Rand Paul: “I rise in favor of this appropriations bill, although with some reservations. I am pleased that the reorganization of…”

“I rise in favor of this appropriations bill, although with some reservations. I am pleased that the reorganization of the appropriations bills has brought about a more logical and supportable Veterans Affairs appropriations product. I do retain strong concerns over some of the funds appropriated under the Military Construction and North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program sections of this bill. Although I recognize the need for legitimate funds for military construction, I do remain concerned that the funds appropriated herein will be used to fund the construction of U.S. military installations overseas. At a time when we are closing dozens of military installations in the United States--installations that actually contribute to the defense of the United States--under the auspices of saving money, it is unconscionable to be spending money for the defense of foreign countries. I also strongly object to the appropriation of U.S.taxpayer funds for, as the bill states, ``the acquisition and construction of military facilities and installations (including international military headquarters) and for related expenses for the collective defense of the North Atlantic Treaty Area.'' NATO is a relic of the Cold War and most certainly has no purpose some fifteen years after the fall of the Soviet Union.…”