That working principle should be particularly evident in an era in which the budgets of all of the nation's armed services have been reduced year after year, in which the peacetime operating tempo of those services is the highest in the nation's history, and in which there is substantial and demonstrable evidence that U.S. military readiness already has been reduced to an unacceptable level. There are, of course, several political issues involved. Many of Puerto Rico's most prominent politicians obviously want the Navy out of Vieques. I have discussed the Vieques situation with Senator Warner and obviously share his concerns. I also have written to President Clinton, on behalf of the 70,000 members of the Navy League, asking him to support the continued use of the Vieques range by the armed forces of the United States.
Lives are at stake.
The lives of the brave young men and women who throughout their careers are so frequently put in Harm's Way to save the lives and protect the human rights of others. These loyal and disciplined young Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen have always accepted and carried out, unflinchingly and without complaint, the often dangerous missions assigned them. They have earned the right to expect loyalty in return from their country, from the American people, and from their commander in chief.