u.s. congressman Mac Thornberry.com serving the people of the 13th district of texas

Washington, May 18, 2012 - Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-TX), the Vice Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement praising House passage of the FY13 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 4310):

"This is a strong, bipartisan bill that supports our troops and their missions.  At the same time, it also recognizes the realities of our financial situation and includes provisions that seek to make sure that taxpayers get every dollar of value possible for the money we spend for defense."

"Our work as a Committee and a Congress, however, does not end with the passage of this defense bill.  Providing for our common defense is one of our most serious constitutional responsibilities.  With each day that passes, sequestration looms larger.  These arbitrary and automatic cuts remain an enormous danger to our military and our national security, and Congress must do something about it."
   
"Threats against our country and our ideals continue to grow and evolve.  Congress has a responsibility to make strategic investments in our national security.  This means that even in a time of tight budgets, Congress must also ensure that we can defend the country and keep the promises we have made to those who serve in the military."