DOCSLIB.ORG

Extensions of Remarks E789 EXTENSIONS of REMARKS

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Extensions of Remarks E789 EXTENSIONS of REMARKS May 22, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E789 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS MEMORIAL DAY AND HONORING Canegata; Army SFC Floyd Lake; Army SGT SPURRING PRIVATE AEROSPACE OUR FALLEN SERVICEMEMBERS Jorge Scatliffe and Army SGT Errol James. COMPETITIVENESS AND ENTRE- PRENEURSHIP ACT OF 2015 This nation owes these men, and the count- HON. JOYCE BEATTY less others who have paid the ultimate sac- SPEECH OF OF OHIO rifice, a great debt; one which we can never IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES really repay. Our resolve is that their sacrifice HON. EARL BLUMENAUER Friday, May 22, 2015 is not in vain as we rise up in their stead in OF OREGON IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, Memorial Day the continuing fight for liberty and justice for Thursday, May 21, 2015 represents one of our nation’s most important all. holidays. The House in Committee of the Whole Each year, our nation unites, regardless of f House on the state of the Union had under political differences and ideology, to remember consideration the bill (H.R. 2262) to facilitate CONGRATULATING PHIL LARUE a pro-growth environment for the developing the heroes from all branches of military serv- commercial space industry by encouraging ice who paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend private sector investment and creating more the very freedoms we hold so dear. stable and predictable regulatory conditions, This Monday on Memorial Day, as we honor HON. RON KIND and for other purposes: the courageous men and women in uniform OF WISCONSIN Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr Chair, I voted for who gave their lives to defend our country, we IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES H.R. 2262, the Spurring Private Aerospace continue our nation’s long-held tradition of Competitiveness and Entrepreneurship paying tribute to America’s fallen soldiers. Friday, May 22, 2015 (SPACE) Act of 2015 to promote continued On this day of remembrance, let us recall American competitiveness and ingenuity in that these brave men and women left behind Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank space exploration. I agree with many of my countless loved ones and family members Phil LaRue for his many contributions to the fellow Democrats that as this industry ma- who also deserve our collective gratitude. New Democrat Coalition. Next month, Phil will tures, we should be regularly revisiting the As we remember the remarkable lives of our be leaving the New Democrat Coalition to issue of the ‘‘learning period,’’ and its related nation’s fallen soldiers and their families on move back to Pennsylvania. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regula- this Memorial Day, we must continue to honor tions regarding spacecraft, as well as rules re- them each day, as a single day of commemo- The New Democrat Coalition, which I have the honor to Chair, is a group of 46 pro- lating to indemnification. ration is far short of what they deserve. This is why I supported the Edwards growth, innovation focused Members of the f amendment to the SPACE Act to shorten the House Democratic Caucus. New Dems sup- HONORING FALLEN VETERANS extension of these provisions to five and four port policies to expand economic growth and years, rather than continuing them through foster the new economy; a fiscally responsible 2025. Though that amendment failed, I voted HON. STACEY E. PLASKETT and efficient government; and a robust foreign to support the underlying bill because it is im- OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS policy that includes a pro-growth trade agen- portant to encourage growth in this industry, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES da. considering the end of NASA’s space shuttle Friday, May 22, 2015 Phil joined the New Dem staff as Commu- program in July 2011, and the rapid develop- ment of this industry internationally. Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to nications Director in June 2013. Since then, he has been a trusted advisor to me and As is now happening with our commercial honor the members of our armed forces who drone industry, which can help us with every- many Members of the Coalition. Over his ten- have given their lives in defense of our de- thing from enforcing environmental protections mocracy. The men and women whose dedica- ure, the New Democrat Coalition has been at to improving worker safety, a failure to move tion has been to protect not just our land and the forefront of many issues important to our beyond outmoded federal regulations in the people, but also the principles we hold so country including working to reopen govern- U.S. will mean other countries progress and dear: the principles of life, liberty and