Dan Coats: “I want to return that compliment, because it has been a distinct privilege and pleasure for me to serve under the able…”

“I want to return that compliment, because it has been a distinct privilege and pleasure for me to serve under the able leadership of our chairman, Senator Thurmond. Senator Thurmond is, perhaps, not one of but perhaps the most remarkable individual I have ever known, someone who has committed a lifetime and more of political service to his fellow man and to his Nation, and who has served as a Rock of Gibraltar in support of a strong national defense. Serving on the committee with his leadership has been a great privilege for me, as well as it has been with all my colleagues who serve on the Armed Services Committee. This committee of the Congress is the least partisan of all the congressional committees. We put the national defense and national security above partisanship. We work together in a team fashion. While we don't always agree across the aisle on every issue, we do find consensus. Our purpose is to protect and support our men and women in uniform, and protect the citizens of the United States by giving them the very best defense that we can purchase for their investment of tax dollars.”