[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 31 (Tuesday, March 15, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H1423-H1424]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HOUSE DEMOCRATS SPEAK OUT ON NATIONAL SECURITY

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning, along with my 
colleague, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ryan), to talk about how House 
Democrats feel about national security. It may seem obvious to say we 
Democrats support our troops and support a strong national defense, but 
I want to offer today a more detailed explanation of where we stand and 
why.
  These are challenging and difficult times for our country. We are 
engaged in a global war against terrorism, we have military forces 
deployed around the world, and we are involved in two shooting wars in 
Iraq and in Afghanistan. These deployments and these conflicts are 
putting a terrible strain on our military, on our troops, on our 
equipment, on our military families, on our defense budget, and on our 
national economy.
  I believe we will overcome these challenges because we have the 
greatest treasure in the world, our service men and women, who are 
selflessly serving around the globe on behalf of this great Nation. 
They are the key to the war on terrorism, more than any doctrine or 
system. Their effort and sacrifice will make ultimate victory for us in 
the war on terror, and in Iraq and Afghanistan, possible.
  Unfortunately, the two most people-intensive services, the Army and 
the Marine Corps, are last in line for funding from the Defense 
Department. For example, the fiscal year 2006 budget request for the 
Army, not counting money that may be added in the supplemental, 
actually declined by some $300 million relative to last year's level.
  Mr. Speaker, it is incredible to think that this administration would 
actually reduce funding for the Army, the service with the most people 
and the most equipment in Iraq and Afghanistan, in a time of war. Even 
if the amount for the Army is ultimately increased because of 
supplemental appropriations, what kind of signal does this send our 
troops, who are literally putting their lives on the line, when the 
administration asks for fewer funds for their service? Our servicemen 
and women deserve better.
  I know I speak for all House Democrats in saying we support our 
troops, but what is more important for everyone to understand is that 
supporting the troops is more than just a bumper sticker. It means 
giving them the best possible leadership, the finest training, and up-
to-date and working equipment, protective armor body, and vehicle 
armor. We in Congress have a duty to ensure that they have all the 
tools they need to succeed on the battlefield.
  We also have a duty to provide for their families while they are 
deployed in service to our great Nation. We have a duty to take care of 
the families of those who are killed and those who are wounded.
  Mr. Speaker, we also have a duty to our citizen soldiers, members of 
the National Guard, members of the Reserve, who also make such 
extraordinary sacrifices. They not only serve our country beside their 
active-duty counterparts, but they also do so at considerable sacrifice 
back home. Because they have jobs in their communities, oftentimes they 
give up these jobs and ask someone else to pick up the slack created by 
their absence. Moreover, while they are deployed, their families are 
entitled to benefits, but it is often hard for families to use these 
benefits because so many of them do not live close to military 
facilities.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, we Democrats believe we have an obligation to 
our Veterans, whether it is allowing them to receive full retired pay 
in addition to VA disability compensation, allowing their survivors to 
receive both Social Security and Survivor Benefit Plan benefits, or 
allowing their survivors to receive Dependency and Indemnity 
Compensation in addition to VA benefits. We have an obligation to make 
sure they know that America appreciates their patriotism and is willing 
to recognize their sacrifices.
  America should know that Democrats unanimously take these 
responsibilities very, very seriously. The supplemental appropriation 
bill, which we will pass later this week, will have overwhelming 
bipartisan support. That is evidence of the commitment that we on this 
side of the aisle have in supporting our troops. But I want to be

[[Page H1424]]

clear. While Democrats support a strong military and support using our 
military when necessary, we do not support squandering it.
  My concern, Mr. Speaker, is that we are starting to see visible signs 
of strain in our military. I do not want to see it break. My colleague, 
the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ryan), will speak to these issues 
momentarily.
  The bottom line, Mr. Speaker, is that all Members should support our 
men and women in uniform, we should not deploy them wantonly, and we 
should give them the compensation, recognition, and tools they, as well 
as their families, need and deserve. I know I speak for all Democrats 
in saying we honor their service.

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