Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, one of the most fundamental duties of Congress is to fund the government. I am pleased that, after months of uncertainty, a budget agreement has been reached, thanks to the work of the President, his Cabinet, and the Congress. This 2-year funding deal ends the threat of sequestration and continues to improve our military strength. It doubles down on our commitment to serving and protecting the American people by enhancing the United States' defense capabilities and ensuring our courageous troops have the resources they need to deter, fight, and win. It wasn't that long ago, Mr. Speaker, that our military was in the midst of a readiness crisis. It would be irresponsible, in my strong opinion, to retreat back to that point. This deal helps us prevent that. The legislation averts a $71 billion cut to defense that would have taken place early next year, absent an agreement. Mr. Speaker, I am a 30-year veteran of the Arkansas National Guard, one deployment under my belt. I chair the Board of Visitors at the United States Military Academy at West Point, and I recognize the rise of the threat facing us around the globe. I also understand the devastation a sequester would cause. It is not something that we can allow to happen, and I have seen the numbers floating around about what Congress is about to do. Let me be clear, Mr. Speaker.…”