On the recordMay 18, 2016
I want to start by thanking the 63 members of the Armed Services Committee not only for all of their work in putting this bill together, but for the seriousness with which they take our duties under the Constitution to help provide for the common defense. Our members don't always agree, but we are able to work our way through our differences most of the time and think about the larger cause. You might say we sacrifice some of our individual differences or preferences in order to support the men and women who sacrifice so much for us. I want to thank all the Members of the House. We have had a lot of Members over the last 2 days who have come down to the floor and talked about their amendments, and all of those amendments have helped make this bill a better bill. That is the way that, for 54 straight years, Congresses with majorities of both parties and Presidents of both parties have signed into law a defense authorization bill. Last year, it was a little iffy, but that is the way it has happened. I just want to suggest to our colleagues that it is especially important we do that this year. There is a lot of uncertainty out there. Some of that uncertainty is because of President Obama. Part of that uncertainty is because of us. Part of the uncertainty is because of the political campaign. Part of the uncertainty is because of the turmoil in the world.…
