Political Quotes

“The writer of this article talks about what is at stake and about what the Russians are doing in the Arctic. Here is a map. It is a little small, but it shows Russia's Arctic push and the dramatic increase of airbases, operational infrastructure all around the Arctic, and the different exercises. We know that it is an important place--transportation, natural resources. This is a critical area. Our leaders are taking notice, our military leaders. ADM Bill Gortney with the U.S. Northern Command stated: ``Russian heavy bombers flew more out-of-area patrols in 2014 than in any year since the Cold War.'' Secretary of Defense Carter just 2 months ago said: ``The Arctic is going to be a major area of importance to the United States, both strategically and economically in the future--it's fair to say that we're late to the recognition of that.'' This is why the NDAA is so important. Congress heard this testimony. The Senate Armed Services Committee heard this testimony. We have been following what has been happening in the Arctic, and we have acted. The NDAA has provisions to start to address the challenges we see in the Arctic. It certainly is focused on making sure the Arctic remains a peaceful and stable place, but it also starts to focus the leadership of our military on the Arctic, and that is important.…”