the pur- ment during the shutdown in the fall of 2013, we’re left behind. A failure to reach agreement suit of happiness. introducing and advocating for Comprehensive on these critical areas of emerging technology The veterans from my home district in the Immigration Reform, advancing a competitive- and the role of the federal government will un- U.S. Virgin Islands have long been among the ness agenda, building support for regulatory dercut American’s ability to compete and lead first to answer America’s call to duty. In some reform, and working to pass a pro-growth, pro- in the 21st century. Research, innovation and cases, even fighting in defense of this great worker trade agenda. Phil’s work sharpening investments are happening in the area across nation before they were officially a part of it. our message, interacting with the press, identi- the globe. We must strike the right balance, Our territory had only been under the U.S. fying opportunities, and coordinating key but Congress ought not play a role by adding flag for a few months when America entered complexity and delay. into World War I. Virgin Islanders had not yet stakeholders has been critical to the Coali- been granted American Citizenship, but our tion’s success. f people served—and they did so bravely, and In addition, Phil was a key architect in the MAY AS NATIONAL FOSTER CARE with honor. New Democrat Coalition’s American Prosperity MONTH In the fight to preserve our democracy all Agenda released in March 2015; the first com- Virgin Island veterans have given, but there prehensive policy agenda in the Coalition’s 18 HON. JOYCE BEATTY are some, like the nine brave Virgin Island year history. The American Prosperity Agenda OF OHIO souls, who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the lays out a vision for policies Congress should IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. prioritize in three key areas: 1. Grow the Friday, May 22, 2015 This Memorial Day, I ask that my colleagues Economy in Every Town and City, 2. Give Ev- join me in saluting the sacrifice and honoring Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, this month, I eryone a Shot at the American Dream, and 3. the memory of these men. They are: join my colleagues in recognizing May as Na- Make Government Work Better for the Middle Army SSG Kendall Thomas; Army PFC tional Foster Care Month. Jason Lynch; Marine Lance Cpl. Shane L. Class. National Foster Care Month was established Goldman; Army SPC Jose Rosario; Army SSG Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Members of over 20 years ago to bring foster care issues Gregory Rivera-Santiago; Army LTC David C. the New Democrat Coalition, thank you Phil. to the forefront, highlight the importance of ∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor. VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:17 May 23, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A22MY8.001 E22MYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Joe Crowley (D-Ny-14)
    LEGISLATOR US Representative JOE CROWLEY (D-NY-14) IN OFFICE CONTACT Up for re-election in 2016 Email Contact Form LEADERSHIP POSITION https://crowley.house.gov/ contact-me/email-me House Democratic Caucus Web crowley.house.gov 9th Term http://crowley.house.gov Re-elected in 2014 Twitter @repjoecrowley https://twitter.com/ repjoecrowley Facebook View on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ repjoecrowley DC Office 1436 Longworth House Office Building BGOV BIOGRAPHY By Brian Nutting and Mina Kawai, Bloomberg News Joseph Crowley, vice chairman of the Democratic Caucus for the 113th Congress and one of the party's top campaign money raisers, works for government actions that benefit his mostly middle-class district while keeping in mind the needs of Wall Street financial firms that employ many of his constituents. He has served on the Ways and Means Committee since 2007. He was a key Democratic supporter of the 2008 bailout of the financial services industry -- loudly berating Republicans on the House floor as an initial bailout bill went down to defeat -- as well as subsequent help for the automobile industry. In addition to his post as caucus vice chairman -- the fifth-ranking post in the Democratic leadership -- Crowley is also a finance chairman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the political arm of House Democrats, and serves on the Steering and Policy Committee. He has a garrulous personality to match his burly, 6-foot-4 frame. He's been known to break into song and is generally well-liked by friend and foe alike. Crowley has been a solid supporter of Democratic Party positions, as illustrated by the ratings he has received from organizations on opposite ends of the political spectrum: A lifetime score of 90 percent-plus from the liberal Americans for Democratic Action and 8 percent, through 2012, from the American Conservative Union He favors abortion rights, gun control and same-sex marriage.
