Joe Wilson: “when Americans watch the nightly news images of U.S. troops on duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, they see them carrying out…”

“when Americans watch the nightly news images of U.S. troops on duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, they see them carrying out their most difficult duties, using the finest small arms in the world. Those weapons are proudly made in South Carolina's Second Congressional District by FNMI, FN Manufacturing, Incorporated, in Columbia, South Carolina. Since the mid-1980s, FNMI has been building the M-16 rifle, the M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon, and the M-240 Medium Machine Gun for the U.S. Armed Forces. In other words, FNMI is the principal supplier of small arms to the military. These arms are universally recognized as the finest infantry weapons in the world, perhaps the finest ever made. They are known for their ruggedness, reliability, and effectiveness and are on duty everywhere American troops are deployed in the war on terror, as I have seen first hand in Iraq. Additionally, FNMI is one of the largest defense industries in South Carolina, employing approximately 450 dedicated personnel. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in thanking the professional employees of FNMI Manufacturing, as their work makes it possible for our brave men and women to protect us in the war on terrorism. In conclusion, may God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.”