , Mr . 44:38.562 --> 44:40.618 Chairman , I appreciate , appreciate 44:40.618 --> 44:40.610 the gentleman's comments , Mr . Elsey . 44:42.729 --> 44:44.951 Thank you , Mr . Chairman . Thank y'all 44:44.951 --> 44:44.830 for being here . I'll be real quick . 44:45.250 --> 44:47.489 Um , uh , we're , you know , making 44:47.489 --> 44:49.489 choices is hard . Uh , we are now 44:49.489 --> 44:52.129 extending the , uh , 8-10 until 2030 , 44:52.209 --> 44:54.098 which I think , uh , they've been 44:54.098 --> 44:56.250 trying to kill that since 1984 , uh , 44:56.330 --> 44:58.497 when I was in high school , and , uh , 44:58.497 --> 45:00.663 you know , as we're , as we're looking 45:00.663 --> 45:02.774 at choices that y'all have to make on 45:02.774 --> 45:02.409 this very large budget , you still have 45:02.409 --> 45:05.030 to make some , um , domain awareness 45:05.090 --> 45:08.250 with , uh , with the MTI and we lost an 45:08.250 --> 45:11.510 E3 in this conflict . Um , I'm 45:11.510 --> 45:14.020 concerned that the E7 is not addressed 45:14.020 --> 45:17.489 in the budget request . Uh , so , and , 45:17.570 --> 45:19.570 and the E-2 really doesn't cut it . 45:19.570 --> 45:21.909 It's like comparing a King Air to a 777 , 45:22.250 --> 45:24.417 uh , with respect to capabilities . So 45:24.417 --> 45:26.583 what , uh , help me understand the Air 45:26.583 --> 45:28.639 Force requirement for airborne early 45:28.639 --> 45:30.472 warning , and that'll be my only 45:30.472 --> 45:32.583 question , Mr . Chair . Uh , uh , let 45:32.583 --> 45:32.479 me make a couple of comments and I'll , 45:32.639 --> 45:35.379 I'll ask , uh , general to , to join in . 45:35.600 --> 45:39.459 Uh , the E7 is , is the replacement 45:39.600 --> 45:41.840 for the , the E3 and you're , and 45:41.840 --> 45:44.173 you're right , much more capable system . 45:44.173 --> 45:46.284 The E2 , E2 is a great platform , but 45:46.284 --> 45:48.562 it's , it's not in the same class . Um , 45:48.562 --> 45:50.229 the , the , we have two , the 45:50.229 --> 45:52.149 Rappaport.8 jets , uh , uh , on 45:52.149 --> 45:54.371 contract and funded . We have contracts 45:54.371 --> 45:56.129 in place for 5 more , uh , EMD 45:56.129 --> 45:58.969 platforms and the department , um , has , 45:59.090 --> 46:01.959 is committing to , to work with you to 46:01.959 --> 46:04.639 figure out how to fund the 27 , uh , 46:04.649 --> 46:06.850 budget for adjust the 27 budget 46:06.850 --> 46:09.810 submission to , to fund the E7 and then 46:09.810 --> 46:12.929 work the 28 going forward . So domain 46:12.929 --> 46:15.250 awareness is a broader category than 46:15.250 --> 46:18.110 just airborne early warning , and there , 46:18.330 --> 46:20.497 there's ability to do domain awareness 46:20.497 --> 46:22.663 from space , in the air , and from the 46:22.663 --> 46:24.719 ground . You also have to do command 46:24.719 --> 46:26.886 and control , which you can do command 46:26.886 --> 46:29.052 and control through all , all of those 46:29.052 --> 46:31.274 domains . And so the budget is lined up 46:31.274 --> 46:33.770 to address all of those domains to to 46:33.770 --> 46:37.010 enable us to do domain awareness and 46:37.010 --> 46:39.679 command and control . Thank you Mr . 46:39.760 --> 46:41.871 Chairman . You bet . Thank you , Mr . 46:41.871 --> 46:43.982 Aguilar . Thank you , Mr . Chairman . 46:43.982 --> 46:46.399 Uh , General , of the aircraft lost in 46:46.399 --> 46:48.566 the Iran incursion , the Air Force has 46:48.566 --> 46:50.788 lost the majority . How do you see this 46:50.788 --> 46:52.232 impacting future aircraft 46:52.232 --> 46:54.177 recapitalization and have you made 46:54.177 --> 46:56.343 projections about , uh , what could be 46:56.343 --> 46:58.399 lost , uh , in the incursion and how 46:58.399 --> 47:01.600 you'll address that moving forward ? So 47:01.600 --> 47:03.822 we hope to be able to address this in a 47:03.822 --> 47:05.933 supplemental uh for the aircraft that 47:05.933 --> 47:08.500 we've lost . And uh the 47:08.760 --> 47:12.149 procurement going forward um is meant 47:12.149 --> 47:14.639 to increase the number of tails we have , 47:14.840 --> 47:16.951 especially in the fighter force , but 47:16.951 --> 47:19.118 it also include uh bombers and tankers 47:19.118 --> 47:22.479 as well . Uh , and so , uh , both 47:22.479 --> 47:26.060 supplemental and , um , and the budget , 47:26.320 --> 47:28.429 uh , the twenty-seventh budget is 47:28.429 --> 47:31.290 supposed to address those losses . Mr . 