Niki Tsongas

I am troubled by the recent tasking of an additional 1,500 troops to Iraq.

I have voted against a short-term authorization to train and equip the moderate Syrian forces.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this legislation. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

We as a nation owe a debt of gratitude, not only to our U.S. veterans, but to all those who have taken up arms to join our military in pursuit of a common purpose.

We, as a Nation, have a solemn responsibility to bring home every service man or woman who volunteers.

Well, I know that Massachusetts was very proud to participate in the Nation's first-ever competitive lease sale for renewable energy in Federal waters, because we know that, if fully developed, production from these areas could power up to…

I believe climate change is a critical generational issue that Congress can no longer ignore.

I commend you for submitting a budget that not only makes critical investments to promote economic growth and job creation, but also reduces our deficit.

I believe that we need a comprehensive strategy for American energy independence that decreases our reliance on fossil fuels and helps move us to a new energy future built on American manufacturing of clean, renewable energy.

I have real concerns about this bill's potential impact on the long-term success of Massachusetts fisheries.

The work they do at Natick is critical for our future. These are the kinds of technologies that we need.

The safety and security of Afghan women remains an important barometer.

If you really care about opening the national parks, about putting our government workers back to work, that we could have a vote today on a clean CR.

It is absurd that we are holding this hearing without a single witness from the Environmental Protection Agency.

The Federal Government is shut down today for one reason: we have been denied any chance of voting on the clean funding bill passed by the Senate.

The goal is to deter President Assad's future use of chemical weapons and degrade his capacity to use them.

What rationale would allow the Marine Corps to keep women out of jobs that are the same or virtually the same as jobs the other Services have opened or will open?

We as a country cannot combat the threats of the future by excluding the potential talents and skills offered by half the U.S. population.

This announcement really recognized our current reality that women are already serving in combat.

I, like many, was so pleased when Secretary Panetta announced that DOD was mapping out how to integrate women into combat roles.

I think we have to have a balanced approach that resolves this once and for all.

Lightweight body armor that hadn't been designed for female members put female soldiers at greater risk in the field. This year's bill requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a comprehensive R&D strategy for lightweight body armor to…

I thank the gentlewoman and appreciate very much her comments as well as the shared commitment of Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts to responding to the horrific attacks. As we face the days ahead, Patriots Day will continue…

I thank the gentleman and appreciate his comments and the fact that we are all coming together to talk about this event we are still working very hard to comprehend. With that, I would like to yield to my colleague, our newest Member from…

I thank the gentleman and appreciate very much his heartfelt comments. At this time, I would like to yield to my colleague from Rhode Island, David Cicilline.