Military

“This bill is an important step toward getting our military men and women the training, the world-class equipment, and the support they deserve. I am pleased that the legislation includes crucial priorities for Missouri’s military bases, the surrounding communities, and the defense-focused businesses that call Missouri home. I want to thank Chairman Inhofe for his partnership and I hope the full Senate will act swiftly to move this bill forward.”

“The Army Corps of Engineers is an agency in search of a plan. After my meeting with the Corps, I am even more alarmed at the agency’s lack of clear priorities: agency leadership detailed eight different priorities, many in tension with one another, none of them integrated into a clear operating plan. The Corps is hamstrung on the one hand by radical environmentalist lobbyists that are forcing the agency to prioritize wildlife over farmers. This is made worse by the fact that Congress has failed to give the Corps a clear ranking of priorities or clear orders on how to achieve them. What is abundantly apparent is that we can’t go on like this. We need to consider serious reforms. These might include an overhaul of the Corps’ master manual or perhaps placing the Corps in another agency altogether.”

“With heavy hearts, my wife Erin and I extend our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Scott Wirtz and the St. Louis community. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. As we honor Scott’s life and memory, may we never forget his courage and exemplary service to our nation.”