Henry Bonilla: “Today this Congress has a unique opportunity. A chance to right a wrong, a chance to stand up for America, a chance to…”

“Today this Congress has a unique opportunity. A chance to right a wrong, a chance to stand up for America, a chance to show you care to the men and women of our military and the communities which support them. A few short weeks ago, President Clinton vetoed essential military construction projects without properly consulting our military, without consideration of the impact of these vetoes on the lives and well being of our military, without consideration of the long term security interests of America. This has been going on for far too long and today we finally have an opportunity to say enough to this White House. I have the honor and privilege of representing some of the most patriotic communities in America. Two of these communities, Del Rio and El Paso, are home of two of our finest military installations, Laughlin Air Force Base and Fort Bliss. I can say without exaggeration that Laughlin is the finest little base in the Air Force and Fort Bliss' vastness is an unmatched national security asset. Therefore I, along with each and every citizen of Del Rio and El Paso, was shocked when the President chose to veto essential projects in these communities. Today's legislation provides us with an opportunity to stand up for our military, to improve our military quality of life, to show we value our military efforts. I want to personally tell the people of Del Rio and El Paso that this Congress will not abandon you, this Congress will not abandon our military.”