[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 121 (Tuesday, October 3, 2000)]
[House]
[Page H8628]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     BOLSTERING OUR MILITARY FORCES

  (Mr. GIBBONS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, the first responsibility of government is 
to protect and defend the American citizens from threats. To meet this 
responsibility, the United States must maintain a modern, highly 
skilled and well-trained military force.
  As a veteran of both the Vietnam and Persian Gulf Wars, I am very 
proud of this Republican-led Congress that remains committed to 
rebuilding and strengthening our military and to treating our troops 
with the respect that they deserve.
  In addition to bolstering America's military readiness, this 
Republican-led Congress is working to provide a better quality of life 
for our servicemen and women.
  We are working to ensure sure that no U.S. serviceman or woman will 
ever have to rely on food stamps just to feed their family. Again, this 
Republican-led Congress is committed to providing our military members, 
both current and past, with quality health care service.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the accomplishments of this Republican-led 
Congress, and I am proud of all the men and women who have served and 
sacrificed for their country in our military service.

                          ____________________