Corker urges sanctions after N. Korea’s missle launch
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has released the following statement in response to reports of a ballistic missile launch by North Korea. He supported near-unanimous Senate passage of legislation to sanction Iran, Russia and North Korea, which has been sent to the president’s desk to be signed into law.
“In a resounding vote … the Senate sent a bill to the president that will impose tough sanctions for North Korea’s reckless pursuit of a nuclear-capable ballistic missile that could reach the U.S.,” said Corker. “With no sign the Kim regime is prepared to back down, we must pursue a comprehensive approach that includes rigorous enforcement of sanctions, strengthening regional alliances, and expanded deployment of missile defense systems to confront this serious threat. Additional measures to enhance our efforts against North Korea are currently being considered.”
Then on Sunday, a U.S. general released the following statement about that July 28 missle launch.
General Lori Robinson, Commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, stated, “North Korea’s launch on Friday of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile was detected, closely tracked, and determined not to be a danger to North America. However, this provocative launch served as yet another reminder of North Korea’s continued threat to the United States and our allies with their missile program. As the Commander responsible for defending the homeland, I want to assure our citizens that USNORTHCOM remains unwavering in our confidence that we can fully defend the United States against this ballistic missile threat. At NORAD and USNORTHCOM, we stand this watch each and every day.
NORAD and USNORTHCOM, U.S. Strategic Command and U.S. Pacific Command remain vigilant in the face of these continued North Korean provocations. We are fully committed to working closely with our Republic of Korea and Japanese allies to maintain the security of their region and our great Nation.
For more information about NORAD or USNORTHCOM, refer to norad.mil or northcom.mil. Follow on Facebook at facebook.com/noradnorthcom.
Corker: Disappointed in Senate health care vote
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Friday, Corker released the following statement regarding the Senate health care debate.
“My strong preference was for Congress to advance legislation I supported earlier this week to repeal Obamacare after a reasonable transition period,” said Corker. “I sincerely believed that was the best path forward and would have taken us back to a level playing field where, by a date certain, all sides would have had incentive to work together to develop a health care replacement that would generate broad support and stand the test of time. Unfortunately, that amendment failed to achieve the votes necessary to advance.
“I am disappointed that the Senate failed this morning to advance legislation that would allow us to continue our work to repeal and replace Obamacare, which is driving up costs and limiting choices for families in Tennessee and across our country. It is my hope that we will expeditiously move to a process that will generate an outcome that is better for the American people than what is in place today.”
Corker voted on Wednesday, July 26, to repeal Obamacare. The amendment failed to advance by a vote of 45 to 55. On Friday, July 28, Corker voted for the Health Care Freedom Act, which would have allowed Congress to continue its work to repeal and replace Obamacare. The legislation failed to advance by a vote of 49 to 51.
Kustoff supports national security appropriations
U.S. Representative David Kustoff (TN-08) released the following statement on July 27 after voting for the Make America Secure Appropriations Act (H.R. 3219). This legislation includes four individual appropriations bills: Defense, Energy and Water, Legislative Branch and Military Construction/Veterans Affairs, as well as fully funding the President’s request for the border wall – for Fiscal Year 2018.
“Today, I was pleased to support the Make America Secure Act, which will rebuild our military, back our veterans and bolster our national security,” said Kustoff. “This bill provides the highest level of funding ever for the Department of Veterans Affairs, with an additional $3.9 billion to support mental health care services, opioid abuse prevention, services for homeless veterans and much more. Additionally, this legislation will facilitate the largest military pay raise in eight years and provide significant upgrades to our military’s training and equipment. In order to implement President Trump’s strategy for border security, $1.6 billion has been appropriated for the southern border wall with Mexico. Overall, I am proud that this legislation will ensure our national security at home and abroad.”
In a vote to authorize appropriations for the Veterans Choice Program through the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act (S. 114) last week, Kustoff said, “As we continue to make crucial improvements at the VA, I am proud that the Veterans Choice Program will expand access to medical care for our nation’s heroes, particularly those who live in rural areas. This legislation will allow veterans who live far from a VA medical facility to visit outside health care providers closer to home. It will also provide necessary resources for the VA to hire and maintain a strong workforce to care for the needs of our veterans. There is much more work to be done, and I am committed to improving treatment for veterans and active service members.”
