Political Quotes

“Anyone who watched the tornadoes in Kansas and other States' emergencies knows how crucial a well-maintained and supported Reserve force is to our domestic safety. Some have tried to confuse this issue by calling it an infringement of Presidential authority. This is not true. It is false. Article I, section 8 of the Constitution empowers Congress to ``make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces.'' That is in our Constitution. And this amendment provides ample Presidential waivers in the case of an emergency that threatens our national security. The Webb amendment sets a standard and binding policy, but it does not tie the President's and Congress's hands to respond to an emergency. If we are committed to building a military that is fully equipped and prepared to address the challenges we face throughout the world--and I know we are--then we must support this amendment. If we are committed to repaying in some small measure the sacrifices our brave troops are making every day--and I know we are--then we must support this amendment. I am discouraged that the Republican leadership chose to block this troop readiness amendment. If Republicans oppose troop readiness, they are entitled to vote against it. If Republicans do not believe our courageous men and women in uniform deserve more rest, including mental health downtime, they can vote ``no'' on this amendment.”