    [Show full text]
  • College of the Holy Cross Archives & Special Collections P.O
    College of the Holy Cross Archives & Special Collections P.O. Box 3A, Worcester, MA 01610-2395 College of the Holy Cross Archives and Special Collections Collection Inventory Accession Number: 2014- Collection Name (Title): Moran, James P., Congressional Papers Dates of Material: Size of Collection: Arrangement: Restrictions: Related Material: Preferred Citation: James P. Moran, Congressional Papers Processed on: Dec. 2014 - June 2016 Biography/History: James P. Moran was born in Buffalo, New York on May 16, 1945. He grew up in Natick, MA and attended the College of the Holy Cross on a football scholarship, graduating in 1967 with a BA in Economics. He went on to attend the University of Pittsburgh, where he received a Master’s of Public Administration in 1970. In 1979 Moran was elected to the city council of Alexandria, Virginia, which marked the beginning of a long career in politics. In 1985 and 1988 he was elected to serve as Mayor of Alexandria. He resigned in 1990 when he was elected to his first term in Congress. While a member of Congress, Moran served on the Committee of Appropriations and was a member of the LGBT Equality, Congressional Progressive, Animal Protection, Sudan, Sportsmen’s, International Conservation, Congressional Arts, Congressional Bike, Safe Climate, and Crohn’s and Colitis Caucuses. He was also co-founder of the New Democrat Coalition. He served as representative for Virginia’s 8th District until he retired at the end of his term in January 2015. After retiring from Congress Moran accepted positions as a Legislative Advisor at a D.C. area law firm, and accepted a faculty position in Virginia Tech’s School of Public and International Affairs.
    [Show full text]
  • Potential Committee Vacancies in the 117Th Congress Last Updated November 25, 2020
    Potential Committee Vacancies in the 117th Congress Last updated November 25, 2020 Congressional committees are a critical part of the legislative process. Committees serve as gatekeepers for legislation, considering and amending bills before they reach the floor. Hearings and investigations shape policy debates and provide critical oversight. At the beginning of each Congress, Members receive their committee assignments. Members pursue membership on committees that align with their interests and priorities, and their assignments are determined by the Democratic Caucus and the Republican Conference - with heavy influence from party leadership and steering committees​.1 When determining committee assignments, the parties weigh member preferences along with seniority, regional balance, and balance among ideological and identity caucuses.2 Committee vacancies present opportunities for returning members to gain spots on new committees and for incoming freshmen to get their initial assignments. Vacancies for committee chairs and ranking members can have major policy implications because those leaders shape committees’ priorities. Committee vacancies may occur due to a preexisting vacancy or because a previous member retired, ran for another office, or lost reelection​. On the Democratic side, Members can receive waivers that allow them to serve on additional committees beyond the caps in Democratic Caucus rules.3 While returning members usually have the option to remain on their previous committees (except for committees with term limits4), ​a returning Democratic committee member using a waiver is not guaranteed the option to keep the committee slot.​ The Democratic Caucus uses waivers to distribute remaining committee slots after all members, including incoming freshmen, have hit their caps. The actual number of vacancies going into the 117th Congress depends on the final partisan composition of the House, which is reflected in the committee ratios negotiated by Democratic and Republican leaders.
    [Show full text]
  • 2017 Congressional Landscape
    2017 Congressional Update Presented by: Donald R. Cravins, Jr SVP for Policy/ED Washington Bureau [email protected] @dcravins Congressional Leadership of the 115th Congress 2 Senate MajoritySenate LeadershipMajority Leadership 6. Cory Gardner (R-CO) 2. John Cornyn (R-TX) Position: National Republican Position: Senate Majority 1. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) Senatorial Committee Whip Position: Senate Majority Leader Chairman 3. John Thune (R-S.D.) 5. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) Position: Senate Republican Position: Senate Republican Conference Chairman 4. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) Conference vice chairman Position: Senate Republican Policy Committee Chairman 3 Senate MinoritySenate LeadershipMajority Leadership 3. Patty Murray (D-WA) 4. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) Position: Assistant Position: Chair of the 2. Dick Durbin (D-IL) Democratic Leader Democratic Policy and Communications Committee Position: Senate 1. Charles “Chuck” Schumer (D-NY) Democratic Whip Position: Senate Minority Leader 9 Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) Position: Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairman 5. Elizabeth Warren 6. Mark Warner (D-VA) 7. Amy Klobuchar (D- 8. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) (D-MA) Position: Vice Chair of the MN) Position: Chair of Position: Vice Chair of the Democratic Conference Position: Chair of Outreach Democratic Conference Steering Committee 4 House MajorityHouse Leadership Majority Leadership 2. Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) 5. Luke Messer (IN-6) Position: House Majority Position: Republican Policy Leader 1. Paul Ryan(WI-1) Committee Chairman Position: Speaker of the House 3.
