Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, this will be my 20th and final NDAA. As I prepare to seek other challenges, I want to remind my colleagues of the incredible work that can get done with this legislation, especially when patience is required. Since joining the Armed Services Committee, I have seen our focus change. At the height of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, we focused on the critical needs of our troops fighting every day. Now, our focus has shifted more towards innovation and future needs of our troops. But we can't forget that this bill is not just about spending on things, it is about our servicemembers and their families. We cannot forget the importance of the sacrifices that they make. It is hard to even convey the magnitude of their service. The military can enhance performance by caring for every member of the military community, something that we hear every day from military leaders that, quite honestly, we didn't hear 20 years ago. But there is more work to be done. We must ensure no military family goes hungry and no military spouse is forced to leave the workforce because of a military move or lack of childcare. The military can enhance performance by fostering an environment where the opportunities for advancement include all who are willing to work hard. When I began serving on the HASC, the idea of women in combat roles or LGBTQ Americans serving openly was only a distant dream. Today, we understand the importance of diversity in our ranks.…”