[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 9 (Wednesday, January 17, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H178]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1730
             APPRECIATING SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LLOYD AUSTIN

  (Ms. KAPTUR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I want to register my sincere appreciation 
to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin for his lifetime of exemplary 
service to our Nation in the U.S. military. I wish him a speedy 
recovery from his recent successful surgery.
  Critics who took the first occasion to swing at him obviously have no 
self-control, no discretion, and no understanding of what a military 
officer at his level endures.
  From his hospital bed, Secretary Austin expertly orchestrated an 
American-led strike against Houthi terrorists who threaten global 
commerce and put American lives at risk through their continued assault 
on civilian ships in the Red Sea.
  Let us remain steadfast in our Nation's strategic interests at a most 
challenging time globally.
  Mr. Speaker, if you wish to be constructive, work with Members to 
serve on a bipartisan basis on our Defense committees. Address your 
concerns through proper channels.
  Why air ill-informed grievances on social media or cable news?
  Team America must remain steadfast and of united purpose.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Secretary Austin for his service.

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