WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the importance of passing the National Defense Authorization Act and urged Leader Schumer to bring it to the floor for a vote this month. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here. 

“In my view, the ultimate must-pass piece of legislation is the National Defense Authorization Act. Each year, this is how we make sure that our men and women in uniform have the support, and the tools, and the training they need.”

“This is how we maintain our military bases, modernize our systems.”

“It’s how we take stock of the global threat landscape.”

“And we make sure that our country’s prepared to encounter even our most aggressive adversaries.”

“For 61 years in a row, we passed a National Defense Authorization bill. But apparently, the Majority Leader, Senator Schumer, is contemplating not doing that this year.”

“Under the leadership of Senator Reed, a Democrat, and Senator Inhofe, a Republican, they’ve compiled a strong bill that will strengthen and modernize our national defense, but the Senate Armed Services Committee completed its work on July 18th.”

“Here we are, September the 13^th. Senator Schumer, who is the one who sets the agenda for the United States Senate, has yet to bring that bill to the floor.”

“The Defense Authorization bill seems to be at the bottom of his priority list, below judicial nominations and a bill to codify a right to marry that is not even in jeopardy.”

“My hope is that the Majority Leader will bring this bill to the floor this month… so we can strengthen our national defense at this critical moment in our nation’s history.”