On the recordJanuary 11, 2024
I want to pay acknowledgment and have my colleagues recognize a medaled combat veteran in the name of our Secretary of Defense, and that is General Lloyd Austin. Over the last couple of weeks, there have been enormous criticism of the nature of his health condition and the alleged communication or noncommunication in the chain of command. I rise today only to be able to acknowledge the work of a soldier and one who has, through his years of service, continued to act excellently and with excellence. With that in mind, I hope that all Members of this body will allow the process to proceed, will allow a person to achieve the health services that they need, and will allow respect to be given to a medaled combat officer who now serves this Nation as the Secretary of Defense. Let us do that for his family, for the Secretary, for the men and women of the military, and for this Nation. ____________________
