Mike Gallagher: “Over the last 8 years, the United States has experienced a sharp rise in the number of military threats from foreign…”

“Over the last 8 years, the United States has experienced a sharp rise in the number of military threats from foreign aggressors. Last month, Russia secretly deployed two batteries of new nuclear-capable cruise missiles. North Korea test-launched four ballistic missiles just this week, and China continues to bolster its military presence in the South China Sea, while going toward a naval fleet that may surpass 351 ships by 2020. Meanwhile, our own Navy is the smallest it has been in 99 years, satisfying only 40 percent of the demand from regional commanders. Fifty-four percent of the Air Force's major weapons systems now qualify for antique vehicle license plates in the State of Virginia. The Army, to quote the Vice Chief of Staff, is ``outraged, outgunned, and outdated.'' These are the bitter fruits of defense sequester; defense sequester which must be pulled out, root and branch. To quote Secretary Mattis: ``No foe in the field can wreak such havoc on our security that mindless sequestration is achieving.'' I agree with General Mattis. I agree that defense sequester is mindless. It is also dangerous. So today, while I speak in support of this rule and this bill, I applaud the Appropriations Committee for its critical work, and I urge my colleagues to support final passage. This is just the first step.…”