Mike Levin: “I am pleased, once again, to join the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Warner, in bringing the…”

“I am pleased, once again, to join the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Warner, in bringing the National Defense Authorization Act to the Senate floor. This bipartisan bill was favorably reported by unanimous vote of the Senate Armed Services Committee on May 4, 2006, as our distinguished Presiding Officer is well aware, since he had an important role bringing this bill to the floor. This is the sixth Defense authorization bill that Senator Warner has brought to the Senate floor as chairman of our committee. Under the 6- year term limitation imposed on committee chairmen under the Republican Conference, it will also be his last. Senator Warner served this country as an enlisted man in the Navy in World War II, as an officer in the Marine Corps in the Korean war, and as Secretary of the Navy during the Vietnam war. He has continued that service as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee since his election to the Senate in 1978. As Senator Warner has pointed out on many occasions, he and I came to the Senate together. We have now served side by side on the Senate Armed Services Committee for more than 27 years. As chairman of our committee, Senator Warner is unfailingly patient, courteous, and thoughtful. He has always been willing to listen. He has always tried to work out constructive solutions to even the most difficult problems.…”