On the recordMay 18, 2000
I have trained on these kinds of ranges. I have taken that same training. I have employed it in war. I currently represent one of these ranges that is the West Coast version of Vieques. That training is invaluable. We could not be effective in that kind of action without it. Our obligation to the young men and women that we employ in our armed forces is to give them the best possible training before they go in harm's way, and today we routinely deploy, routinely deploy our carrier battle groups and amphibious ready groups where they immediately are put in harm's way in many cases, whether it is bombing Iraq, flying over the Balkans, or some embassy-saving they have to do. This range must remain available for our forces' live fire combat training, period. I will say it again, it must remain available. We have adequate safeguards to protect the people of Puerto Rico. Mr. Chairman, I urge all Members to vote no on this amendment.
Source
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