Ken Calvert: “I certainly rise in strong support of this fiscal year 2012 Defense appropriation bill. I want to particularly thank…”

“I certainly rise in strong support of this fiscal year 2012 Defense appropriation bill. I want to particularly thank Chairman Young and Ranking Member Dicks and their staffs for a fantastic job. Thank you very much for your hard work and a great bill. This bill is a great example, when it comes to our national defense, that we work together as Americans, not as Democrats, not as Republicans, but as Americans. At a time that we're in a number of conflicts around the world, it's important that we show that we stand united in support of our troops and against our enemies. There was a point made about what's the longest war. I would say the longest war in American history is the Cold War. We were in that war for well over 40 years, and we're at war today against terrorism and radical elements out there that are trying to kill us and to maim us and to harm our national interests. This is a long-term commitment, and I certainly congratulate this committee for doing the job that's necessary. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the fiscal year 2012 Defense Appropriations bill. Chairman Young, Ranking Member Dicks and the staff on both sides have worked together to produce a very good bill that supports our warfighters, plans for the future, and funds current operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, while also taking into account the fiscal restraints of the current economy.…”