Political Quotes

“it is my privilege to again address the Senate on this bill, which I commend the Committee on the Armed Services for marking up in a record period of time. I first wish to thank my distinguished colleague, these now 26 years working together, the senior Senator from Michigan, Mr. Levin, and his staff who worked very diligently, such that the two of us together, with the tremendous support of each and every member of the Armed Services Committee, were able to proceed through the year with our series of hearings and to do a very thorough and expeditious markup. So we bring to the floor the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2005 for the Senate's consideration. This bill was unanimously reported out of committee on May 6. I believe it is a testament to the strong support of our men and women in uniform by the Senate if adopted. As we begin debate on this bill today, over 300,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines, Active and Reserve, and countless civilians are serving bravely around the world, including the Persian Gulf region, Iraq, and Afghanistan, in the cause of freedom. All Americans are proud of what the U.S. Armed Forces and their coalition partners have accomplished thus far in Iraq and in the global war on terrorism. We are ever mindful that the defense of our homeland begins on the distant battlefields of the world.”