Joel Hefley: “Mr. Chairman, many of us feel that defense cuts proposed by the Clinton administration during these last couple of years…”

“Mr. Chairman, many of us feel that defense cuts proposed by the Clinton administration during these last couple of years are leading us to a hollow force again. That is the reason for this bill. We want to make a statement that we do not want a hollow force, that defense is an important part of our national security. There is a perception that defense spending has not been reduced. But nothing could be further from the truth. In 1992, candidate Clinton called for $60 billion in additional defense cuts beyond the cuts President Bush proposed. This year's represents the 11th straight year that we have decreased defense spending. What we are going to do with this bill, I think, is to make a statement that we are going to have a strong national defense in this country. Now, it is not the end-all of bills. I would like for it to be much stronger. I would like for it to speak more to the force strength and that kind of thing. But the National Security Restoration Act is a down payment on the Republican promise to restore national security. It does not do all that is needed, but it does begin to add to the blueprint. I would urge support of this legislation.”