Political Quotes

“I support the fiscal year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. The final, conferenced version of this bill reflects a compromise. As with any compromise, there are things I support and things I wish the final bill had included. Of great significance is the inclusion in this bill of a provision providing 12 weeks of paid parental leave for all Federal employees. There are Federal employees in every corner of this country, including in Vermont. We lead by example when we say that the Federal Government will support new parents, who will now be able to be home with their new child in those important first days. I hope that this example is one that can be replicated throughout our workforce. The fiscal year 2020 NDAA includes important wins for servicemembers, their families, and our national security as well. I am pleased that at long last we have successfully introduced a phase-out of the so-called Widows' Tax. This bill mandates gender integration for Marine Corps training, makes much needed progress in addressing the use and after effects of open-air burn pits, and demands new standards for microelectronics supply chains, so we know our technology is working for us. Closer to home, the bill authorizes $30 million to construct a new Army Mountain Warfare School in Jericho. This is important to Vermont and to the Nation.…”