Defense

"In a dangerous world, we must be united to ensure our armed services have the equipment, training, and resources to succeed at every level."

"But most importantly, the Subcommittee has been focused on the well-being and morale of those in uniform, their families, DoD civilians, and defense communities."

"National defense is of paramount importance, and our committee’s commitment to securing American interests at home and abroad should transcend party lines. The world becomes more dangerous each day, and we must be united to ensure our armed services have the equipment, training, and resources to succeed at every level."

"We owe it to our service members and their families to put forth serious spending proposals. The idea of using OCO spending for base requirements is a thinly-veiled attempt to skirt budget caps and increase defense spending without a complementary increase for non-defense spending. Moreover, requesting OCO funds for base is fiscally irresponsible, as costs to increase end strength dovetail in future spending bills as service members receive raises and eventual pensions. Our service members deserve the stability and to know they will be taken care of in the future, and the Administration’s proposal makes that less likely."

"I must also say that as a Member of the Legislative Branch, I am grossly offended by the unconstitutional actions taken by the Executive Branch to fund the construction of the unauthorized wall on the southern border. Using funds that Congress declined to appropriate for that purpose and over the denial of this Committee and others, the Defense Department is in the process of conveying billions to the Department of Homeland Security. There is no emergency at the border that requires the use of the armed forces. We are here to appropriate funds needed for the military, not to make good on a campaign promise."