46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2003

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO SUPPORT THE PASSAGE OF THE DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS BILL PRIOR TO ANY OTHER SPENDING BILLS.

WHEREAS, the security of the United States of America and its people is the first and foremost obligation of the national government; and

WHEREAS, the men and women of the armed forces of the United States 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 passage of the defense appropriations bill so that it could be misused as a dumping ground for pork-barrel spending and as a political hostage for pork-barrel spending in other appropriations bills; and

WHEREAS, in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on America, President Bush asked congress to pass the defense appropriations bill before other spending bills and congress acted responsibly by doing so, so that our men and women under arms would not become political pawns for politicians' spending games;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that congress be commended for its decision to make our nation's defense its first priority; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the New Mexico congressional delegation be requested to continue to support the passage of subsequent defense appropriations bills before other spending measures; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the members of the New Mexico congressional delegation.