Joel Hefley: “military readiness is the kind of thing that requires long-term planning and long-term commitment. Decisions made today…”

“military readiness is the kind of thing that requires long-term planning and long-term commitment. Decisions made today about our military forces do not show up until years down the road. That is why it is easy for shortsighted or politically motivated leaders to shortchange our military for a few years because future generations will have to pay the price. Similarly, the defense buildup that President Reagan made his top priority paid huge dividends only after he left office. The Soviet Union fell shortly after he left, and President George Bush reaped the benefits of our extraordinary military prowess in the Gulf War in 1991. In my judgment, and in the opinion of many military experts, this administration has shortchanged our military systematically over the past 6 years. Our commitments grow, but the resources are just not there to meet them. This House will soon have the opportunity to take action to change this course. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support the DOD authorization bill.”