Political Quotes

“As we begin to conclude debate on H.R. 3219, the Make America Secure Appropriations Act, I am sure I join with Ranking Member Nita Lowey in thanking all the Members of the House for the manner in which this debate has been conducted over the last couple of days. I thank the subcommittee chairs, the ranking members, and the Members who presented well over 120 amendments that were made in order. Let me reiterate why this package of appropriations bills is so important. From 2010 to 2014, defense spending was cut 21 percent in real terms. We heard that from Chairman Thornberry of the Armed Services Committee. Yet, as we know, the world did not get 21 percent safer. In fact, we ask more of our military than ever before, and we need to support them here at home and abroad. Today--and I said this earlier in the debate--we have the oldest Air Force in history, the Navy's fleet is smaller than it has been in decades, and the Army has just three combat brigade teams fully prepared to fight. Moreover, we have too many aircraft that can't fly, too many ships that cannot sail, too many troops who cannot deploy. We need better equipment and training for our warfighters, and we need more of the warfighters. We need a cyber component that is really effective. In April--it seems like years ago--we began to rebuild our Armed Forces with the fiscal year 2017 consolidated appropriations bill. Today, this legislation we are considering continues that critical work. Mr.…”