Joel Hefley: “the Cold War may be over but the weight of responsibility inherited by the United States is heavier than ever. Threats…”

“the Cold War may be over but the weight of responsibility inherited by the United States is heavier than ever. Threats are no longer contained by bipolar ideologies. Threats come from every corner of the world. It is under these conditions where our military forces find themselves doing more with less. Stretched to a point where spare parts become an oxymoron and retention and morale is critical, it is in this environment where I fail to understand the President's rationale in sending Congress defense budgets asking for fewer and fewer dollars. In every budget year since Clinton and Gore took office, the administration has proposed a decrease in defense spending. As a matter of fact, the defense budget has been reduced by more than $10 billion in constant dollars since fiscal year 1993. Fortunately, the Armed Forces have received better support from a Republican controlled Congress. Despite cuts proposed by the administration, Congress has funded above the President's request and has long recognized the importance of a prepared and well-funded military force. Mr. Speaker, we should be proud of our men and women in uniform and should provide them what they need to do the job.”