Political Quotes

“I will not object to the request made by the Senior Senator from Washington, and I do not object to the policy provisions in this bill. However, I must point out that this bill indiscriminately diverts Overseas Contingency Operations funds, which are necessary to ensure resources, equipment, and supplies are available to our servicemembers deployed across the globe. This is not how the provisions of this bill should be paid for. Taking away funds intended for our men and women who are currently serving could, in time, place some of the veterans that this bill intends to help at greater risk. This legislation could also divert funding intended for the security of our Ambassadors, Foreign Service Officers, and other State Department officials, placing them at additional risk. Quality healthcare for those who have honorably served our country is something that I think all Senators, including me, support. If the provisions of this legislation are a priority for this body, we should be deliberate in determining how we should pay for them. The Senior Senator from Washington has put forward a thoughtful bill that merits consideration, but I think this body would prefer to consider other means to pay for new programs that do not divert funds intended to keep our troops well-equipped and safe. Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I do not intend to object to the request of the Senator from Washington, and I do not object to the policy provision of this bill at this time.…”