Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I would like to begin by congratulating Ranking Member McKeon and Chairman Skelton for their fine work on the National Defense Authorization bill for 2011. Mr. Chairman, the defense authorization bill provides our Department of Defense the resources it needs and addresses the committee's priorities in supporting our men and women in uniform, their spouses and families. To enable our servicemembers to continue defending our freedoms abroad, we owe it to them to provide the best available support, training and equipment; and this bill reflects our undying commitment to those servicemembers. After traveling to Afghanistan and Pakistan last month on a congressional delegation and visiting the troops in the field, I know it is critical that we move the bill forward quickly to provide them that vital support. The funding and support in this bill for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are critical. That support back home is just as critical. I am concerned, though, today about the attempt to repeal the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy without listening to our servicemembers first. We are currently fighting two wars and asking our men and women to make tremendous sacrifices. Now this Congress wants to act without their regard and essentially tell our American military members and families that their views do not count. We have only been given 5 minutes to debate this policy which will affect millions of American servicemembers and their families.…”