Defense Drumbeat

Today, Chairman Thornberry (R-TX) joined Speaker Ryan, Leader McCarthy, Conference Chair McMorris Rodgers and others to talk about the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) at the leadership stakeout. See some of his remarks below and click here to watch the Chairman's remarks:

"Sometimes I think when we see something repeatedly we tend to take it for granted. And it is true that for 55 straight years under Congresses of both parties and Presidents of both parties there has been an NDAA signed into law."

"The men and women who serve risk their lives as we were reminded this week even in training, as we were reminded a few weeks ago with the destroyer accident, even in routine operations. They are doing dangerous work and our job is to help provide them with the best equipment, in the best shape, with the best training..."

"Unfortunately we've seen accident rates go up as defense budgets have come down over the last several years. This bill makes a major step in turning that around and in my view we owe those who serve at least that much."