Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012. As the ranking member of the Military Personnel Subcommittee, I am pleased that this bill includes a number of provisions that continues our commitment to our men and women in uniform as well as their dedicated families. First, I want to thank my chairman, Joe Wilson, for his support and assistance. I would also like to recognize Chairman McKeon and Ranking Member Smith for their leadership. I urge my colleagues to vote for this conference report as it supports our military and their families who have faced the stress and the strains of a decade at war. The conference report includes a 1.6 percent pay raise for our troops. And it will also require the Department of Defense to enhance suicide prevention programs. It allows servicemembers to designate any individual, regardless of their relationship, to direct how their remains are treated. This bill will also allow service Secretaries to permit members to participate in an apprenticeship program that provides employment skills training. It makes significant enhancements to the sexual assault and harassment policies of the DOD, such as requiring full-time sexual assault coordinators and victim advocates, ensuring access to legal assistance, and allowing for the consideration of a permanent change of station. And, finally, H.R.…”