Political Quotes

“I thank the ranking member for yielding. Mr. Chair, I have supported every National Defense Authorization Act since I arrived in Congress 11 years ago. Unfortunately, in its current form, I rise in opposition to H.R. 2500, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. This bill does a number of good things. Notably, it includes an authorization of 11 ships, it reaffirms congressional support for midlife refueling of the USS John C. Stennis, it robustly supports the merchant marine with the reauthorization of the Maritime Security Program, and it provides for a new tanker security program that our services need. In summary, the bill did a good job with the resources that were provided. However, due to the decrement of $15 billion from the President's budget request, the bill imposed the limitations on low-yield nuclear weapons, restrictions on the President's request to secure the border, and an entirely avoidable failure to adequately restrict the 9/11 detainees. All of these issues led me to oppose final passage of the NDAA in committee. In the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, the reduction of $15 billion will lead to delay in the construction of the next Ford- class aircraft carrier by 1 year, eliminate a replenishment ship, reduce the Navy's innovation by limiting development of unmanned surface vessels, and restrict critical development of anti-mine warfare programs.…”