MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2003 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Denny, Baker, Chism, Ellington, Fillingane, Formby, Howell, Ishee, Jennings, Martinson, Moore (60th), Nicholson, Reeves, Roberson, Robertson, Rotenberry, Simpson, Stevens, Woods

House Concurrent Resolution 125

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING CONGRESS FOR GIVING FIRST PRIORITY TO SUPPORT AND PASS THE DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS BILL AND REQUESTING THAT THEY CONTINUE TO DO SO IN THE FUTURE.

     WHEREAS, the national security of the American nation and people is the first and foremost obligation of the national government; and

     WHEREAS, the men and women of our Armed Forces of the United States now serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, National Guard and Reserves have shown great courage and self-sacrifice and deserve to be equipped with the best weapons and resources to protect our nation; and

     WHEREAS, in past years, politicians have delayed passing the defense appropriations bill until late in the budget year so that the bill was misused as a dumping ground for pork barrel spending and as a political hostage to pork barrel spending in other appropriations bills; and

     WHEREAS, in the wake of the terrorist attacks on America of September 11, 2001, President Bush asked that Congress pass and enact the defense appropriations bill before other spending bills; and

     WHEREAS, Congress acted responsibly in the spring of 2002 and passed the defense appropriations bill first, thereby protecting our men and women under arms from becoming political pawns for politicians spending games; and

     WHEREAS, the Legislature wishes to express our support for Congress to give first priority to support and pass the defense appropriations bill in future years:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we commend Congress for its precedent-setting decision to make our nation's defense their first priority in 2002 and request that the Congressmen and Senators from our state continue this important tradition by passing and enacting the defense appropriations legislation before all other spending bills in 2003 and in the future.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Mississippi Congressional Delegation and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.