William M. ``Mac'' Thornberry: “I have consistently said, and I continue to say, that every day under a continuing resolution does damage to the United…”

“I have consistently said, and I continue to say, that every day under a continuing resolution does damage to the United States military. There is no question about it. I also have said today that a government shutdown does more damage to the United States military. I want to just make one other point. I think we can have debates about the proper level and the proper way to fund the military, but what is completely unacceptable is to hold the United States military hostage for some other political agenda that has nothing to do with them, and that is what has been going on. Mr. Speaker, this House passed a defense appropriations bill for the full year back before October 1. That needs to pass now. Get the military out of this political drama and set them free.”