Mike Levin: “This conference report is named after Congressman Bob Stump, who will be retiring, in honor of all the work he has done…”

“This conference report is named after Congressman Bob Stump, who will be retiring, in honor of all the work he has done, for the dedication of his entire congressional career supporting our men and women in uniform. The bill is deservedly named in his honor. Of course, Ike Skelton on the House side, the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, made an absolutely essential contribution as well. Last month, we passed H.J. Res. 114 that authorized the President to use the Armed Forces of the United States as he determines to be necessary and appropriate to defend the national security of the United States against the continuing threat posed by Iraq and to enforce all relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions in that regard. It has been widely reported that the United States has already started the prepositioning of forces and supplies in anticipation of possible military action against Iraq in accordance with this resolution. As we stand poised on the brink of possible military action, hopefully action that will not be necessary but nonetheless possible military action, this bill will provide the men and women in uniform with the tools they need and the pay and benefits they deserve.”