Political Quotes

“I wish to engage in a colloquy with Chairman Young and Ranking Member Dicks. Yesterday, the House adopted an amendment I offered with Congresswoman Buerkle directing the National Guard to conduct a capability assessment of the medical equipment in its domestic Humvee ambulances. This will pave the way for the retrofitting of Humvee ambulances that lack adequate cardiac monitoring and resuscitation equipment. As you know, the National Guard's mission includes responding to terrorist attacks, homeland security emergencies, natural disasters, and providing defense support to civil authorities. This equipment will allow the Guard to effectively carry out their mission. But the retrofitting of currently-owned Humvee ambulances is not enough. To purchase ambulances in the future that lack cardiac monitoring and resuscitation equipment is, frankly, irresponsible. Mr. Chair and Mr. Ranking Member, the adjutant generals in eight different Sates, including Washington, New York, and my home State of Oregon, have indicated that this equipment is necessary to their missions, and could make the difference between life and death in an emergency situation. Mr. Chair and Mr. Ranking Member, both Congresswoman Buerkle and I appreciate your support for our amendment yesterday and your commitment to all who serve in our Nation's National Guard.…”