Political Quotes

“I rise today to speak about the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, about to come before us. First, let me say this bill is aptly named in recognition of nearly three decades of service in the Senate of our colleague Senator Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma. I count him as a friend, and I wish him the very best in his future endeavors. I am grateful to him, Chairman Jack Reed from Rhode Island, and their staff for working to produce this bill. This is the 62nd year that Congress has reached a bipartisan, bicameral agreement to produce this Defense authorization bill. It is about the only thing which you can count on with regularity every year, and I commend Senator Reed and Senator Inhofe for maintaining that tradition and maintaining our commitment to the men and women in uniform and the defense of the United States. This fiscal year 2023 Defense authorization bill has a top line of nearly $858 billion for defense and a deserved 4.6-percent pay raise for our troops--that is the largest increase in 20 years--to help military families deal with inflation. The bill also supports employment opportunities for military spouses, their kids, and improved military housing and childcare. It ensures that the United States can defend effectively against threats from China, North Korea, or any other nation foolish enough to challenge.…”