[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Pages 17283-17284]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS

  Mr. McCONNELL. Now, on another matter, Mr. President, we live in a 
time of diverse and challenging global threats. It is a time when we 
see ISIL consolidating its gains in both Iraq and Syria. It is a time 
when we see the forces of Assad marching alongside Iranian soldiers and 
Hezbollah militias. It is a time when we see Russian aircraft flying 
above them in support, and it is a time when commanders tell us that 
additional resources are required to ensure the safety and preparedness 
of our troops. I think it is time to finally support the men and women 
who volunteer to protect us. The last excuse not to do so--the setting 
of a top-line budget number--has been cleared away. We fixed that. 
There is no reason that our colleagues shouldn't join us in moving 
forward now.
  These brave men and women aren't poker chips in some Washington 
political game. They are the sisters, fathers, daughters, and neighbors 
who voluntarily and selflessly put themselves in harm's way so that we 
might live free. These are the men and women we will salute this month 
on Veterans Day. It is not enough just to support those who defend us 
then; we need to support them right now.

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