Political Quotes

“I want to thank Ranking Member Adam Smith and my dear friend, Chairman Wittman, for working collaboratively with me on the readiness section of the NDAA. I believe that this bill provides our servicemen and -women with what they need to be prepared to face the challenges that are constantly thrown at them by a dangerous and unpredictable world. However, as Chairman Thornberry often likes to remind us, this gets us to the bear, ragged, lower edge of what is required to respond to the full spectrum of the challenges we face. In addition to funding our readiness requirements, our bill looks to the future by requiring GAO reports on Army and Air Force training requirements, a review of the Army's Pacific Pathways program, and an assessment of the adequacy of support assets for the Asia-Pacific rebalance. These reports will provide the information necessary to enable us to determine whether the programs are achieving their intended purposes or will allow us to take corrective action if they are not. The bill also authorizes a 2.3 percent pay increase for all servicemembers. The bill continues our strong tradition here in the House of supporting the rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region. I am pleased that this bill authorizes funding for the relocation of marines from Okinawa to Guam and authorizes the improvement of critical infrastructure on Guam.…”