Political Quotes

“I thank Ranking Member Smith for his leadership. I also thank Chair Rogers for the fair way he conducts the committee. Mr. Chair, we should be debating how much money to spend on defense and whether we are getting our money's worth. It is no secret that I believe it should be a lower number, but I recognize that that is a valid debate that this committee should have. What I don't understand is some of the amendments that have nothing to do with defense that are being introduced into this bill. Amendment 55, for example, prohibits the Defense Department from paying for sick leave or travel for servicemembers receiving an abortion. Amendment 51 prohibits the DOD from using masks to combat a pandemic. Amendment 49 prohibits the Defense Department from providing or approving Pride flags. Amendment 47 prohibits even the teaching of affirmative action. Now, this one you wonder, what does this have to do with Defense policy or keeping our country safe? Amendment 22 prohibits the DOD from buying electric vehicles or chargers. Talk about Big Government being proscriptive. Amendment 44 directs the Confederate Memorial to return to the Arlington National Cemetery. Mr. Chair, my hope is that this committee could debate the top line of defense and what we need to do to keep our country safe and that we do not bring these cultural, divisive issues into supporting our troops and into keeping America the strongest country in the world.”