I regret that a bill and other relevant appropriations acts continue to see attempts to close Guantanamo by prohibiting viable alternatives. We are debating an appropriations bill, and the committee and this Congress has to pay for things…

The gentleman indicated that his amendment differs from the previous one just offered and debated. I would suggest it is a difference without a distinction. I would suggest that the solution to the concern that the gentleman has is, if we…

I reiterate my opposition to the gentleman's amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

There is no question, I think, from anyone in this Chamber that the Members of the United States military and the Department of Defense are the finest human beings on planet Earth. Their primary charge is to keep our country safe and…

I do appreciate the gentleman from Colorado's concern for his constituency and his State. We had a markup of another bill earlier today in the Appropriations Committee, and I was very vocal on behalf of the constituents I serve, so I…

I demand a recorded vote. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Colorado will be postponed. Amendment No. 23 Offered by Mr. Buck The Acting CHAIR. It is now…

I don't know how much more scientific evidence we are going to need before we understand the reality that there is a change in our climate and that we are going to have to accommodate that change. Today, I am not talking about coal or…

I appreciate the chairman's yielding. I associate myself with his remarks and I am in opposition to the gentleman's amendment. There is no question that the relationship with Pakistan has been very difficult, but we ought to also remember…

I appreciate the gentleman yielding. I do rise in support of his amendment. The fact is, the Congress of the United States today excels at one thing. We excel better than anybody else at one thing: doing nothing. We do nothing better than…

I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the gentleman's amendment. The chairman mentioned that the reduction that is called for in this amendment would certainly impact the cruise missile program…

It is my understanding that, because I am defending the position of the committee, I have the right to close. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman is correct.

I would simply reiterate my opposition to the gentleman's amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

I thank the gentleman. I do appreciate the sentiments of the gentleman who offered the amendment. As I said earlier in our debate this evening, it is very hard at times to measure progress in Afghanistan, but I would agree with the…

I would again point out, as I did in my opening remarks, that the current organization and command structure of the U.S. Pacific Fleet works well. It provides us with the necessary ability to oversight. Despite the gentleman's…

The world's largest fleet command, the United States Pacific Fleet, encompasses 100 million square miles, nearly half the Earth's surface. As our Nation conducts a rebalance in the Asia Pacific arena, it is critical that the Pacific Fleet…

I would associate myself with the chairman's remarks. I appreciate what the gentleman from Alabama wants to do, but I do oppose his amendment for two reasons primarily. One, obviously, under the circumstances we find ourselves in, he had…

I appreciate the chairman yielding, and I simply want to associate myself with his remarks. I also have a deep respect for the gentleman from Pennsylvania. I appreciate what he is trying to do, but as the chairman did mention, this does…

I would add my voice to the chair's. I look forward to working with both gentlemen on this very important issue. I do appreciate him raising it and do look forward to working with the chairman and with the both of them.