William M. ``Mac'' Thornberry: “I appreciate the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this measure. As we have already heard, there are Members who…”

“I appreciate the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this measure. As we have already heard, there are Members who have concerns about various provisions of this bill. I think many Members have concerns about the process which brought this bill to us. It was certainly messy, which was inevitable when the Senate never passed a bill. When you look at this measure as a whole, despite any imperfections, it is better for the country, better for our security, better for the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces to pass this bill rather than to reject this bill, and I hope Members will support it strongly. In fact, there are many good, important provisions in it. Within the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Emerging Threats and Capabilities, we have provisions dealing with cyber operations, with defense intelligence, special operations, and human rights training of foreign militaries. I am very grateful to my partner Mr. Langevin, who has worked with me throughout the formulation of these provisions and throughout the past 4 years on those issues. Mr. Speaker, finally, it is very appropriate that this bill be named in honor of Chairman Buck McKeon, not just for the work he has done on this measure, but for the work he has done to promote our country's security throughout his tenure and for the commitment that he has shown to the men and women who serve our country in the military. He has made substantial contributions substantively and, I agree with Mr.…”