Political Quotes

“I thank Senator Chambliss. I would say this. The Senator highlighted the importance, No. 1, as did Senator McCain, of passing Defense authorization. I have been to the floor twice on this issue because I think it is so important for our country, the notion that it has been half a century since the last time we failed to pass this authorization. What is at stake for our troops and the message it sends to them? We are in two wars. There are threats that face our country and our military men and women every day. We owe it to them that they know we are going to pass this authorization to address issues such as pay increases and weapons that they need and all of the fundamental day-to-day issues to make sure they know we are behind them. I would summarize the issue of the detainee policy of this country over the past few months in the Armed Services Committee as military leader after military leader has come before our committee and we have asked them about this issue, about how we treat detainees. I questioned GEN Carter Ham, commander of the Africa command, about what we would do if we captured a member of al-Qaida in Africa. Do you know what he said? He said he would need lawyerly help to answer that one.…”