Charles Skelton: “Out of this early general debate this evening, it does appear that there is a bipartisan consensus in favor of doing…”

“Out of this early general debate this evening, it does appear that there is a bipartisan consensus in favor of doing better for our national security. It is a matter of resources. It is a matter of spending. In this good bill, we have, as has been said, we have done well with what we had, but I think there is that growing understanding that we need to place national security at the top of the list, and I hope that this debate has brought the attention to the other Members of this body as well as to those others who are interested. I have a couple of other messages, Mr. Chairman. One is to the, if they were here in front of me, parents of the young men and young women in uniform. I would tell them that they should be so very, very proud of what their family members are doing. They are professionals. They are dedicated. Their operational tempo at times is horrendous, and yet they are doing what their Nation is calling upon them to do without complaining as committed young Americans. So I would tell them, Mr. Chairman, that I and all of us on this committee thank them for their efforts. My message to them would be to stay the course.”