    [Show full text]
  • The Suburbanization of the Democratic Party, 1992–2018
    The Suburbanization of the Democratic Party, 1992–2018 David A. Hopkins Boston College [email protected] Paper presented at the Annual Meetings of the American Political Science Association, Washington, DC, August 29, 2019. 1 Abstract Over the past three decades, the Democratic Party has become mostly suburban in both the residence of party supporters in the mass public and the composition of its congressional caucus. This transformation reflects migration patterns among American citizens, partisan shifts among some suburban voters, and a serious relative decline over time in the party’s rural strength. The trend of suburbanization has made the party’s elected officials more ideologically unified, especially on cultural issues, but it also works to preclude the partywide adoption of an ambitious left-wing economic agenda. Suburbanization has occurred alongside a growth in the racial heterogeneity of the Democratic mass membership and elite leadership alike, encouraged by the demographic diversification of American suburbs. Democratic suburban growth has been especially concentrated in the nation’s largest metropolitan areas, reflecting the combined presence of both relatively liberal whites (across education levels) and substantial minority populations, but suburbs elsewhere remain decidedly, even increasingly, Republican in their collective partisan alignment. Rather than stimulating a broad national pro-Democratic backlash across suburban communities in general, as is sometimes suggested by political observers, the election of Donald Trump has instead further magnified this existing divergence—leaving American suburbia, like the nation itself, closely and deeply divided between the two major parties. Introduction Political analysts, including academics, are fond of describing the current era of American politics as primarily distinguished by deep and stable partisan loyalties.
    [Show full text]
  • Congressional Directory ARKANSAS
    14 Congressional Directory ARKANSAS ARKANSAS (Population 2000, 2,673,400) SENATORS BLANCHE L. LINCOLN, Democrat, of Helena, AR; born in Helena, September 30, 1960; education: graduate of Helena Central High School; daughter of the late Jordan Bennett Lam- bert, Jr., and Martha Kelly Lambert; B.S., in biology, at Randolph Macon Woman’s College, Lynchburg, VA, 1982; also attended the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville; member, Chi Omega sorority; American Red Cross volunteer; married to Dr. Stephen R. Lincoln; mother of twin boys, Bennett and Reece; committees: chair, Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; Energy and Natural Resources; Finance; Special Committee on Aging; elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for the 103rd and 104th Congresses; elected to the U.S. Senate on November 3, 1998; reelected to each succeeding Senate term. Office Listings http://lincoln.senate.gov 355 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510 .................................... (202) 224–4843 Chief of Staff.—Elizabeth Burks. FAX: 228–1371 Legislative Director.—Jim Stowers. Press Secretary.—Katie Laning. Scheduler.—Liz Thompson. 912 West Fourth Street, Little Rock, AR 72201 ......................................................... (501) 375–2993 4 South College Avenue, #205, Fayetteville, AR 72701 ............................................ (479) 251–1224 Federal Building, Suite 315, 615 South Main, Jonesboro, AR 72401 ........................ (870) 910–6896 101 East Waterman, Dumas, AR 71693 .....................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • The House Freedom Caucus: Extreme Faction Influence in the U.S
    The House Freedom Caucus: Extreme Faction Influence in the U.S. Congress Andrew J. Clarke∗ Lafayette College Abstract While political observers frequently attribute influence to ideological factions, politi- cal scientists have paid relatively little attention to the emergence of highly organized, extreme, sub-party institutions. In the first systematic analysis of the House Free- dom Caucus, I argue that non-centrist factions embolden lawmakers to push back against their political party by offsetting leadership resources with faction support. As a result, extreme blocs in the House of Representatives can more effectively dis- tort the party brand. To test these claims, I analyze the impact of Freedom Caucus affiliation on changes in legislative behavior and member-to-member donation pat- terns. I find that Republican lawmakers become (1) more obstructionist and (2) less reliant on party leadership donations after joining the conservative faction. These findings suggest that Freedom Caucus institutions empower lawmakers to more ag- gressively anchor the Republican Conference to conservative policy positions by off- setting the informational and financial deficits imposed by party leaders. ∗Assistant Professor, Department of Government & Law. [email protected], http://www. andrewjclarke.net 0 In 2015, the highly organized and deeply secretive House Freedom Caucus formed in the U.S. Congress. Journalists credited the faction with overthrowing the Speaker of the House, hand-packing his successor, and pushing the House Republican Conference to adopt an increasingly extreme and aggressive posture with the Obama administration — all within a year. Shortly after, Republicans won unified control of the federal government, and the Freedom Caucus quickly reasserted its role a major player in legislative affairs.
