Tony Thurmond: “I want to urge the Senate to consider the conference report on the national defense authorization bill for fiscal year…”

“I want to urge the Senate to consider the conference report on the national defense authorization bill for fiscal year 1997 before we adjourn for the August Recess. I need not remind my colleagues that the Constitution vests the power to raise and support armies, provide and maintain a navy and to make rules for the Government and regulation of land and naval forces in the Congress. We execute that power through the Defense authorization bill which is currently awaiting consideration by the Senate. The 1997 national defense authorization bill provides the funds and authorities for the Department of Defense to carry out its functions for the coming fiscal year. It is a good bill that provides critical funding for our forces deployed around the globe in support of our national security. It would be a travesty if the security and welfare of our forces is put at risk because of political squabbling in the Senate. Throughout my 40 years on the Senate Armed Services Committee, it has been my philosophy that national defense is a bipartisan effort. The conference report that is pending before the Senate is a bipartisan effort. It passed the House last night by an overwhelming vote. It will pass the Senate in the same bipartisan vote if given a chance. Mr. President, I urge my colleagues to work with the leadership to resolve the deadlock that is holding up consideration of the Defense authorization bill by the Senate.”