Political Quotes

“Madam Chair, today I rise in support of my amendment to H.R. 1960, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. This amendment gives the land owners and ranchers in the Pinon Canyon community of Southeast Colorado peace of mind and economic certainty by requiring Congressional approval in order for the Department of Defense to expand Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site (PCMS) near Fort Carson, Colorado. It also requires specific appropriation approval for PCMS expansion. The passage of this amendment would represent a major step forward in providing assurance for the people of Southeast Colorado, who for the last several years have been subjected to a constant state of uncertainty over possible PCMS expansion into their lands. Despite an annual funding ban placed on the Department of the Army that effectively prohibits the expansion of the boundaries of PCMS, my constituents wonder every year whether the rules will change and the rug will be swept from under their feet. Today I ask my colleagues to come together to create a permanent fix. With the passage of this amendment, there would be stringent guidelines that restrict the expansion of PCMS, fully codifying that Congress must vote on PCMS land acquisition, that the appropriation must be authorized, and that the appropriation must be made. Make no mistake, the soldiers at Fort Carson exemplify the finest and bravest our nation has to offer.…”