Political Quotes

“I rise to express my deep disappointment that we were unable to proceed to the Defense authorization bill. I have been here a while, maybe I am wrong--I am searching my memory--I don't remember any time that we voted against proceeding to the Defense bill. It is a filibuster just to go to the Defense bill. It is perplexing to me because of some of what is in this bill--including funding for the defense health program to care for our military personnel and their families, including our wounded warriors. We know these wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have taken quite a toll on our military men and women, both in seen injuries and unseen injuries--injuries to the brain. We know some incredible work is going on. I visited some of the research universities that are finding better ways to treat our wounded warriors. They are finding better ways to treat terrible wounds that result from horrible burns to our brave men and women. Now is the time to put those new and better treatments into place and there is a filibuster and we cannot get to the bill. We know there is a military pay raise in this bill for our servicemembers. Those voting no to proceed to this are stopping that. This bill authorizes TRICARE coverage for eligible dependents up to age 26.”