[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 6]
[House]
[Page 8966]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     BUDGET IMPACTS ON OUR MILITARY

  (Mr. NUNNELEE asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. NUNNELEE. Mr. Speaker, the most important function of our 
government is to provide for the common defense. That is why I am 
pleased that the National Defense Authorization Act blocks the 
administration's end strength reduction proposal, as well as 
redistribution of important National Guard aviation assets. But I do 
have some specific concerns.
  Of specific concern of this misguided and shortsighted proposal is 
the impact on the Mississippi National Guard's 155th Heavy Brigade 
Combat Team. This unit has a proven history of defending freedom 
abroad. But recently, when our State was hit by devastating tornados, 
these were the first responders. They provided vital security and 
search and rescue. I commend these men and women that make up the 155th 
and express my concern for the support of their mission.
  Congress cannot balance our budget on the backs of the men and women 
voluntarily serving our country, nor expect their families, who already 
give so much, to make further sacrifices.
  To find areas within our Federal Government to responsibly cut, we 
must look at all forms of Federal spending, not just the discretionary 
spending alone.

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