Floyd Spence: “on May 10, the Committee on Armed Services reported this bill, H.R. 4205, on a strong bipartisan vote of 56 to 1. This…”

“on May 10, the Committee on Armed Services reported this bill, H.R. 4205, on a strong bipartisan vote of 56 to 1. This bill, the first defense authorization bill prepared for the new millennium, makes a good start toward ensuring that America's military can meet the challenges that lie ahead and ensure the safety and security of all Americans well into the 21st century. However, it is only a beginning, not an end. In recent years, the committee has called attention to the problems faced by the men and women who so proudly serve their country in uniform. Serious readiness deficiencies and equipment modernization shortfalls, made worse by longer and more frequent deployments away from home, have placed increasing strains on a military that is still being asked to do more with less. Moreover, the increasing use of America's Armed Forces on missions where vital United States national security interests are not at stake has reduced military readiness and affected recruiting, retention and morale. The defense bill before us today seeks to correct many of these problems. It is the fifth year out of the last six in which Congress has added to the administration's budget request. I am pleased to report that, in real terms, after more than a decade of decline in defense spending, this downward spiral has finally been halted.”