Richard Shelby: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'll be brief. I just want to join you in welcoming Secretary McHugh and General Casey to this…”

In a fiscal environment with 8.5 percent inflation, the Department's budget request equates to a cut to our national defense at a time of unprecedented security risks.

With inflation at the highest levels we've seen in 40 years, the request represents a cut from the 2022 level.

I'm also concerned that inflation will reduce the Army's buying power.

today I come to the Senate floor for what will probably be one of my last times--perhaps not my last time but close. I want to start off by thanking the people of Alabama, my home State. They have put their trust in me for more than 50…