[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 25, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H1886]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TROOP REDUCTION THREATENS NATIONAL SECURITY

  (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Defense Secretary Chuck 
Hagel outlined a proposal yesterday calling for a troop reduction that 
will shrink our Army to its smallest size since World War II began in 
1939.
  This decision is sad proof that the President's priorities will 
threaten the strength of our military at a time of worldwide 
instability as al Qaeda and its affiliates develop safe havens across 
North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia with an intent to 
destroy America.
  This past week, I participated in a delegation led by Foreign Affairs 
Committee Chairman Ed Royce to Asia. In Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and 
the Philippines, we met national leaders who are building their 
militaries to face the rising threats and promoting peace through 
strength.
  Efficiencies must be made to maintain our end strength. The President 
has misplaced priorities and chosen to place our brave men and women in 
uniform on the chopping block in order to spend more money promoting 
Big Government dependency. National defense is the first duty of the 
national government, as promoted by the Military Officers Association 
of America.
  In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget 
September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

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