Bill Lee: “Let me thank the gentleman for yielding, and for introducing this amendment, and for his leadership to end waste, fraud…”

“Let me thank the gentleman for yielding, and for introducing this amendment, and for his leadership to end waste, fraud, and abuse at the Pentagon. This amendment, which I am proud to cosponsor, would stop Republicans from using the overseas contingency operation fund as a piggy bank for more wasteful Pentagon spending. Yes, it really does appear that Christmas is coming in May for the military-industrial complex. Right now, Republicans have robbed critical programs, like military suicide prevention, and redirected that money to the OCO fund where there is no accountability, no transparency, or oversight. By funneling this money to the OCO account, Republicans are shortchanging lifesaving programs to fund wasteful programs, like the F-35 and tanks that rust in the Nevada desert. Even the Pentagon say they don't want these programs funded. Yet, Republicans are jeopardizing our real national security priorities to further enrich the military-industrial complex. Our troops deserve better, Mr. Chairman. This is a dangerous budgeting gimmick. This amendment would end the OCO fraud and return the funds to the important programs that they were intended for. Let's end this scheme and put the money back into where it belongs, and that is protecting our troops and the American people.”