Political Quotes

“in the interests of moving the defense bill forward I withdraw my amendments, Nos. 2038 and 2056. These amendments were intended address a set of issues where I share a concern with the chairman and ranking member of the Armed Services Committee that the U.S. needs to make additional concerted effort and provide additional focus to our maritime partner capacity building efforts in the Asia-Pacific region. Indeed, the chairman included a significant provision in this bill for a South China Sea initiative which I support. My efforts were intended to compliment the work of the chairman and assure that we have a fully articulated and whole-of- government approach to this issue, with both the Department of Defense and the Department of State fully and appropriately engaged. The chairman and I have had some positive discussions on this issue in recent days, and I have received his assurances that my concerns will be addressed as this legislation moves forward. And I also intend to make sure that other aspects of this issue are addressed in legislation that the Foreign Relations Committee will take up, and where I look to the chairman for his partnership and continued leadership on this issue. With those assurances--and given the deep and shared commitment the chairman and I have on this issue--I do not see a need to press forward for a vote on my amendments at this time. Mr. McCAIN. I thank the Senator from Maryland for his consideration.…”