David Loebsack: “I want to thank the gentleman from Massachusetts for yielding. Mr. Speaker, while I very much appreciate all the work of…”

“I want to thank the gentleman from Massachusetts for yielding. Mr. Speaker, while I very much appreciate all the work of Congressmen McKeon and Smith on this bill, I rise today because I strongly oppose allowing plans to significantly cut the Air National Guard embodied in this bill. I worked on a bipartisan basis to block these cuts because I strongly believe that, before an irreversible decision is made, we must have the strategic and cost benefit justification. This 11th-hour proposal still does not provide that justification and should not move forward. The Iowa National Guard's 132nd Fighter Wing, for instance, is one of the most cost-effective and experienced units in the country. These men and women served our country and stayed honorably and they deserve better, yet this bill will allow their F-16s to be retired and positions cut without explanation for how it serves our national security or the taxpayers of America. I strongly oppose this decision, which is why I did not sign the conference report and, for the first time since I've come to this office, will oppose the National Defense Authorization Act this year. General Leave Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise an extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on the conference report to accompany H.R. 4310. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Yoder). Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from California? There was no objection.…”