Political Quotes

“I support the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999. Naming this bill after my good friend Strom Thurmond is a fitting tribute to one of the Senate's greatest defenders of America's military interests. I urge everyone to take a minute to read Section 1, which highlights Senator Thurmond's distinguished record of service and leadership. As always, finding the right compromises to protect our national security while still living within our budget caps has been hard. Recent events in Iraq and Kosovo, and the attack on our embassies in Tanzania and Kenya are stark reminders of why our diplomatic efforts must be supported by a robust military. I compliment the Committee on Armed Services, under the leadership of Chairman Thurmond and Senator Levin, for its dedicated effort to address some of our nation's critical national security needs. While I do not agree with everything in the conference report, on balance I believe this bill does a great deal of good. On the personnel front, I know that all of us are pleased with the 3.6 percent pay raise. We know that our patriotic men and women in uniform do not serve in order to make money, but that doesn't change the needs of their families and themselves for adequate recompense. This is a solid step in the right direction.”