J. Exon: “Some will disagree with me, probably, about Commander Stumpf. But the main reason for my appearing on the floor tonight…”

“Some will disagree with me, probably, about Commander Stumpf. But the main reason for my appearing on the floor tonight was to try to set the record straight as to the legitimate role that the Armed Services Committee has played in this matter. We played the role right by the book. I happen to feel, when Commander Stumpf comes before us again, he may be approved. He might get my support. But I will be asking some questions about why the lawsuit, why the full-court press by some of his friends, trying to discredit, by their actions, the legitimate steps and actions and decisions made by the Armed Services Committee? Mr. President, I think we have not heard the last of this matter. I think it is just another bungled handling of a situation by certain top leadership in the U.S. Navy, and I will simply say to Commander Stumpf that had the information been furnished to us when it was not about what happened, or that he was even at that Tailgate party 5 years ago, I would have voted to send Stumpf on through after I took a look and had a thorough briefing on what the allegations against him were. I do not think they were that serious. But the U.S. Navy is the one that caused Commander Stumpf his problem. His friends are in the Armed Services Committee. Mr. President, I yield the floor.”