Washington, DC – Congressman Glenn Nye (VA-02) made his first speech to the US House of Representatives this morning. Nye called on his colleagues to remember that, even while Congress is working to fix the economy, it is essential to support the troops who are serving our country in overseas.
“We must always remember that we still have people over there. We are fighting two wars, and as we face new threats, we must maintain a strong military, and we must fully support our troops in harm’s way,” said Nye.
“Our military personnel and their families ask nothing more – and deserve nothing less – than the same level of care and devotion that they have shown to our country. That’s not a partisan issue, it’s a basic American value, and it’s a value that I will champion every day as a Member of Congress,” Nye concluded.
Congressman Glenn Nye is a member of the House Armed Services Committee. Before he entered Congress this month, Nye served in the Foreign Service, working overseas in conflict zones including Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
Virginia’s 2nd District, which includes Naval Station Norfolk, has the highest concentration of military personnel, families, and veterans of any Congressional District in the country.
Below is the full text of Congressman Glenn Nye’s first speech to the United States House of Representatives.
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Remarks of Congressman Glenn Nye
Virginia’s 2nd District
Thursday, January 15, 2009
For most of the past twelve years, I traveled all over the world with the Foreign Service. In places like Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq, I had the honor to serve alongside the brave men and women of our Armed Forces.
It is now my honor to be here, as the Representative of Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District – to represent the people of Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore – and to represent our military personnel and their families.
We have important work ahead of us – strengthening the economy, restoring fiscal responsibility, and standing up for the families who are working every day to make a better life for the next generation.
But while we’re doing that, we must always remember that we still have people over there. We are fighting two wars – and as we face new threats, we must maintain a strong military, and we must fully support our troops in harm’s way.
M. Speaker, our military personnel and their families ask nothing more – and deserve nothing less – than the same level of care and devotion that they have shown to our country. That’s not a partisan issue – it’s a basic American value – and it’s a value that I will champion every day as a Member of Congress.
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