[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 14, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            DEFENSE FUNDING

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 14, 2001

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, throughout our nation's 
history, our armed forces fought bravely to preserve and protect the 
liberties we cherish. As of late, we have done much to recognize the 
accomplishments of the generation that fought the Second World War, and 
rightly so. But we should not forget the equally impressive job our 
military forces are doing today. They faced down aggression in Iraq; 
restored democracy in Haiti; and ended ethnic cleansing in the former 
Yugoslavia. In short, they have much to be proud of
  However, we are faced with some serious concerns. This increase in 
deployments and operations occurred during a time of military 
downsizing. It is clear to many we cannot, in good faith, ask our 
forces to be engaged around the world when they are stretched so 
thinly.
  We have no choice but to embrace this opportunity and demonstrate our 
commitment to our military personnel. In this time of peace and budget 
surpluses, we must prepare for the threats that loom in the not-too-
distant future by modernizing our military forces and investing in 
programs to recruit and retain quality military personnel.
  We have done a great deal to ensure that our military forces are the 
best in the world, but the world is changing before our eyes--we need 
to do more. As we move though the budget process, let us show our 
support for these brave men and women by passing a responsible defense 
budget.

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