Political Quotes

“This editorial outlines succinctly the issues facing the National Guard in the debate surrounding its force structure and its very future. I have said before and reiterate now in the strongest of terms, that rather than bill payer, the Guard's role should be vibrant, viable, and adequately funded by the Department of Defense. National Guard units from every State are, today, involved in operations domestically in their State roles, and globally in their national role. Recently, units from my home State have been involved in missions in accordance with United States directives in Bosnia, Hungary, the Persian Gulf, and continue to serve our interests there. Units from States which have experienced natural disasters have traditionally been the 'Cavalry to the rescue.' Even the U.S. Air Force was a recipient of the National Guard's professional response when an A-10 aircraft which had crashed in a remote area was initially discovered by a National Guard Team involved in the search. With the fiscal constraints being imposed on our military force while simultaneously increasing their roles and missions, we need the Guard now, more than ever. We need it to be trained, we need it to be well equipped, and we need it funded. Mr. President I call upon all Senators to join with me and Senator Ford along with the other members of the National Guard Caucus in a pledge to insure the robust nature of the National Guard, a service from which we ask so much.”