Defense
Information concerning my stance on Defense and Military issues.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) successfully added two amendments to the FY11 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) before voting to support the measure. NDAA makes record investments in our country’s military, authorizing a $726 billion budget to further strengthen national security and support troops and their families.
To view the video of Congressman Cohen’s remarks click here. The text of his statement follows:
“I rise today to honor the sacrifice of Navy Hospital Petty Officer Second Class Xin Qi who died on January 23, 2010. He was assigned to Dallas, Texas when he volunteered to go to Afghanistan.
“On this anniversary, we need to remember the sacrifices of our fighting men and women and do what we can to honor their memory and their wishes,” said Congressman Cohen. “It is a travesty that our laws do not allow a soldier’s wishes to be honored – especially something as simple, yet meaningful, as overseeing the disposition arrangements.”
“More than one third of our 1.5 million American troops have served at least two tours in the recent war efforts,” said Congressman Cohen. “Sadly, many of them leave behind young children wondering why their parent had to go away. These children face serious challenges and they need the love and support of their neighbors and communities. Thankfully, there are options to help young children cope with the strain of having a parent deployed abroad.”
H. R. 2638 includes a $1.6 million appropriation for the University of Memphis, requested by Congressman Cohen in a letter to House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton on March 13, 2008. The university will use these funds to develop a battlefield nursing program utilizing enhanced, state of the art procedures, techniques and equipment to train U.S. nursing students.
“I am very pleased to announce this huge contract for FedEx from USTRANSCOM,” said Congressman Cohen. “FedEx is second to none when it comes to providing global shipping, transport and logistics needs, so it is no surprise that the Department of Defense awarded them this contract. This contract will strengthen FedEx, and that is good for Memphis.”