Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the fiscal year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act. I want to thank Chairman Thornberry for all his leadership on this bill. Providing for our Nation's common defense is our constitutional duty. As a retired lieutenant general in the Marine Corps, I know that certainty from Washington, especially on this side of the river, is critical for the military to carry out its missions. Our men and women in uniform need consistency and reliability over the long term to meet complex threats, changing threats, in all corners of the world. This bill increases resources for readiness training and upgrades essential equipment to provide our warfighters with increased capabilities on land, at sea, and in the air. I also want to thank the committee for including report language highlighting the critical role that the Soo Locks play in our national security. The Soo Locks, located in my home district, are a single point of failure in a multibillion-dollar supply chain and a potential target for disruptive activities. Any unscheduled outing of the locks would threaten our national economy and, in turn, our national security. Again, I thank the chairman for all his hard work on this defense authorization. I urge my colleagues to support the rule and the underlying bill. {time} 1145”