Tony Thurmond: “as the Senate debates President Bush's first budget proposal, I want to join my colleagues in congratulating the…”

“as the Senate debates President Bush's first budget proposal, I want to join my colleagues in congratulating the President on his commitment to revitalize our Nation's economy and national security. The President's budget proposal is fiscally responsible and represents a prudent first step as he organizes his administration and focuses on the issues facing both the Nation and the World. I especially want to recognize the President's challenge to Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld to conduct a strategic review of our national security requirements. This review is long overdue and I anticipate it will bring about significant changes to our national security strategy and our military services. I have been privileged to be a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee since 1959. During this period I have been a witness to both the greatness and tragedy of military service. After the tragic conflict in Vietnam, we saw a sharp decline in the readiness and morale of our armed forces. The Reagan era brought about a revitalization in our armed forces that culminated in the end of the Cold War and the great victory in the desert of Iraq. Now again, our military is showing its age and neglect. Our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines are still the best, but the equipment and facilities are wearing out because of under funding and overuse.”