John Shadegg: “Yes, if the gentleman will yield, I just want to talk about those two issues. You just raised the issue of our national…”

“Yes, if the gentleman will yield, I just want to talk about those two issues. You just raised the issue of our national defense and also the issue of ballistic missile defense. I think it is very important for people out there across America looking at this piece of legislation to understand those two points. We all know that this is a dangerous world, and quite frankly, while we like to pretend it is not growing more dangerous, it is in fact growing much more dangerous. Our troops have had their ability to fight on our behalf weakened for far too long. I cannot tell you how many people in my district come up to me and say: Congressman, you have done too much. The Federal Government has gone too far in weakening our national defense. We need dollars for readiness. We must be prepared. Our troops cannot be out there with weapons that do not work. They cannot be placed in the handicapped situation. We cannot put them in harm's way with the equipment and the preparedness that you are giving to them right now. It is critically important. And I want the listeners to understand that of this in this bill there is $9 billion in emergency spending for defense and for intelligence needs.”