Mike Thompson: “I seek to withdraw an amendment I have filed to the fiscal year 1998 Defense authorization bill because I see that…”

“I seek to withdraw an amendment I have filed to the fiscal year 1998 Defense authorization bill because I see that pressing ahead with this amendment at this time would only delay passage of this important legislation. Before I formally withdraw my amendment, however, I wish to inform my colleagues about the circumstances which prompted me to introduce this measure-- circumstances which continue today. A basic unfairness exists within the current regulations for membership in the National Guard. This inconsistency arbitrarily penalizes some patriotic Americans who serve their country well. It also hinders the ability of some National Guard units to attract and retain the most qualified individuals, thereby undermining the effectiveness of those units. This situation was brought to my attention because of a constituent of mine, Robert Echols, of Nashville. Mr. Echols, a Federal district court judge in the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Tennessee, is also a colonel in the Tennessee National Guard where he has served with distinction for 27 years. In September 1995, Colonel Echols was recommended for promotion to the rank of brigadier general. Although Colonel Echols' promotion was supported by the chief judge of the sixth judicial district, the Tennessee National Guard, and the National Guard Bureau here in Washington, to date his promotion has been delayed.”