Jon Tester: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate the flexibility.”

I rise to congratulate Kate M. Kaufer, the fearless leader of my defense staff, on more than 20 years of distinguished Federal service and on her well-earned retirement. For the last 4 years, it has been a privilege of a lifetime to serve…

I would say two things. Number one this administration has totally blown the opportunity to make government more efficient by going in with a -- with a -- with a meat cleaver and just hack up agencies.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate the flexibility.

These are important bills that need to get advanced, and today is the start of that.