On the recordOctober 4, 2017
I must first start by thanking Chairwoman Black for her excellent work on this bill. There are a lot of things that I can talk about that are very positive in this budget, but today I want to emphasize how it prioritizes our national security. With the growing threats around the globe, it is imperative that we fund defense of our Nation in an appropriate and a substantial way. We need to invest in our Armed Forces. We have to upgrade our defense systems and weapons systems, and we have to ensure the readiness of our military. The United States must continue to lead on a global scale. This budget takes us in that direction by investing in our national defense. Obviously, coupled with targeted soft diplomacy funding, we accomplish that. This budget takes us, as I said, in that direction, and it does so in a very positive way. I believe this budget makes those critical investments. Mr. Chairman, I don't have to tell you that under the previous administration, cuts to our defense spending left the world a more dangerous place and it left our country in a more vulnerable place. Thankfully, the current administration recognizes the failure of the last 8 years and is, again, willing to lead again. Now it is up to us to do our part to provide the resources to allow the administration and our military to lead again. This budget gets us there. I am pleased to support it. Mr. Chair, I want to thank the chairwoman for her invaluable leadership.…
