Tony Thurmond: “I rise this afternoon not to speak about the specifics of the National Defense Authorization Bill, but to speak to the…”

“I rise this afternoon not to speak about the specifics of the National Defense Authorization Bill, but to speak to the importance of the Senate passing a defense authorization bill. I am very concerned that this bill will be so burdened with non-germane amendments that our House colleagues may challenge it on constitutional grounds--the so-called Blue Slip. If the Senate persists with these type of non-germane amendments there is the strong possibility that for the first time in my 41 years on the Armed Services Committee there will not be a National Defense Authorization Bill. Mr. President, if there is no authorization bill we will deny the following critical quality of life and readiness programs to our military personnel, both active and retired, and their families: No 3.7 percent pay raise; No Thrift Savings Plan; No concurrent receipt of military retirement pay and disability pay; No comprehensive lifetime health care benefits; and No military construction and family housing projects. Mr. President, it is ironic that two days ago, members were commemorating D-Day and the sacrifices of the thousands of men who charged across the beaches of Normandy.”