mr. visclosky. mr. visclosky: i would reiterate my comments from the gentlewoman's previous amendment and that is, after 13 years, things have changed. one of the changes we ought to make in this chamber is to have again that wholesome debate as to what the parameters of our military involvement overseas is going forward from this point in time not the beginning of the previous decade, and appreciate the gentlewoman offering the amendment. ms. lee: thank you. mr. chairman, how much time do i have remaining? the chair: the gentlelady has two minutes remaining. ms. lee: ok, mr. chairman, let me just say with regard to this amendment, congress has a constitutional responsibility. it's our prerogative to declare war or not. it's our prerogative to debate and vote on any military action anywhere in the world, more than a prerogative it's our constitutional responsibility. we represent the american people. the american people deserve to have a voice in such grave matters. that's why the constitution required t

mr. visclosky: mr. chairman, i only have one more speaker left and it is my understanding that as a member of the committee i have the right to close. the chair: the gentleman is correct. mr. visclosky: i would reserve the balance of my time. until the gentleman concludes his remarks. the chair: the gentleman from pennsylvania. the gentleman reserves. mr. rothfus: thank you mr. chairman. the chair: the gentleman from pennsylvania. mr. rothfus: in conclusion, i would urge my colleagues to vote yes on this important amendment, to prevent the premature transfer of apaches out of the national guard. until the commission has had the opportunity to do its work. this congress created the national commission for the very purpose of studying the impact of transfers such as the apaches out of the guard and after spending billions of dollars, as my colleague from pennsylvania had said, this was an investment on the part of the taxpayers to build an operational reserve. we should not take this step until the commis

mr. visclosky of indiana, first amendment by mr. nadler of new york, second amendment by mr. nadler of new york, first amendment by mr. poe of texas amendment by mr. walberg of michigan amendment by mr. nolan of minnesota amendment by mr. clawson of florida, second amendment by mr. poe of texas. the chair will reduce to two minutes the time for any electronic votes in this series. the unfin herbed bids is the request for a recorded vote on the amendment. the clerk willres. designate the amendment. the clerk: amendment offered by mr. lowenthal of california. the chair: the house will come to order. the house will come to order. the house will come to order. the house will come to order. recorded vote has been requested, those in support of the request for a recorded vote will rise and be downed. the chair reminds all that this is a two-minute vote series. a two-minute vote series. members will record their votes by electronic device. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc., in cooperation with the united states house of representatives. any use of

mr. visclosky: mr. chairman, i yield myself such time as i may consume and ask unanimous consent that my remarks be entered into the record. the chair: the speaker pro tempore: without objection, so ordered. mr. visclosky: i express my appreciation to my good friend, to chairman frelinghuysen and to congratulate him on the collegial and the transparent manner in which he has crafted this legislation. i also want to express my sincere appreciation for the efforts of chairman rogers, ranking member lowey, all the members of the defense subcommittee. also this bill obviously could not have been written without the dedication of long hours, discerning judgment and thoughtful input of our committee staff and personal staffs. i thank them very much. the chairman has fully and fairly described the bill we are considering today. i believe he has accurately described the very dangerous and unpredictable world in which we live. as such i will enter my detailed comments on the bill for the record. instead, i want

mr. visclosky: i would just add this should be done by now. mr. sessions: you're going to where i want to hear. mr. visclosky: compared to year ago i would agree with the chairman's observations. i do believe a sense of urgency has taken hold at the department. and they are all making all deliberate speed. we should be done with this but i do think there is a sense of urgency that's overtaken them. mr. sessions: it's my belief that ranking member, mrs. lowey, our young chairman, have stayed after this issue in the highest level of discussions with the department. i just think that in the midst all the department has it became less than an important issue. hal rogers and i have spoken a number of times about this. hal told me it's not just me. it's several members that are serious about this. you're saying you're serious. you believe it's getting done. when do you think we will be able to hear it is now done? is there a goal? have they gotten back to you? i know they are now serious about it. are they still trying to measure three times? what are t

mr. visclosky: i ask for a recorded vote. the chair: pursuant to clause 6 of rule 18 further proceed option the amendment offered by the gentleman from missouri will be postponed. >> mr. chairman i have an amendment at the desk. the chair: for what purpose does the gentlewoman from texas rise? ms. jackson lee: i have an amendment at the desk. the chair: the clerk will real port the amendment. ms. jackson lee: amendment number 177. the chair: clerk will report the amendment. the clerk: amendment offered by ms. jackson lee of texas. at the end of the bill, before the short title insert the following, section, none of the funds made available by this act may be used in contravention of the authority of the president pursuant to article 2, section 2 of the constitution. the chair: pursuant to house rule 303, the gentlewoman from texas and a member opposed each will control five minutes. the gentlewoman from texas. ms. jackson lee: responsibilities of the president, thank you very much mr. chairman, and the responsibilities of the

mr. visclosky's staff joe. mr. chairman over the years members of congress have agreed that the defense appropriations bill is no place for partisan politics. our national security is far too important. this week the leadership of the other party has decided to throw that out the window and their timing couldn't be more unfortunate. as we gather here this afternoon over 200 men and women in uniform do the hard work of freedom across the globe. in afghanistan, iraq sinai eastern europe, along the d.m.z., and other far away places. there are also members of our armed forces and their comrades who serve here at home and their families. all of them deserve our admiration and gratitude. this bipartisan bill before you delivers for them. i urge a no vote on the motion to recommit and yes on final passage of this bipartisan bill that recognizes and honors their service. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back. without objection, the previous question is ordered. the question is on the motion to re