Political Quotes

“I thank my friend for yielding. Mr. Chairman, since its establishment, the National Guard has persistently answered the call to defend our Nation and respond in times of national crises. After September 11, 2001, the National Guard was, once again, called on to stand to post, deploying for months on end, leaving loved ones behind. Unfortunately, the Army's Aviation Restructuring Initiative, or ARI, is set to have a devastating impact not only on the National Guard in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, but on the entire National Guard, leaving the force less combat capable and less able to provide operational depth. Last year, Congress wisely created the National Commission on the Future of the Army to offer a deliberate approach to addressing force structure issues and ARI. We need to allow the Commission to do its work and ensure that Congress has sufficient time to consider the Commission's report and recommendations before the Army takes any further harmful and irreversible actions. The amendment I have offered Representatives Palazzo and Walz will ensure that Congress has that opportunity, and I would urge your support.”