Peter Visclosky: “I thank the gentlewoman for yielding and also want to add my voice to those who are complimenting Mr. McLemore on his…”

“I thank the gentlewoman for yielding and also want to add my voice to those who are complimenting Mr. McLemore on his dedication to public service and his retirement as clerk of the Defense Subcommittee. I would tell my colleagues that, despite the strong leadership and very best efforts of Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Lowey, I am abjectly disappointed that we again find ourselves in the position of considering another continuing resolution. Continuing resolutions are no way to run a nation. We cannot expect good government if we are incapable of providing appropriations in a timely and predictable manner. As importantly, I am greatly concerned about providing another authority for conducting military operations in the Middle East. In letters to Congress, the President has cited the powers granted to him in Article II of the United States Constitution as the legal basis for some of the actions already taken. In recent briefings and public statements, the administration also indicates that the authorized use of military force resolutions passed in 2001 and 2002 remain the legal foundation for current operations. However, these authorities were approved by the Congress in a different time and for different conflicts and with a very different membership.…”