Political Quotes

“We have an excellent defense bill before us today. We have learned a number of lessons from the conflict we just concluded in Iraq. I think the lessons of the last 15 years are that we must have in this country broad military capabilities, and that means we have got to be able to handle a conventional armored attack or conventional warfare. We must be able to handle guerilla warfare. We must be able, at the same time, to conduct the war against terrorism, and we have to prepare for the eventuality that ballistic missiles may at some point be launched against the United States. Mr. Chairman, this bill addresses America's military issues. We address all of the issues that are brought up with respect to personnel. We have a 4.1 percent average pay increase in this bill. We have targeted bonuses where we have critical skills requirements and critical grade requirements. We provide for family housing. We do all the things that are important for people. At the same time, we modernize and we have more money for modernization than we have in years past, Mr. Chairman.”