[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 15, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E804]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ENHANCING OUR MILITARY

                                 ______


                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 15, 1996

  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, under President Clinton's latest budget 
proposal, defense spending would remain on a dangerously steep decline. 
H.R. 3230 moves to counter the effects of the Clinton administration's 
cuts in defense spending within the framework of a balanced budget.
  After a 10-year decline in military spending, this measure 
revitalizes our Nation's defense, bolstering our national security 
interest at home and abroad and turning back the hollow military 
policies of the Clinton administration. A strong, prepared military is 
vital for the security of this country. In this era of fiscal 
restraint, it is equally important to get the biggest bang for the 
buck--but not at the expense or readiness, modernization, or quality of 
life for our service personnel and their families.
  The fiscal year 1997 defense authorization provides a much needed 
reprieve for the U.S. military from President Clinton's ill conceived 
budget cuts. My Republican colleagues and I remain committed to 
ensuring that our armed services are equipped with decent living 
quarters and the best, most cost efficient equipment, so that when they 
are called upon to defend their country, they have what they need to 
get the job done.

                          ____________________