Political Quotes

“I thank my good friend from Georgia for yielding me this time to speak on these important issues. Mr. Speaker, the opportunity to speak on this important rule that provides consideration for the fiscal year 2017 budget resolution and S. 84, which provides a legal exception for General Mattis to serve as Secretary of Defense, certainly are important issues. As a member of the House Rules Committee, I am very proud to support this rule as well as both of the underlying measures. S. 84 provides a one-time exemption on behalf of an individual who is uniquely qualified to serve during a very challenging period in our Nation's history and a time when U.S. national security and military readiness is of paramount importance for both Americans and our allies around the world. This legislation does not permanently change the law nor does it diminish the founding principle of civilian control of our military. In fact, this rule allows for consideration of legislation providing for a one-time exemption that does exactly the opposite. It reinforces the doctrine of civilian control of our military. By setting into motion this unique procedure, the people's elected representatives are taking the seriousness of this circumstance to heart, to debate and carefully weigh granting a historic exception, only provided on one other occasion in our history. The man at the center of this matter demonstrates the extraordinary nature of the situation we currently face. General James N.…”