John Spratt: “I humbly suggest that if we want to make the poppy in our lapels more than a mere gesture, we should vote ``no'' on the…”

“I humbly suggest that if we want to make the poppy in our lapels more than a mere gesture, we should vote ``no'' on the previous question on the rule that will make in order the defense authorization bill. Because by voting ``no,'' we will make in order the consideration of an amendment that I have offered which contains two key elements that go to the very heart of what it is we are discussing here right now. We would take a little bit of money out of a huge increase in ballistic missile defense and put it in a place where it will do a lot of good, namely, in targeted pay increases to our enlisted personnel, particularly our NCOs and our junior warrant officers. It costs $300 million. It is not something I pulled out of the air. It was recommended 3 years ago by the last quadrennial review. For 2 fiscal years we have done it; this year we have not in the bill before us. We can rectify that by voting ``no'' and then voting for the amendment. In addition, we do something else in the amendment that I would offer, that is, we say to every soldier, sailor, airman and Marine going into combat, into harm's way, Uncle Sam is going to see to it that you get the maximum in servicemen's life insurance, group life insurance, $250,000.…”