Stumping For A Bill

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin spoke on the Senate floor this morning in favor of passing the long-awaited fiscal year 2011 defense authorization bill. Here are some excerpts from an "unofficial" transcript of Levin's remarks released by his office:

. . . It will provide our troops with the equipment and support they need to continue on the battlefield in Iraq and Afghanistan. For example, the bill would enhance the military's ability to rapidly acquire and field new capability and respond to urgent needs on the battlefield by expanding the department of defense's authority to waive statutory requirements when needed to save lives on the battlefield. The bill will fund the president's request for $11.6 billion to train the Afghan army and police to prepare them to take over by the July 2011 date established by the president for the beginning of reductions in U.S. forces at that time.

The bill will extend for one more year the authority for the Department of Defense to transfer equipment coming out of Iraq as our troops withdraw -- and to transfer that equipment to the security forces of Iraq and Afghanistan providing an important tool for our commanders looking to accelerate the growth and capability of these security forces. The bill would promote the Department of Defense's cybersecurity and energy security efforts, two far-reaching initiatives that should strengthen our national defense and our nation.

If we fail to act on this bill, madam president, we will not be able to provide the Department of Defense with critical new authority and extensions of existing authorities that it needs to safeguard our national security. For example, without this bill the Department of Defense will either lose the authority that it requested to support counter-drug activities of foreign governments, use premium pay to encourage civilian employees to accept dangerous assignments in Iraq and Afghanistan and provide assistance to the Yemeni counterterrorism unit. It could have serious consequences for the success or failure of ongoing military operations around the world.

. . . Now, despite the differing views over [the Don't Ask Don't Tell provision] and other provisions where there are differences of opinion, we should not deny the Senate the opportunity to take up this bill, which is so essential for the men and women in the military, because we disagree with some provisions of the bill. These are legitimate issues for debate. And I believe the Senate should debate them. But the only way we can debate and vote on these issues is if the Senate proceeds to the bill. The disputed provisions can be addressed through the amendment process.

. . . We have currently 50,000 U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines on the ground in Iraq and twice that many, roughly, in Afghanistan. While there are some issues on which we may disagree, we all know that we must provide our troops with the support that they need as long as they remain in harm's way. Senate action on the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2011 will improve the quality of life of our men and women in uniform. It will give them the tools that they need to remain the most effective fighting force in the world. And, most importantly of all, it will send an important message that we, as a nation, stand behind them and appreciate their service.

Now, Madam President, this bill runs some -- excuse me -- some 850 pages. the House bill -- the counterpart bill -- runs more than 1,000 pages. Even if we get 60 votes today to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to this bill, and even if we're able to consider amendments and pass this bill in a few days, it will be a possibly insurmountable challenge to work out all of the differences with the House.

Over the last 10 years, Madam President, it has taken an average of 75 days to conference the Defense Authorization Bill with the house after we pass it. If we don't proceed on this bill this week, then invoking cloture sometime next week, even if we can do it, it would be a symbolic victory. And I don't believe that there would be enough time to hammer out a final bill before the end of this session.

I don't believe in symbolic victories. This bill is a victory for the people in uniform. It's essential for the people in uniform. We should not act symbolically in their name and for their sake we should act in reality. But the only way that this will be real and that the repeal of “don't ask, don't” tell, assuming we continue to keep it in the bill, will be real is if we proceed to the bill this week. We cannot and should not delay this vote any longer. I thank the Presiding Officer. I yield the floor and note the absence of a quorum.