William M. ``Mac'' Thornberry: “despite some of the shortcomings that some people may see in this bill, overall it makes us stronger and it deserves to…”

“despite some of the shortcomings that some people may see in this bill, overall it makes us stronger and it deserves to be supported. In the key area of our own nuclear arsenal, it makes sure that our nuclear weapons are safe and reliable in the future, despite a number of shortcomings and deficiencies that are increasingly getting attention. I would commend to my colleagues' attention a CRS report which was just released last week that discusses some of these key deficiencies that this bill begins to address. In the very important area of our cooperation with the nations of the former Soviet Union to take apart delivery systems that were once aimed at us and to prevent nuclear terrorism and smuggling, this bill is a much better bill than the bill that originally left the House. I would also add, Mr. Speaker, in the most important asset of all, and that is our people, this bill makes some needed corrections to improve that area so that we can get and keep the very best people throughout our military and that will serve us well in the future.”