On the recordDecember 7, 2016
I, too, rise to acknowledge the fallen on this day, December 7, at Pearl Harbor, the day of infamy, and offer to them our greatest admiration and gratitude. Our prayers continue to be with their ongoing families. Mr. Speaker, I also rise today to speak about the responsibilities of public servants. To my knowledge, Air Force One does not belong to any particular Presidency, regardless of party. Therefore, any attempt to ensure the technological sophistication and the quality of that aircraft should be left to the decisionmakers who have the responsibility of protecting the President of the United States or, in essence, those who have the responsibility of governing the United States military, which includes the Congress and, certainly, our Pentagon. I am concerned when the incoming person that will take the oath of office begins to abuse the process and suggests that this is too costly and that this company--Boeing, in particular--should be undermined. Our job is to create and save jobs, not to destroy jobs. Our job also, Mr. Speaker, is to protect the President of the United States; and that kind of interference, uninformed, should be stopped immediately. ____________________
