Political Quotes

“Mr. President, as a member of the Armed Services Committee, I am pleased to rise in support of the 1997 Defense authorization conference report. The conference report takes a number of steps to strengthen our Nation's defenses and improve the quality of life for our brave men and women in uniform. The conference report authorizes a 3-percent pay raise for American military personnel and a 4.6-percent increase in the basic allowance for housing, an issue on which we have spent a great deal of time and we know there certainly is a need. The conference report provides $466 million for the construction of new barracks, dormitories, and family housing. The bill also continues efforts to address the No. 1 problem identified by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the lack of modernization of our military equipment. The bill provides for increased procurement of ships and planes, missiles, trucks, communications systems, and night vision devices that our forces need to maintain the qualitative edge against possible foes. The bill also increases funding for operations and maintenance to provide training needed to keep our military forces ready for action. The conference report also rectifies a past wrong by authorizing the President of the United States to award the Congressional Medal of Honor to seven African-American soldiers who were denied this award after World War II.”