Washington, D.C. – Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) participated in a Defense Appropriations Subcommittee hearing today to discuss the fiscal year 2005 funding needs of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Gordon England, Secretary of the Navy; Admiral Vernon Clark, Chief of Naval Operations; and General Michael Hagee, Commandant of the Marine Corps, testified before the subcommittee.

The Senator recognized the hard work of the Navy and Marine forces as they defend our nation in countries around the world and said he was hopeful that they could provide the funds needed to protect those that are deployed. He questioned the panel about the delayed construction of the LHA (R), replacement of large amphibious ships for the Marine Corps, report from the Navy on V-22 tilt-rotor pilot training roadmap, and the Navy's involvement in the ballistic missile defense sea shield strategy. Senator Cochran also highlighted the role of the Seabees in Iraq, and mentioned those serving from a regimen of the Navy Construction Battalion in Gulfport.

Senator Cochran's opening statement and some Q&A from the hearing will be available after 3:30 p.m. (Eastern) on the Senator's voicemail news line and on the Senator's web site at www.senate.gov/~cochran . You may record these statements as needed for newscasts or news stories.

Cochran News Line: Call our toll-free number and follow these instructions to access the news line:

1-800-545-1267

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