Media

"'Our American veterans are our heroes. They deserve a hero in Congress and they have one in the person of Chairman Chet Edwards. Veterans, service members, and their families have no greater champion in the Congress of the United States than Chet. We have long relied on his thoughtful leadership, now as Chairman of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee, he has delivered a bill that honors the service of America's veterans."

"'Nearly two months ago, a great tragedy befell the community of Virginia Tech, and our nation. Thirty-two people lost their lives at the hands of a cold-blooded killer. The victims - of different backgrounds, and different ages - represented the best of our country. And our country was unified in its grief and prayers for all those who lost so much that day. The magnitude of their loss is beyond comprehension. This much is clear: when gun violence takes away lives, we all suffer as a nation."

"Last November, the American people overwhelming made clear their desire to bring the war in Iraq to a responsible end. Yet, at the start of this year, you announced a substantial escalation of our military presence in Iraq. This so-called 'surge' was clearly at odds with past experiences in Iraq, the wishes of the American people, and the advice of many senior military leaders, including General Douglas Lute, your 'war czar' nominee. Nevertheless, you proceeded to call up thousands of additional National Guardsmen and Reservists, extend the tours of tens of thousands of brave troops already in Iraq, and plunge our forces even deeper into Iraq's civil war."