47:31.300 --> 47:33.467 Secretary , given the dwindling supply 47:33.467 --> 47:36.830 of the F-15Cs and the delays in the EX , 47:36.959 --> 47:38.292 uh , how do you see the 47:38.292 --> 47:40.570 recapitalization of the F-15 squadrons ? 47:41.909 --> 47:44.270 It's a priority . Uh , it's a great 47:44.270 --> 47:46.548 platform , carry a lot of weapons . Uh , 47:46.590 --> 47:48.757 I was , uh , we're in the process of , 47:48.757 --> 47:50.812 of working closely with Boeing , the 47:50.812 --> 47:52.979 contractor . I spent last Thursday all 47:52.979 --> 47:52.459 day out with him , going through the 47:52.459 --> 47:54.590 details on the program on how we're 47:54.590 --> 47:57.030 going to ramp production , uh , past 47:57.030 --> 47:59.141 where they are today . Uh , I think , 47:59.141 --> 48:01.141 uh , the contractors putting a good 48:01.141 --> 48:03.086 plan together with our team . Um , 48:03.110 --> 48:05.332 they're supposed to come back with that 48:05.332 --> 48:07.388 plan in about 30 days . Uh , and I , 48:07.388 --> 48:09.166 I'm confident that we will ramp 48:09.166 --> 48:11.221 production . Uh , exactly what month 48:11.221 --> 48:13.443 next year that's going to happen . Uh , 48:13.443 --> 48:15.388 I think it's , we're still working 48:15.388 --> 48:17.499 through that , but we will be able to 48:17.499 --> 48:16.760 ramp production on the F-15 . It's a 48:16.760 --> 48:18.871 critical platform . Thank you . Thank 48:18.871 --> 48:20.816 you , Mr . Chairman . You'll bet . 48:21.679 --> 48:23.623 Thank you gentlemen . I think Mr . 48:23.623 --> 48:25.401 Fleischman , if you ask a quick 48:25.401 --> 48:27.512 question , then we're going to , uh , 48:27.512 --> 48:29.623 adjourn . Thank you , Mr . Chairman . 48:29.623 --> 48:29.520 I'll be brief , gentlemen , thank you . 48:29.840 --> 48:32.007 Can you help us understand the current 48:32.007 --> 48:34.118 near term outlook of our tanker fleet 48:34.118 --> 48:36.173 and the capacity for us to sustain a 48:36.173 --> 48:38.284 war in the Indo-Pacific ? What should 48:38.284 --> 48:40.396 we do to mitigate this growing gap in 48:40.396 --> 48:42.284 capacity ? Thank you . Yes , uh , 48:42.284 --> 48:44.618 Congressman , I'll do this very quickly . 48:44.618 --> 48:46.340 Uh , our tanker fleet has been 48:46.340 --> 48:46.280 performing marvelously , uh , through 48:46.280 --> 48:48.479 epic fury . Um , as you know , we have 48:48.479 --> 48:52.199 a floor for 466 tankers . Um , we have 48:52.199 --> 48:54.360 a number that we're supposed to meet 48:54.360 --> 48:57.120 this year of 478 , which we will do . 48:57.699 --> 49:00.280 Uh , and , uh , we are working our way 49:00.280 --> 49:02.224 with this budget and , and perhaps 49:02.224 --> 49:05.449 future budgets to get to 500 to . Um , 49:05.479 --> 49:07.646 in addition , we have in this budget , 49:07.646 --> 49:10.909 105 million uh dedicated to connecting 49:10.909 --> 49:12.965 the tanker force so that they have a 49:12.965 --> 49:15.199 similar data link network that we have 49:15.199 --> 49:17.032 in our fighters . So we're on an 49:17.032 --> 49:20.760 upslope for the tanker force . Thank 49:20.760 --> 49:22.982 you and I apologize for the accelerated 49:23.360 --> 49:25.304 hearing today , but , uh , we have 49:25.310 --> 49:27.477 votes . Uh , I think we're gonna be on 49:27.477 --> 49:29.699 the floor for at least 1 hour , so I'll 49:29.699 --> 49:31.866 make a decision that we'll adjourn and 49:31.866 --> 49:34.088 we'll submit questions for the record , 49:34.088 --> 49:36.199 uh , to , to all three of you , and , 49:36.199 --> 49:38.199 uh , we appreciate your service and 49:38.199 --> 49:40.366 appreciate your attendance . Committee 49:40.366 --> 49:39.600 is adjourned .