Political Quotes

“Mr. President, this is well-intended because there are always needs for national defense, but I would like to point out that the Armed Services Committee, on a bipartisan basis, raised the top line of the Defense bill this year by $25 billion, allowing us to cover the unfunded requirements of the Department of Defense. This was not only a bipartisan effort; it was overwhelmingly approved by the committee. So we are not reneging on a commitment to fully fund the Department of Defense. I know this amendment originated as an attempt to amend the infrastructure bill, but as it is written, this amendment would provide over $50 billion in funding for unspecified uses--it could be infrastructure; it could be military platforms; it could be a host of things--and the fund would extend from 2022 to 2031, which is beyond this Congress and beyond the current administration. I think we should adhere to the rules, the regular order, which has been conducted in the Armed Services Committee. I think we have well- positioned ourselves for an adequate budget and determination of spending this year. For that reason, I would urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment. Vote on Amendment No. 3293”