[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 9]
[House]
[Page 11928]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     DUTIES OF A COMMANDER IN CHIEF

  (Mr. KILDEE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I think we all know that now more than ever 
it is critical that our next Commander in Chief is ready to walk into 
the Oval Office and be ready to lead on day one.
  Keeping Americans safe is the President's most solemn duty. That is 
why Americans need a strong and smart national security plan led by a 
Commander in Chief with experience, the highest respect for our troops, 
and with a level head.
  However, the Republican nominee for President has repeatedly proven 
he lacks the qualities it takes to lead our Nation and our Armed 
Forces. He has insulted veterans and Gold Star families while claiming 
he knows more about how to protect this Nation than our own military 
leadership. He has openly advocated torture, in contradiction to what 
our generals suggest.
  When presented with a Purple Heart by a wounded veteran, he responded 
by saying: ``I always wanted to get the Purple Heart. This was much 
easier.''
  Our military represents the absolute best of our country. In July, 
when we met the Khans, he ridiculed them. We need a Commander in Chief 
that commands the respect of the American people.

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