Rep. Corrine Brown: “thank you to Chairman Lewis and Mr. Murtha for your hard work on this bill. As we discuss ways in which this House will…”

“thank you to Chairman Lewis and Mr. Murtha for your hard work on this bill. As we discuss ways in which this House will support this nation's defenses, I feel there is no better time to thank the brave men and women who are presently risking their lives in Operation Infinite Justice. With their help we will continue to root out and destroy the terrorist networks that threaten peaceful nations throughout the world. I want to commend the committee for not including in this bill any BRAC language, which would have closed military bases at a time when we all can agree that we need a strong military. Now is not the time to close training facilities for our military. It is a long and tough road ahead for us as we rid the world of those terrorist elements who wish to do us harm. We must be fully prepared to meet those challenges and that means using the resources that we have, not stripping our military of vital bases. The tragedy of September 11 has given American an opportunity to do some soul searching. As we struggle for answers, we must not let our resolve grow weaker. We must always remember this tragedy--the enormous pain and suffering it has caused--and work to make our nation and this world a safer and more peaceful place. Again, my heart and prayers are with the family and friends of those who perished on September 11. Neither you, nor your loved ones, will be forgotten. As we consider this bill today, it is with you in mind.”