    [Show full text]
  • Message from the New Democrat Coalition Chair
    MESSAGE FROM THE NEW DEMOCRAT COALITION CHAIR The 115th Congress has been unlike any other in recent political history. Over the past two years the Republican majority actively undermined America’s health care system, exploded the deficit, failed to fix our broken immigration system and failed to prepare America’s workforce for the changing nature of our economy. Next Congress, New Democrats want to change the way things are done in Congress. Already we have inducted thirty new members-elect to start the next Congress. The diverse group of new Members will help the Coalition continue to advance bold ideas and innovative solutions and we hope to add additional Members in the future. With this addition, we will be 91-members strong in the 116th Congress. We also worked on a vision for the future of Democratic leadership. In August 2017, I delivered the Democratic Weekly Address and highlighted the New Democrat Coalition’s fight to give every American the opportunity to earn a good life: “Today, we are distracted by a Tweeter-in-Chief who deepens our divisions, sows seeds of discord and fans the flames of violence. Our country needs and deserves leaders who will encourage us to be our better selves and who will champion the ideas that we know are good for our nation. These are the ideas that animate A Better Deal for families across America. “Democrats are all about opportunity, growth, innovation and the good jobs that follow. We will not be distracted. We will not be deterred. Because we understand something that President Trump never will: that our world can be a far, far better place – and that together we can make it so.” We are excited to advance our shared priorities and move our country forward.
    [Show full text]
  • U.S. Chamber of Commerce Association Committee of 100 December 9, 2014 the Resort at Pelican Hill Newport Beach, CA Remarks By: R
    U.S. Chamber of Commerce Association Committee of 100 December 9, 2014 The Resort at Pelican Hill Newport Beach, CA Remarks by: R. Bruce Josten Executive Vice President, Government Affairs U.S. Chamber of Commerce The midterm elections at a cost of just $4 Billion had almost everything, except a vision for governing. Neither party advanced any ideas for governing. There were no serious discussions about cybersecurity, deficit spending, climate change, immigration, energy policy, tax reform, Social Security’s long-term future or other major issues. In campaigns about nothing, election debates tend to be dominated by anything. I ended my remarks in June saying; “This election is about “power.” The lack of any major policy discussions suggests that “power” has now also become the enemy of new ideas. As long as both parties think the presidency or the House or Senate majority is within reach, they are unlikely to produce major policy proposals. The midterms reaffirmed that being associated with Washington is toxic. More than two dozen incumbents received less than 60 percent of the vote in their primaries, more than any year since 2000. President Obama was an anchor on Democratic incumbents. As I said in June quoting National Journal's Ronald Brownstein: "For all of the focus on fundraising, advertising wars, and grassroots campaign organizations, no single factor may shape this year's battle for control of the Senate more than attitudes toward President Obama." From the Secret Service, to ISIS, Ebola to immigration, mistreated veterans to Ferguson, Missouri and race relations, candidates and especially the President had to react to the latest controversy du jour.
