Jeff Fortenberry: “First, let me thank Chairman Culberson for his stalwart leadership on this important bipartisan measure. Let me also…”

“First, let me thank Chairman Culberson for his stalwart leadership on this important bipartisan measure. Let me also thank Ranking Member Bishop as well for his leadership and support. Madam Chair, many people in America want Congress to find constructive solutions, seek good answers, overcome problems, and say ``yes'' to our essential needs. While Congress is stuck on certain areas, this bill takes a bipartisan step forward in defense of our country and in service to our veterans. This bill says ``yes'' in a bipartisan manner to meet our Department of Defense infrastructure needs and to properly care for those who have served us so well, our veterans. The bill spends a little bit less than the President asked for and a little bit more than last year. Projects that are not justifiable are removed, but others receive increases. The bill also pushes forward, as we've heard, a seamless transition of care when our warfighters leave active service by integrating their medical records and expeditiously dealing with a very serious claims backlog. I am pleased as well that my colleagues have continued funding for the headquarters construction of the United States Strategic Command. STRATCOM is an important force in protecting our Nation from nuclear threats. Madam Chair, we need to continue to work hard and smart to reduce budgets while also delivering essential policy services that are necessary and fundamental at the Federal level. I think that this bill accomplishes that goal.…”