Political Quotes

“I rise to address an issue crucial to the well-being of our troops, and crucial to the defense of our nation. For too long, this administration has ignored the needs of the brave men and women who defend our interests and our shores. This is unfair, and in my view it is unwise. It is unfair that, as our colleague Senator McCain has found, 11,000 military families are currently forced to rely on food stamps to make ends meet. When people put themselves in harm's way for their country, they should not have to go on public assistance to feed their families. It is unwise because it ignores the well-being of our troops. Well-trained, properly motivated troops are the single most important factor in maintaining our national security. Without them we will not be able to achieve and maintain military readiness. We will not be able, as a nation, to fight and win. Under current conditions, Mr. President, we cannot expect to maintain the levels of re-enlistment, expertise and morale we need to maintain an effective military force. Military pay is simply too low. It is not competitive with civilian pay. And this military-civilian pay gap is driving away the people we need to defend our nation.”