Jerry Moran: “I come to the floor today as we debate really difficult, challenging, and serious issues. I am reminded that I didn't…”

“I come to the floor today as we debate really difficult, challenging, and serious issues. I am reminded that I didn't seek to be a U.S. Senator to do what we have been doing month after month--mostly spending each day dealing with confirmations and nominations. These issues we are debating and will ultimately vote on this week have consequences well beyond the things we have been normally dealing with in the U.S. Senate. Secretary Gates, a fellow Kansan, warned of the government's dysfunction at a moment in history in which he argues that our Nation ``confronts graver threats to its security than it has in decades, perhaps ever.'' I agree with this assessment. We live in a dangerous time in a very dangerous world. I underscore to my colleagues the importance of doing the work we were elected to do. Americans will be directly impacted by our decisions but so will our adversaries and our allies. The United States must be a steadfast and reliable partner in the midst of so many dangers that threaten our Nation's peace and prosperity. The dangers are certainly to other people--other people within the world and other nations--but what we are dealing with are threats to our own national peace and prosperity. The national security crises abroad are challenging, and they are ever-increasing. China is rapidly modernizing its military, with the goal of being ready--ready--to invade Taiwan by 2027.…”