Austin News

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) addressed the Senate floor today, highlighting concerns about national security due to delays in passing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and funding for national defense. Cornyn attributed these delays to Democrat Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Cornyn criticized the Senate's lack of productivity on crucial matters, stating: "The lack of productivity on some very important matters by the United States Senate lies squarely at the feet of the Majority Leader."

He pointed out that there are less than five days remaining before the end of the month, leading to discussions about a potential government shutdown. He remarked: "That’s why we’re hearing all of this unnecessary drama and narrative about a potential government shutdown."

The Senator also noted that no appropriations bill has been considered in the Senate, which could have been addressed months ago. He emphasized: "We’ve not considered a single appropriations bill in the Senate, which we could have done months ago."

Cornyn referenced defense leaders from various military branches who believe that current Senate operations are hindering their ability to perform their duties effectively. He stated: "We have defense leaders from every facet of our military saying that the way the Senate is currently operating when it comes to funding the military and providing for the authorities that they need in order to do their job in the defense authorization bill, that the Senate’s failure to act on a timely basis is making their jobs harder and Americans less safe."

In conclusion, Cornyn criticized what he described as poor leadership within the U.S. Senate: "The picture of leadership here in the United States Senate is truly pitiful." He added that much of this could have been avoided if votes on individual government funding bills had been scheduled earlier by Schumer.