[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 67 (Wednesday, May 16, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H2255]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN SEARCH OF THE DEFENSE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, has anyone seen the defense supplemental 
appropriation? I seem to recall that during the recent Presidential 
election, much was made of the needs of our men and women in uniform. 
``Help,'' we were told, ``is on the way.''
  Now we know of helicopters that cannot fly, roofs on family housing 
leaking, training missions being canceled or deferred, and even major 
procurements being modified, all because the supplemental that was 
promised, the supplemental that was planned for, has not arrived.
  I know that Secretary Rumsfeld is in the middle of a wide-ranging 
strategy review and I know that he has put most of the Department of 
Defense on hold while the review runs its course. I will have more to 
say about that soon in another venue.
  But a supplemental appropriation has nothing to do with our future 
strategy. The shape of tomorrow's force is not the issue. The 
supplemental is supposed to pay for what our military has already done.
  So surely, Mr. Speaker, there must be a supplemental around here 
somewhere, and I would appreciate hearing from any other Member who 
happens to stumble over it. I have risen on this floor several times in 
the Congress to point out the need for such a supplemental. Even the 
commitment to having one would be enough to let commanders carry on, 
secure in the knowledge that their costs would be reimbursed later. But 
even that simple assurance has not been forthcoming. And our military 
services are paying the price today. Readiness is lower, aircraft are 
being scavenged for parts, and all because we cannot find that darn 
supplemental.
  Mr. Speaker, if you see it, would you please let me know?

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