Charles Skelton: “I rise with this motion to recommit with instructions with a heavy heart. I do so with the background, Mr. Speaker, of…”

“I rise with this motion to recommit with instructions with a heavy heart. I do so with the background, Mr. Speaker, of having stood with my friends on the other side of the aisle, lo, those many times in the cause of national defense. I stood with those on the other side of the aisle concerning the Nicaragua crisis. I stood with those on the other side of the aisle in the gulf war issue that was so important to our then President George Bush and to the American people and to freedom throughout this globe. I find, though, there are parts of this bill I would individually vote for; the part concerning the command and control of American troops is to be commended, but the weight of this bill overall, Mr. Speaker, causes me to offer this motion to recommit. This motion to recommit is in favor of the troops. This morning we had the sad news of 4 soldiers giving their lives in training in Eglin Air Force Base in the Ranger course. The job that we call those in uniform to do is a dangerous job. This is a motion to stand by those young men and those young women from whom we ask so much and who should be given the very best of our efforts.”