Statement : Defence

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, delivered the following remarks on the House Floor in regards to H.R. 5692, the Ukraine Security Assistance and Oversight Supplemental Appropriations Act.

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), Ranking Member of the Defense Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks on the House Floor in opposition to H.R. 4365, the fiscal year 2024 Defense bill.

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), Ranking Member of the Defense Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks at the Appropriations Committee's markup of the fiscal year 2024 Defense bill.

If we repeat history, individual and unit readiness will suffer, but we will not save money. A reduction in civilian personnel will also increase delays in the oversight and execution of acquisition contracts. That means more time in the valley of death for small businesses and startups. It will blunt our military’s technological edge.

Every service member has something unique to bring to the table. The sum of their skills, their determination, their experiences and their perspectives is the greatest asset our military has. Fostering an environment where every American who would willingly put their lives on the line to protect and serve this nation feels they are welcomed and supported should not be controversial. This bill fails to meet the agreement signed into law. I urge my colleagues to focus on the end goal of funding our government rather than pushing messaging bills that have no future.

"The Navy and Marine Corps work together to solve and address some of our most pressing challenges. You are at the forefront of all we do in China as it continues to spread its influence around the world, and you play a prominent role in dealing with threats you address from Russia, Iran, and North Korea."

"The Army is not a regional force – it is a global force. The Army must meet the different demands of each of the combatant commanders and adjust to the many different environmental situations. And the Army has accomplished this over the years with strong ties to NATO nations, South Korea, Japan, and many other new partners in Asia under Operation Pathways."

"To maintain our technological superiority in the air and space domain, it is as important as ever to educate and train the next generation of mathematicians, physicists, aeronautical engineers, and of course, computer scientists. Falling behind is not an option in any of these fields because we are one nation that is supported by the entire budget, not a fraction of its parts."