Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the rule and the underlying bill.  I know Chairman Skelton and Ranking Member Hunter have worked hard on this bipartisan measure, and I thank them for their leadership. 

Our operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have put great strain on our military, and this bill will reverse the decline in readiness.  It adds funds for force protection programs such as mine resistant combat vehicles, IED countermeasures and body armor.  It also honors the service of our men and women in uniform by including a 3.5% pay raise, retention bonuses and improvements to defense health programs.

I am pleased that this measure recognizes the importance of submarines to our national security by adding $588 million to construct a second Virginia-class submarine as soon as 2009 – three years earlier than planned.  This is welcome news to the men and women at Electric Boat in Rhode Island, as well as our entire submarine industrial base, which is threatened by an insufficient workload.  The Navy’s shipbuilding plan would have our submarine fleet drop to dangerously low levels in future years, just as other nations are increasing their naval capabilities.  I have been working for six years to address this important national security issue, and I thank Chairman Skelton and Seapower Chairman Taylor for their commitment to a robust submarine force.

The rule before us makes in order an amendment I am offering with the gentleman from Maine, Mr. Michaud, that would require military pharmacies to include emergency contraception in the basic core formulary.  Access to this contraception is important to our servicewomen – particularly those who have been the victims of sexual assault – and I urge my colleagues to support our amendment.

We can show our appreciation for all the men and women who keep our nation safe by voting for this rule and the defense authorization act.  Thank you, Madam Speaker.