Political Quotes

“I strongly oppose efforts to close down debate on the National Defense Authorization Act. It is a shame that despite being on this bill for four days, we have only had two rollcall votes for amendments. Over 400 amendments have been filed and we only found time to vote twice. This is unacceptable. While I voted against this legislation in committee because it clearly and significantly ignored the budget caps put in place by sequestration, there are significant provisions worthy of support. The Senate worked in a bipartisan manner with leadership from the junior Senator from New York to consider an amendment to reform and modernize our military justice system. This amendment was carefully crafted in anticipation that it would receive a roll call vote on the Senate floor and I proudly cosponsored and supported this amendment. The junior Senator from Indiana had an amendment to help military reservists and the National Guard be recognized for their service and qualify for veterans' preference in hiring for federal jobs. His amendment deserves consideration and a vote. Democrats and Republicans in the Armed Services Committee adopted several of my amendments to this bill to protect the religious liberty of our troops serving here in the United States and overseas.…”