WASHINGTON - Today, Chairman Thornberry (R-TX), of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following statement regarding the President's remarks at the United States Coast Guard Academy's Commencement Ceremony:...
Thornberry On President's Address to Coast Guard Grads
Wrong Message to Send to Troops, Allies, & Adversaries
Today, Chairman Thornberry (R-TX), of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following statement regarding the President's remarks at the United States Coast Guard Academy's Commencement Ceremony:
"Today, President Obama had a chance to talk about the importance of a strong and secure America. Instead, he opted to expand the missions for our overtaxed military by putting them on the frontlines of his war on fossil fuels.
While he continues his constant political campaigning, Ramadi falls, ISIL gains ground, Russia puts pressure on Eastern Europe, North Korea and Iran build nuclear programs, and China literally builds itself a larger country. Our adversaries are not motivated by the weather; they are emboldened by America's withdrawal from the world.
The real threat to military readiness is the failure to fund the troops, which is exactly what the President will do if he vetoes the defense bill as he is threatening. While he uses a Coast Guard Academy graduation to motivate his political base, I hope our Commander-in-Chief thinks long and hard about the message such a move sends to the American people, our military personnel, our allies, and our adversaries."
