Defense Drumbeat

Today, Chairman Mac Thornberry (R-TX), of the House Armed Services Committee, joined Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) for a press conference on the Omnibus Package. The Speaker and the Chairman reiterated the importance of passing the Omnibus Package for our military. See some of his remarks below and watch the Chairman's comments here.

"The consequence of the vote we are about to take is about real live flesh and blood.

"Earlier this week a grandmother called one of my district offices. I'd nominated her grandson to one of the Academies. He's a pilot in the military. And her message to me was,'please ground all the planes until you know for certain that they're safe for my grandson to fly in.' Understandable, given the terrible accidents as recently as last week."

"The bill we're about to vote on turns the corner in fixing our planes and ships and readiness. And it also sends a very strong message to allies and adversaries alike that the United States is going to stand up and defend ourselves."

"I want to specifically thank the Speaker for his dedication and commitment to rebuilding the military... Throughout this process fixing our military has been the most important thing, the most important priority the Speaker has worked for."

"I think it's the most important thing in this bill."

"I think defending the country is the most important thing the government does."

"There's at least one grandmother in Texas who is very grateful for what we're about to do for her grandson and for his colleagues."