Political Quotes

“I rise this afternoon in support of the fiscal year 2012 national defense authorization bill. As ranking member on the Seapower Subcommittee, I wish to thank both Chairman Levin and Ranking Member McCain for their leadership. It is somewhat of an achievement in actually getting the bill to the floor at this time, and I appreciate their determination. As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday next week, I would like to take a moment to honor the men and women of our Armed Forces. We are grateful for their service, and our thoughts and prayers are with those now deployed at sea and ashore. My own State of Mississippi is home to many brave servicemembers. Their sacrifices are matched, of course, by those of their families who have supported them day in and day out as they selflessly serve this country. As ranking member of the Seapower Subcommittee, I have had the pleasure of working with my friend Senator Reed of Rhode Island, who is chairman of that subcommittee. We both worked to ensure that this bill meets a wide range of procurement, sustainment and research and development needs for the Navy and the Marine Corps. Our deliberations were informed by, among other things, a series of hearings we held that addressed force structure and modernization for the Department of the Navy. This process has resulted in a bill that contains provisions which will deliver important capabilities and support our sailors and marines.…”