Walter B. Jones: “over the last recess, while attending several Memorial Day services, I spent time focusing on the state of our dwindling…”

“over the last recess, while attending several Memorial Day services, I spent time focusing on the state of our dwindling national defense. By failing to maintain a strong military, we are dishonoring those who have served and died for our freedom. Unfortunately, the next century will not be as peaceful as once envisioned. Surprising the U.S. intelligence community, India and Pakistan have conducted nuclear weapons tests. It has been reported that Iraq has enough deadly biological weapons to kill every human being on earth. Just last week North Korea threatened the United States that they would not cease the production of nuclear weapons unless they were compensated. Despite administration claims that no nuclear missiles are aimed at American children, a CIA report reveals that 13 of China's 18 long-range strategic missiles have nuclear warheads aimed at U.S. cities. Mr. Speaker, we do not live in a safe world. America faces new threats and dangers each and every day, and yet we continue to take risks with our military capabilities that would have been unthinkable a generation ago. Our forces today are 32 percent smaller than they were just 10 years ago. In 1992 we had 18 Army divisions; we now have 10. In 1992 we had 24 fighter wings; we now have 13. In 1992 we had 546 Navy ships; we now have less than 300.”