John Cornyn: “earlier today we moved the Defense authorization bill across the finish line. This legislation authorizes funding for…”

“earlier today we moved the Defense authorization bill across the finish line. This legislation authorizes funding for things such as training our troops to counter the ever- evolving threats emanating from around the world. The Defense authorization bill will also give our men and women in uniform the most up-to-date weaponry and the other equipment they need, including advanced aircraft, ships, and ground vehicles. Fortunately, the bill also authorizes needed improvements in military facilities such as those in Fort Hood, TX, Joint Base San Antonio, Red River Army Depot, and Ellington Field. Finally, it provides a much needed pay raise for our troops. I am pleased we were able to finish our work on that to better serve our men and women in uniform. I hope the President reconsiders his stated intention to veto this legislation. It makes absolutely no sense to me, and I think it would be an insult to the troops--whom we all claim to support--to deny them the resources and the pay raise that this bill provides for. We still have more work ahead of us, including the continuing resolution. I know there are Members of this body who say: Well, we want to change that appropriations bill to add some other provisions. But I just came back from meeting with some of the Members of the Texas House delegation. They tell me the House is leaving. So even if changes are made, the House is not going to be here and in session to make changes to the continuing resolution.…”