On the recordJuly 23, 2013
I want to thank the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Palazzo). This is a simple fix to a problem that is an oversight. And I will tell you, from the State of Florida's perception--I live in Florida--we are obviously prone to hurricanes. Our National Guard are our first responders when it comes to a natural disaster like a hurricane. These dual status technicians are in a position to keep the men and women of the Florida Army National Guard up and flying those helicopters that are utilized across the gulf coast to rescue people. Without these dual service technicians, without these women and men who actually repair and keep the equipment running, we are at risk, particularly in the State of Florida, but all along the gulf coast when we can't field the force to go out and protect us here at home, much less out in the world. And our National Guard, and particularly the aviation unit in my hometown, that's affected, they're currently deployed in Europe. But the fact that they have the inability to keep their equipment maintained, and we're furloughing these dual service technicians, it puts us at risk. It hurts our readiness. And so from a Florida perspective, I will tell you that it is imperative that we pass this. I really appreciate Representative Palazzo from the great State of Mississippi bringing this forward.
