Political Quotes

“I rise in opposition to final passage of S. 1026, the DOD authorization bill. And as was the case with the 1996 Defense appropriations bill, I do so with a heavy heart. I would inform my colleagues that today marks the first time in my 15 years of Senate service that I will vote against final passage of a Defense authorization bill. This is a not so much a vote of disagreement, but a vote of conscience. The 1996 Defense authorization bill contains spending instructions of almost $7 billion above the Pentagon's initial request. Let me clarify that point, neither the President nor the respective service chiefs have asked for these funds. The programs earmarked for these increases were never part of the Pentagon's original budget request. That fact weighs heavily in my decision today. I think most of my colleagues know that I have consistently supported prudent and necessary spending for our national defense.”