On the recordMay 21, 2014
We just heard an extensive debate about the future of America's defense policy. I want to commend the chairman for including an important amendment that I offered that does address a serious, serious issue. It is very hard to react to something that has not happened yet. Frankly, we are in a race between collaboration or catastrophe in regards to nuclear security and the threat of nuclear proliferation around the world. This technology is spreading very, very rapidly. With the Department's effort at cost savings and reorganization, it is important that our nonproliferation efforts not slip, not become a second priority. It may be easy to do that because, again, when things don't happen, it appears that we are secure. This is one of the most grave difficulties facing not only the United States, but all of humanity. So I am very grateful that in this bill we now have an effort to demand that the Department explain its important reorganization efforts and how it is going to address the future of nonproliferation issues as we work toward nuclear security, robust force strength, and deterrence. Nonproliferation goes hand-in-hand with those important national security elements. ____________________
