On the recordJuly 26, 2018
I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by thanking Chairman Thornberry, Ranking Member Smith, Chairman McCain, Ranking Member Reed, Senator Inhofe, and their staff for their tireless work in producing this conference report. I am especially pleased that this conference report is named after Senator John McCain, a true American hero. Thank you for your service, Senator, and Godspeed. It was an honor to serve as a conferee throughout this process and to be a part of this undertaking in support of our Armed Forces. While no bill is perfect, there is much to be proud of in this conference report. We are giving our troops a much-deserved pay raise, taking critical steps to counter Russian aggression and resist Chinese coercive influence, and continuing to ensure the Department of Defense is prepared to mitigate the risks posed by climate change. We are also increasing funding for the Virginia- and Columbia-class submarine programs, which are made in my home State of Rhode Island, and protect our Nation and our allies and create thousands of jobs back home. As ranking member of the Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee, it has been a pleasure to work with Chairwoman Elise Stefanik.…





