Sheila Jackson Lee: “Mr. Hastings, thank you for your service years on the Intelligence Committee, and I thank the ranking member and the…”

“Mr. Hastings, thank you for your service years on the Intelligence Committee, and I thank the ranking member and the members who are on the floor. I rise to support the underlying bill and the rule, recognizing that human intelligence and the resources that provide a safety net for the American people are crucial--the CIA, the Department of Defense and other intelligence civilian agencies, along with the United States military. I introduced H. Res. 240 to chronicle the successful apprehension and demise of Osama bin Laden, to actually emphasize, when combined together, the brawn and intellect of the United States military. The human intelligence over the years and the work of President Clinton, President Bush and President Obama in the strategic decision that had to be made by the civilian minds, in working with the military minds, has emphasized the constitutional values of this country that civilians, in working with the military, can, in fact, provide the armor protection of the United States of America. I am very grateful for that genius, and I want to thank them. Our legislation had over 50 cosponsors. As well, I believe now that we can actually say in good conscience: Bring the troops home from Afghanistan. Our mission is accomplished.…”