Political Quotes

“Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of the FY2019 Defense Appropriations bill. I commend Chairman Frelinghuysen, Ranking Member Lowey, Subcommittee Chairwoman Granger and Ranking Member Visclosky for their leadership on this bill. I would also like to thank our dedicated professional staff who have tirelessly worked on this bill. I have served on the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee for many years and providing for our men and women in uniform is a privilege and an honor. This bill provides vital funding for our Armed Services, including a 2.6 percent pay raise. This bill is an investment in our future superiority on land, air and at sea. Whether it is the procurement of next-gen platforms or systems, the recruitment and retention of our best and brightest, or investment in cutting-edge technology--this bill is a down payment on our future force. Earlier this year, Secretary Mattis released the National Defense Strategy. As we all know, our Secretary of Defense is focused on readiness and lethality. This bill meets the demands of the Department to restore our readiness levels, invest in lethality, buy the equipment that will maintain our military superiority, and provide for the health and welfare of our men and women in uniform. We are at a unique time in history that demands U.S. leadership throughout the world. As we know all too well, a power vacuum breeds instability and extremism. A strong U.S. military, with our allies, creates stability.…”