[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 195 (Wednesday, December 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2615]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 1585, NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR 
                            FISCAL YEAR 2008

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                               speech of

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 12, 2007

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1585, the 
Conference Report on Defense Authorization Bill.
  As we approach the Holiday Season and we go back to our families, we 
cannot forget that not everyone is so fortunate.
  Our loyal soldiers are serving proudly and not all will be with their 
loved ones.
  I want to speak directly to them and to their families in my District 
because these are the true faces of the war.
  This bill supports our service members by increasing military pay 
across the board, because the empty stomachs of a family hurt no matter 
where you are.
  This bill protects our soldiers by providing the equipment needed, 
because today--our soldiers deserve the best there is.
  This bill includes the Wounded Warrior Act which reinforces the fact 
that the tragic conditions at Walter Reed must end.
  I ask my colleagues to not ignore the realities of the war and review 
their priorities--we must give our troops on the frontline what they 
need and rightfully deserve.

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