    [Show full text]
  • Congressional Directory DELAWARE
    56 Congressional Directory DELAWARE DELAWARE (Population 2010, 897,934) SENATORS THOMAS R. CARPER, Democrat, of Wilmington, DE; born in Beckley, WV, January 23, 1947; education: B.A., Ohio State University, 1968; M.B.A., University of Delaware, 1975; military service: U.S. Navy, served during Vietnam War; public service: Delaware State Treas- urer, 1977–83; U.S. House of Representatives, 1983–93; Governor of Delaware, 1993–2001; or- ganizations: Third Way; New Democrat Network; former National Governors’ Association chair; religion: Presbyterian; family: married to the former Martha Ann Stacy; children: Ben and Christopher; committees: ranking member, Environment and Public Works; Finance; Home- land Security and Governmental Affairs; elected to the U.S. Senate on November 7, 2000; re- elected to each succeeding Senate term. Office Listings https://carper.senate.gov https://facebook.com/tomcarper twitter: @SenatorCarper 513 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510 ...................................................... (202) 224–2441 Chief of Staff.—Emily Spain. FAX: 228–2190 Legislative Director.—Jan Beukelman. Administrative Director.—Madge Farooq. 500 West Loockerman Street, Suite 470, Dover, DE 19904 ................................................... (302) 674–3308 301 North Walnut Street, Suite 102 L–1, Wilmington, DE 19801 ......................................... (302) 573–6291 12 The Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947 .................................................................................... (302) 856–7690 *** CHRISTOPHER
    [Show full text]
  • Politics & Policy
    General Session: Politics & Policy Independent Mortgage Bankers Conference Hyatt Regency San Francisco Bill Killmer Senior Vice President of Legislative and Political Affairs January 29, 2019 Washington Environmental Scan • Policy/Political Landscape: Change continues – POTUS – 2018 Midterm Elections The 115th Congress Composition: The 116th Congress Composition: House Ratio: 235 GOP, 193 Democrat (7 House Ratio: 235 Democrat; 198 GOP vacancies) (2 vacancies) Senate Ratio – 51 GOP, 49 Democrats, Senate Ratio – 53 GOP, 47 Democrats, (2 Independents caucus with Democrats (Martha McSally (R-AZ) appointed) - Jon Kyl (R-AZ) appointed) • Ongoing necessity to connect with, educate, and persuade policy makers View From Washington – Key Players Shifting Speaker Pelosi’s favorability at decade high following the government shutdown Americans’ views of Nancy Pelosi GALLUP, JAN 2003 – DEC 2018 ■ % favorable ■ % unfavorable 70 60 48 50 38 40 30 23 20 18 10 0 Shutdown Effect 6 Recent/Pending Legislative Activity – Lookback & Outlook Issues Driven by Industry Needs Tax Reform – TCJA – Real Estate Provisions – Bullets Dodged Regulatory Relief Bipartisan Crapo bill (S. 2155, now PL 115-174) – Mortgage title & key provisions addressing MLO “transitional authority,” QM, TRID, HMDA, PACE, credit score competition, VA IRRRLs GSE Issues Congressional stalemate – Hensarling/Delaney discussion draft – wait for Administration. New FHFA Director? Administration – key principles, Executive Order? Actions to provoke the Congress or shrink the housing footprint?
    [Show full text]
  • Weekly Report to the ICON from the ICBM EAR November 20, 2020 Previews of Coming Distractions
    Weekly Report to the ICON from the ICBM EAR November 20, 2020 Previews of Coming Distractions Quotes of the Week Former Senior OSD Official in the Obama Administration “The ICBM leg of the Triad is going to be seriously reviewed by the incoming Biden administration as a top candidate for elimination. Now I hope the adults in the room will prevail as this is no time to unilaterally disarm in the face of Russian and Chinese major nuclear buildups. But ICBMS are definitely on the table.” 11-17-2020 Congressman Jeff Fortenberry “As co-founder of the Congressional Nuclear Security Working Group, I'm proud the House just passed H.Res.825, recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and US leadership in nuclear nonproliferation––to prevent the unthinkable.” Heritage Foundation Report on Nuclear Capability https://www.heritage.org/military- strength?_ga=2.201674967.719560887.1605710726- 1026599898.1605710726 The Heritage Foundation on Tuesday painted a grim picture of the military's ability to carry out the National Defense Strategy. “The common theme across the services and the U.S. nuclear enterprise is one of force degradation,” it said in its latest report card on military strength, blaming “many years of underinvestment, poor execution of modernization programs, and the negative effects of budget sequestration.” Biden Team for National Security Biden held a virtual meeting with national security advisers on Tuesday, including retired Army Gen. Lloyd Austin; Nicholas Burns of Harvard; Antony Blinken, a longtime Biden foreign policy aide and possible Secretary of State; David Cohen, a former deputy director of the Central Intelligence Agency; Avril Haines, another former CIA deputy director; Kathleen Hicks, who’s heading Biden’s agency review team for the Pentagon; Stanley McChrystal, the retired Army general who Obama fired in 2010 and who endorsed Biden last month; retired Adm.
    [Show full text]