
Susan Collins
52:30 - 53:44
"The administration is proposing that a significant portion of funding for both of these modernization programs be done through a third reconciliation bill, a bill that may never happen. For example, of the $154 million request for the power thermal management upgrade for the engine, only $10 million is requested in the base budget. What is the impact on these programs if they are not fully funded in fiscal year 2027, and what would be the implications for the defense industrial base?"
“The administration is proposing that a significant portion of funding for both of these modernization programs be done through a third reconciliation bill, a bill that may never happen. For example, of the $154 million request for the power thermal management upgrade for the engine, only $10 million is requested in the base budget. What is the impact on these programs if they are not fully funded in fiscal year 2027, and what would be the implications for the defense industrial base?”
The administration is proposing that a significant portion of funding for both of these modernization programs be done through a third reconciliation bill, a bill that may never happen. For example, of the $154 million request for the power thermal management upgrade for the engine, only $10 million is requested in the base budget. What is the impact on these programs if they are not fully funded in fiscal year 2027, and what would be the implications for the defense industrial base? Thank you, Chairwoman, and I agree it's a phenomenal engine that Pratt builds for the F-35, and we continue to modernize that engine going forward to make sure it can keep up with the rest of the aircraft. Yes, you know, the FY27 budget request is a combination of base and reconciliation.
Air Force fiscal 2027 budget request splits critical programs between base appropriations and reconciliation bill. Senators from both parties say the structure creates risk for Alaska installations and missions.

The Department of the Air Force asked Congress for $338.8 billion in fiscal 2027, a 34 percent jump from last year, to address readiness shortfalls after 25 years of underfunding. Senators questioned splitting the request between base appropriations and a reconciliation package.
