Washington, DC – House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO) and Air and Land Forces Subcommittee Chairman Neil Abercrombie (D-HI) released the following statement concerning the Army’s announcement on changes to the Future Combat Systems (FCS) program:

 "The Army's announcement that it is changing the Future Combat Systems program to allow fielding of selected FCS equipment to light infantry units is a positive step toward improving the FCS program.  We have supported FCS 'spin out' efforts because they are the best way to quickly get FCS equipment to the Army.  However, we are concerned that this new plan may not allow for adequate testing of the equipment due to its very tight schedule.  In addition, the overall FCS program remains far over budget, far behind schedule, and unaffordable in the long term given the many other pressing needs facing the United States Army.  We look forward to seeing more changes to this program in the future."

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