Kay Granger: “Today we consider the Make America Secure Appropriations Act which includes the Defense Appropriations bill for fiscal…”

“Today we consider the Make America Secure Appropriations Act which includes the Defense Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2018. I ask all Members for their support of this very important legislation. Congress' number one responsibility is to provide for the defense of this Nation. It is this bill that fulfills that most fundamental constitutional duty. This is urgent because the world is more dangerous and unstable than any time in recent history. North Korea is increasing the frequency of their missile tests, threatening American soil and our allies. On the Fourth of July, they launched an intercontinental ballistic missile. Russia continues to create instability in Ukraine, the Baltics, and the Balkans. They recklessly support and protect President Assad, the tyrant who has murdered thousands of Syrian men, women, and children. These actions hinder our fight against ISIS. China is militarizing the South China Sea and modernizing their military at an alarming pace. Just this week, Chinese fighter jets flew close to a U.S. reconnaissance aircraft in an aggressive and dangerous manner. Iran is increasing its influence in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, and they remain hostile. Just yesterday, an Iranian vessel pursued a U.S. Navy ship at a high speed in the Persian Gulf, forcing our ship to fire warning shots to halt the aggression.…”