Political Quotes

“Mr. President, Congress has passed an annual Defense authorization bill for the past 62 years. This body--both parties-- takes seriously the threats our servicemembers face and the sacrifices their families make. To date, the Department of Defense has executed five audits--five audits. No uniformed service has returned a clean audit, nor have major offices and agencies within the Office of the Secretary of Defense. By setting this deadline, we communicate Congress's seriousness on this issue. We also communicate to the Secretary of Defense that we believe this should be a priority of his and that we will hold him responsible for failing to meet this deadline. In 4 years--4 years--we must have a clean audit. As the Department undergoes an extensive vital modernization and seeks to take care of its people, policymakers must be able to debate and consider the Department's budgetary priorities in a transparent manner with all the facts at our disposal. My cosponsor, Senator King, and I believe DOD is doing the right things to be able to complete a full, clean audit in the next 4 years. This amendment serves as a commonsense communication of intense seriousness and urgency to the Department in a practical manner. I urge a ``yes'' vote, and I request a voice vote. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The majority leader. Vote on Amendment No. 230”