Rob Andrews: “I would like to thank Chairman McKeon and Ranking Member Smith for all their hard work on this bill. In the spring of…”

“I would like to thank Chairman McKeon and Ranking Member Smith for all their hard work on this bill. In the spring of 2011, a very brave band of Americans executed a mission that brought the country to its feet in ending the reign of terror of Osama bin Laden. Their heroism on that night is something that makes us proud even today. That success, though, was rooted in many things that happened many years before that. There were scientists and researchers that made those night vision goggles that made the raid possible. There were engineers and technicians that made the Stealth helicopters so successful; and, most importantly, I think, there were men and women in our intelligence community who helped sift through all the haystacks to find the needles necessary to make the operation happen. The quiet, methodical work that protects our country is the essence of this bill. It is research and development. It is readiness. It is all the things that are necessary to act, and act decisively in the decisive moments in history. It is important that all Members support this bill because those who raise their right hands and swear allegiance to the country are worthy of this support. I am pleased both Republicans and Democrats will support this bill today. I am happy to join that support. Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wittman), my friend and colleague, and the chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.”