Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3877. I am proud to support this 2-year budget agreement, because the alternative, not having an agreement, is simply not an option. I want all Members to understand the importance of this bill in front of us. This deal keeps our economy on solid ground because the United States will avoid defaulting on our financial obligations. Think of that. With this agreement, we continue to invest in rebuilding our Nation's defense and protecting our strategic interests around the world. The threat of terrorism continues, and Russian, Chinese, and Iranian aggression is on the rise. It is critical that our military is ready to meet and defeat all threats. Unfortunately, unless we pass this bill, our military and our veterans would face arbitrary cuts that would be harmful to our security and that of our partners, like Israel and Jordan. When I was the chairwoman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I worked with the Secretary of Defense to put together a plan to rebuild our military. He said it would take 5 years. We have only appropriated the funds that were needed for two of those years. We should continue that. If this bill does not pass, the impending cuts will have a devastating impact on our national security. Our Constitution explicitly states that the Congress provides for the common defense. If we don't pass this bill, we have failed to live up to our Constitutional responsibilities, and I am not willing to do that.…”