Tony Thurmond: “In crafting this important legislation, the Committee on Armed Services placed the national security interests of the…”

“In crafting this important legislation, the Committee on Armed Services placed the national security interests of the United States and the strength of our Armed Forces above other considerations. The national defense authorization bill for fiscal year 1997 reflects the committee's bipartisan approach to these overarching priorities, and provides a clear basis and direction for U.S. national security policies and programs into the 21st century. I very much regret that this will be his last defense authorization bill, and hope that this bill will serve as a clear legacy to Senator Nunn's enduring contributions to the U.S. Armed Forces and this Nation's security.”