Earl Blumenauer: “I strongly support providing our troops the basic equipment they rely on in the field. Adequate military housing and…”

“I strongly support providing our troops the basic equipment they rely on in the field. Adequate military housing and medical facilities are also wise uses of our scarce resources. In providing for the defense of our Nation, there is no substitute for having well-trained, well-equipped military personnel. Besides providing for the needs of our troops, the bill before us today includes funding for exotic weapons systems and missile programs. Much of the high-tech gadgetry included in this bill was neither requested, nor is needed by the Department of Defense. While I will continue to vote to improve the lives of those serving in our armed forces, I cannot support this bill. The real military needs of our country, as well as pressing domestic concerns prevent me from doing so.”