Political Quotes

“Mr. President, last month we marked the 24th anniversary of the beginning of the gulf war. In August 1990 Iraq invaded Kuwait. Shortly after this development the United States launched Operation Desert Shield, which led to Operation Desert Storm to drive Iraqi forces out of Kuwait. Arkansas made a huge sacrifice during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The Arkansas Army National Guard had 13 units called to serve during these operations, and 10 units of the Arkansas Air National Guard were called up. More than 3,400 Arkansas Guard soldiers were called up altogether--the second highest percentage of any State. Of those Arkansans called to serve, nine of the Army Guard units served in combat, including the 142nd Field Artillery Brigade--the only National Guard artillery brigade called to Active Duty during the gulf war. I thank all of the men and women--more than 600,000 Americans from across the United States--who served and sacrificed in Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. These servicemembers deserve a place of honor and recognition in our Nation's Capital. My friend and colleague Senator Donnelly and I have been working toward that goal. I am proud of my colleagues in the House who unanimously passed H.R. 503, the National Desert Storm and Desert Shield War Memorial Act in May. I ask that we bring this bill up for final passage here in the Senate. In a time where we are facing budget constraints, this bill is budget neutral.…”