Political Quotes

“This bill contains many worthy items, including a substantial investment in our Veterans Affairs programs. A strong safety net for our veterans is more important than ever, particularly in Oregon, where returning Guard and Reserve members face high unemployment and a difficult transition back to civilian life. I also want to highlight what my colleague Representative Chellie Pingree of Maine stated earlier in this debate: the cleanup of closed military bases is critical to health and growth of our communities. Across America, these closed bases contain discarded munitions, toxins, and shell fragments leftover from years of military training. Funding the return of these properties to safe and productive use is vital. Funds go directly to the development of detection and removal technology, the creation of skilled technician jobs, and generate economic growth as cleaned lands become commercial, residential, or recreational spaces. For the past decade I have worked with a bipartisan group of members to raise awareness of this issue. I am pleased that with the leadership of my friend Representative Sam Farr, the House has designated $100 million over the President's budget request for the legacy BRAC account. This $460 million is critically needed to address the large backlog of environmental hazards still present at bases closed during the earliest Base Realignment and Closure rounds.”