Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

Floor Speech

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Ms. PLASKETT. Madam Chair, I rise today in support of this en bloc, as well as in support of my amendment which is within there to the National Defense Authorization Act.

Presently, the Caribbean region and Latin America face evolving security challenges from transnational criminal gangs to threats from nation-states. Saint Croix's Henry Rohlsen Airport sits at a critical geographic crossroads perfectly positioned to enhance the United States' regional defense posture and emergency response capabilities.

This amendment requires the Department of Defense to assess Rohlsen's readiness for Air Force operations and provide recommendations for infrastructure improvements. The study will identify how the airport can support regional security missions, emergency actions, and SOUTHCOM regional priorities.

Already, C-130s, C-17s, C-5s, F-16 Falcons, Super Hercules, as well as the Hurricane Hunters are on the island of Saint Croix.

With one of the largest airstrips in the Caribbean, near one of the deepest ports, which is just several miles from the airport, and with oil storage and an oil refinery, we are positioned to be able to do something very important in the Caribbean.

When hurricanes devastate the Caribbean, security threats emerge, or humanitarian crises unfold, an enhanced airfield on the island of Saint Croix enables faster response times and more effective operations.

We are the most easterly point in the United States, 1,000 miles from Miami and approximately 500 miles from Venezuela. This is a smart defense policy that protects American interests.

I urge my colleagues to support this vital amendment.

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