Kit Bond: “The Guard has stated that the current operational environment requires a 371,000 soldier end strength.”

I regret to say that this bill should be called the Big Oil Gulf Monopoly Bill, because that is what it is.

I am humbled by the honorable mission President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Secretary Blinken have asked me to take on as Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago.

I would humbly suggest that you put more, not less, in the force structure for the Guard, which is a bargain for our military defense.

I believe strongly we take for granted our defense base will always be there, maintaining capacity and innovation to keep the United States and our warfighters second to none.