Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I come to the floor to echo the comments and concerns we have heard in the last few minutes from my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee regarding this House-inserted language on our Nation's military depots, arsenals, and shipyards. I wish to begin by saying to Chairman Levin how much I appreciate his assurances, as well as those of Ranking Member McCain, and Chairman McKeon and Ranking Member Smith in the House, that there are no intended changes to the current law under this language. I think that is very important for us to say to our constituents so they are reassured. I also appreciate Chairman Levin's commitment to examine this issue closely in the coming year to prevent any unintended consequences that this language might have on our Nation's industrial repair facilities, including the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, which my home State of New Hampshire shares with Maine and which is very important to us in the Northeast and I think to our military capabilities. With that said, I have to say I share the concern that has been expressed about the manner in which this language was inserted. While I understand that the House has been working on this issue for some time, including holding roundtable discussions at the National Defense University, I believe there is much more that should have been done.…”