[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 7, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H655]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           NEW ADMINISTRATION MUST SUPPORT NEEDS OF MILITARY

  (Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, in Newport 
News, Virginia, I attended the christening of what will soon be the 
U.S.S. Ronald Reagan, a new magnificent aircraft carrier. Mrs. Reagan, 
the President, Mrs. Bush, and other leaders were in attendance to 
witness the christening of this vessel and to honor our former great 
President.
  It is only appropriate that this awesome vessel be named after the 
leader who led us to victory in the Cold War. This Nimitz-class 
aircraft carrier represents the ``peace through strength'' philosophy 
which played such an integral role in President Reagan's successful 
foreign policy.
  It is crucial that we recognize President Reagan's extraordinary 
foreign policy achievements. This awesome new addition to our fleet 
will be a testimony to Reagan's enduring legacy of military dominance. 
America is a better and safer place for having had President Reagan in 
the White House. However, we cannot sit back and admire his 
achievements without noting that our world remains a dangerous place.
  We must direct more attention to our armed forces by reforming and 
revitalizing our military. When President Reagan left office in 1988, 
the Navy had 15 aircraft carrier battle groups, and 594 ships in 
service. It now has 12 carrier battle groups and a fleet numbering 
about half as many ships. The new administration must support the needs 
of the military to ensure that our armed forces are well equipped and 
trained to carry out our Nation's priorities while providing support to 
our allies abroad.

                          ____________________