Discussion · House of Representatives
Lois Frankel Democrat
“I want the House to vote against this amendment. It cuts money for training foreign militaries. This training helps our allies work with our troops, builds strong relationships with foreign leaders, and protects American service members.”
“Mr. Chair, our International Military Education and Training programs provide significant national security benefits at a very low cost. They strengthen the ability of nations to partner with our Armed Forces in joint and coordinated operations. They help senior and rising military leaders from countries around the world build ties with the United States. They build the professionalism of foreign militaries, increasing respect for human rights, the rule of law, and democratic civilian control of military. Yet, many of our partners most in need of U.S. military training do not have the resources to pay for it themselves. Mr. Chair, I saw my son, a United States marine, go to two wars, and I know many of his fellow, I will call them colleagues, brave patriots, they didn’t come home to their families, and I just want to say for those families, why would we want to undermine one of the most cost-effective tools we have for building our collective security? Why would we want to do anything that would keep our men and women going to war? General Donovan, commander of the United States Southern Command, said just this year: The return on investment in the International Military Education Training program is clear, with multiple program graduates going on to serve as ministers of defense and chiefs of defense. The trust and relationships built through these programs extend far beyond the engagements themselves and pay lasting dividends for our shared security and will save the lives of our brave men and women who serve our country. I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.”
Mr. Chair, our International Military Education and Training programs provide significant national security benefits at a very low cost. They strengthen the ability of nations to partner with our Armed Forces in joint and coordinated operations. They help senior and rising military leaders from countries around the world build ties with the United States. They build the professionalism of foreign militaries, increasing respect for human rights, the rule of law, and democratic civilian control of military. Yet, many of our partners most in need of U.S. military training do not have the resources to pay for it themselves. Mr. Chair, I saw my son, a United States marine, go to two wars, and I know many of his fellow, I will call them colleagues, brave patriots, they didn’t come home to their families, and I just want to say for those families, why would we want to undermine one of the most cost-effective tools we have for building our collective security? Why would we want to do anything that would keep our men and women going to war? General Donovan, commander of the United States Southern Command, said just this year: The return on investment in the International Military Education Training program is clear, with multiple program graduates going on to serve as ministers of defense and chiefs of defense. The trust and relationships built through these programs extend far beyond the engagements themselves and pay lasting dividends for our shared security and will save the lives of our brave men and women who serve our country. I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.