Cord Byrd: “Absolutely. The Senator, by his question, has really answered his question. We saw that the country took more time in…”

“Absolutely. The Senator, by his question, has really answered his question. We saw that the country took more time in the 1940s to create a Department of Defense. It took time. It had the input of the heads of the military branches and their advice. Mr. Truman took time. It wasn't enacted during the heat of battle. The thought was there. The suggestion was there. Committees held hearings, and buildings were proposed during that time. But it was after the war that the Department of Defense was created. It wasn't all done in a hurry. There was need to do something along those lines. Many Members of Congress introduced legislation to carry out the results, to create and reorganize the Government in that respect. The military people who were directly involved and had input put. We may be in a situation here where we can't wait 4 years, or 3 years, or 2 years, as was the case there. But there is a direct parallel. They took their time. In taking their time, it didn't mean they were just dragging their feet. They took time. During the time that was passing, they talked about this; they got the advice of the military. They were preparing all along their action--but do it right; not do it quickly but do it right. The same is true here in many respects. The point is that we must not do it quickly. We are being urged in the Senate: Get on with it, pass it.”