Enter this session our priorities in 2020 have been shaped by the events and circumstances our state has faced over the last year. As i have said before i believe 2019 will be remembered as nebraskas finest hour. [applause] when we were faced with the most widespread and costly Natural Disaster in state histor history, nebraskans responded with heroic grit and determination and resilience and generosity. For 318 days through december 19 nebraska had a flood watch warning or advisory somewhere in our state. Through it all nebraska show the world what it truly means to be nebraska strong. The rescue on nebraska not only rescued stranded neighbors donated hey, poured hot meals and raised money for those who lost everything. Several of our hearing on our heroes a token of our appreciation. These men and women are ordinary nebraskans who recognize the need and took lifesaving action. In many cases they did this not because it was their job but because they cared about their neighbors and co
Of starting on time and say good morning to the committee today to consider the nomination of general mark milley to be chairman of the joint chiefs of staff. We thank you for being here today and are grateful for your decades of distinguished service to our nation. We also welcome why you are family and friends and invite you at the appropriate time to introduce those that you feel are appropriate. Its standard for the committee to ask certain questions. These are the required questions, we will ask them fast and if you would audibly respond to them, i would appreciate it very much. First, if you adhere to the applicable laws and regulations governing conflicts of interest . Yes. Do you agree if confirmed to appear and testify upon request before this committee . Gen. Milley yes, chairman. Chairman do you agree to provide documents including copies of the forms of communication in a timely matter when requested by a duly constituted committee or to consult with the Committee Regarding
Nation we welcome your family and friends and invite you at the appropriate time to introduce. To respond i would appreciate it very much. Much. For us to adhere to the laws and regulations with interest. Yes. Do you agree to testify upon request before this committee . Do you agree to provide documents including copies of the communication in a timely manner requested to the Committee Without any goodfaith delay or denial in providing such documents . Do you agree when asked to give your personal view is even those that are different from the administration . Yes. Will you ensure that your staff complies with the deadlines established for the request to communications including questions for the record in the hearings . Yes. Will you cooperate with the witnesses and respons the respoo the congressional request . Have you undertaken any actions which would appear to presume the outcome of the confirmation process . No. Individually in different forms its the most fres threatened we bee
Much. Things a lot. You can watch live coverage of the u. S. House on cspan. The senate is about to gavel back in for more debate on defense programs and policy this afternoon. Shortly we take live to the floor of the u. S. Senate for more debate. The presiding officer the senate will come to order. The presiding officer the senator from texas. Mr. Cornyn madam president , are we in a quorum call . The presiding officer we are not. Mr. Cornyn madam president , yesterday the Senate Overwhelmingly voted to proceed to the National Defense authorization act by a vote of 868. Excuse me, 866. Thats about as overwhelming a bipartisan vote as weve had lately, and its for good reason. Because this bill represents one of our most fundamental duties as a United States congress, which is to authorize military expenditures and to provide our men and women in uniform with the resources they need in order to protect the American People. The Defense Authorization bill would authorize funding for the d
Like its immediate predecessor, this bills overarching objective is to reorient the department of defense toward the great power of competition that our nation faces today. Overall, the bill supports a total of 750 billion in defense spending which includes 642 billion for the department of defense based budget, 23 billion for the department of energies defense activity and another 76 billion for overseas contingency operation. This means the level of spending requested by the president and provides the department of defense with real growth. Above the rate of inflation and recognition of increasing threats our nation faces. The bill also supports the all volunteer force, providing a 3. 1 pay raise for our men and women in uniform. It means the president s wreath crest for an active duty force of 1,339,500 soldiers sailors, airmen and marines. I serve as chairman of the subcommittee on Strategic Forces which has jurisdiction for nuclear forces, missiledefense, and National Security Spa