[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 117 (Friday, August 2, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S9477]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONFERENCE REPORT TO ACCOMPANY H.R. 3230, THE NATIONAL DEFENSE 
                 AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 1997

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I want to urge the Senate to consider 
the conference report on the national defense authorization bill for 
fiscal year 1997 before we adjourn for the August Recess.
  I need not remind my colleagues that the Constitution vests the power 
to raise and support armies, provide and maintain a navy and to make 
rules for the Government and regulation of land and naval forces in the 
Congress. We execute that power through the Defense authorization bill 
which is currently awaiting consideration by the Senate. The 1997 
national defense authorization bill provides the funds and authorities 
for the Department of Defense to carry out its functions for the coming 
fiscal year. It is a good bill that provides critical funding for our 
forces deployed around the globe in support of our national security. 
It would be a travesty if the security and welfare of our forces is put 
at risk because of political squabbling in the Senate.
  Throughout my 40 years on the Senate Armed Services Committee, it has 
been my philosophy that national defense is a bipartisan effort. The 
conference report that is pending before the Senate is a bipartisan 
effort. It passed the House last night by an overwhelming vote. It will 
pass the Senate in the same bipartisan vote if given a chance.
  Mr. President, I urge my colleagues to work with the leadership to 
resolve the deadlock that is holding up consideration of the Defense 
authorization bill by the Senate. We owe it to the Nation, but more 
importantly we owe it to the men and women in uniform who are deployed 
to the trouble spots throughout the world.
  Mr. President, I would also like to request that before the Senate 
recesses, it approve the military nominations that are pending. The 
nominations are not political and we must not allow these nominations, 
some of which are for critical positions, to be delayed any longer.
  Thank you Mr. President. I yield the floor.
  Mr. HEFLIN addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Alabama.

                          ____________________