WASHINGTON— Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today responded to Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid’s claim that consideration of the annual defense authorization bill is a “waste of time.”
Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today responded to Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid’s claim that consideration of the annual defense authorization bill is a “waste of time.”
“Senator Reid’s comment yesterday was deeply disturbing. The first job of the federal government is to defend the country, and whatever political differences we may have on other issues should take a back seat to supporting our troops and providing for the common defense. Meeting those responsibilities should not be a political pawn or inconvenient afterthought for anyone.
“Year after year as Majority Leader, Harry Reid forced the Department of Defense to navigate uncertainty as he wasted floor time and pushed NDAA consideration until the very end of the year.
“The defense bill gives the President every penny he requested, cuts waste, reforms the bogged down acquisition system, pays our troops, cares for their families, and updates their benefits. Yet to Senator Reid, doing all these things is a 'waste of time’. Meeting troops' needs is never a waste of time and the Congress’ top responsibility. Suggesting otherwise is irresponsible.”
