Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 84, a bill that would allow for General James Mattis to be considered for an appointment as the 26th Secretary of Defense of the United States. Leading up to this vote, I have heard time and time again from my colleagues that they respect General Mattis' service to our country. I have also heard that they understand him to be an intelligent, capable leader. Some have even gone so far as to say he is a military hero. I don't doubt the sincerity of my colleagues' words. In fact, I echo them. But for some of my colleagues, this praise for General Mattis is followed by what I believe is a flawed line of thinking. I have heard the argument that this vote we have before us today is not about General Mattis. My friends, today's vote is clearly about General Mattis. Make no mistake, a ``yes'' vote today will not permanently change the requirements prohibiting the appointment of anyone inside of 7 years of Active Duty service. {time} 1415 This vote will provide a one-time-only exception for General Mattis, a man of the utmost character. The original intent of this law was to prevent an Active-Duty servicemember from retiring and then becoming Secretary of Defense within the same Presidential administration. With President-elect Trump raising his right hand in 7 days, it is clear that General Mattis does not violate the law's original intent.…”