William M. ``Mac'' Thornberry: “Those of us on the Armed Services Committee are privileged to work around, with, and for the men and women who serve in…”

“Those of us on the Armed Services Committee are privileged to work around, with, and for the men and women who serve in the military. Every one of them is a volunteer. Every one of them expects reasonable precautions with their health and safety and well-being. But every one of them knows that in carrying out their duties, there is some risk that goes with it, and they carry out their duties admirably. What a contrast to what we are seeing with this resolution. I think one of the proudest times I have had in this House over the last 25 years has been on 9/11 and the days thereafter. That very evening, Members gathered on the steps of the Capitol, and in the days thereafter we went right back to work and passed the legislation that was needed to deal with the terrorist threat. We were not even intimidated when many of our offices were attacked by anthrax in the days thereafter. It was not just about showing resolution to the terrorists; it was about showing the country that we can come together and get our work done. What a contrast to what we are seeing with this resolution. Through the Civil War, 1918 flu, World War II, 9/11, throughout our history, there has never been proxy voting on this floor. Members accepted the risk and carried out their duties to the best of their ability. It was not about technology; it was about trust and integrity. Were our predecessors so much braver than we are?…”