Niki Tsongas: “I thank Ranking Member Smith for his always knowledgeable and articulate leadership. I have appreciated it very much as…”

“I thank Ranking Member Smith for his always knowledgeable and articulate leadership. I have appreciated it very much as I have served on this committee. Mr. Speaker, it has been my privilege to serve as the ranking member of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee, alongside my colleague and friend, Chairman Mike Turner of Ohio. I, once again, thank Mr. Turner for the spirit of bipartisanship and collegiality he has shown over the years on this subcommittee and on the many other issues on which we have worked closely, including addressing the scourge of sexual assault in the military. Among many important provisions, this year's bill includes measures aimed at providing increased oversight over key naval aircraft and makes crucial investments in research and development aimed at better protecting the men and women we send into harm's way. This is the last NDAA that I will have the privilege of helping craft. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve on the House Armed Services Committee for the last 11 years, a committee that has such a proud tradition of bipartisan cooperation and, as such, is a model for the country during these challenging times. I commend the committee, under the leadership of Chairman Thornberry and Ranking Member Smith, and the many members of the professional staff for their work in managing such an important and complex piece of legislation in such a timely manner. Mr.…”