Jack Reed: “today I wish to speak on the Senate Armed Services Committee bill being considered by the Senate, S. 1547, the National…”

“today I wish to speak on the Senate Armed Services Committee bill being considered by the Senate, S. 1547, the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2008. It is, I believe, a very good bill. I wish to commend the chairman, Senator Levin, and his ranking member, Senator Warner, for their efforts and particularly the staff and all the work they have done which has contributed to this product today. It was reported favorably to the floor of the Senate by a unanimous vote of the committee, which shows its bipartisan support. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I have had the privilege of serving as the chairman of the Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee, and I would like to share with my colleagues the highlights of our bill that originated in the Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee. Before I describe those highlights, I also wish to commend and thank Senator Dole, the ranking member of my committee. It was a partnership and a pleasure to work together with her. She certainly gave valuable service, along with her staff, and I appreciate very much her personal contribution and her leadership on this issue.”