McKeon gets emotional in farewell speech

Retiring House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon (R-Calif.) became emotional at the conclusion of debate on the fiscal 2015 defense authorization Thursday afternoon.

The measure is named after McKeon and Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.), who is also retiring.

{mosads}McKeon pleaded with the next Congress to find a way to avert sequestration cuts to the military.

“I hope sometime next year a compromise can come to the floor that will end sequestration,” McKeon said, arguing the cuts to the military were unfair.

“They do it for us, for their families, for their flag, for our freedom. And how have we repaid them? With equipment that’s falling apart, by laying them off while they’re off in war zones, by docking their pay and their medical benefits, by throwing them out of the service and into a broken economy,” McKeon said. 

“My road in Congress is coming to an end. It will be on the next Congress and the president to make these injustices right. So please show our troops the respect they deserve,” McKeon said.

McKeon thanked his staff, whom he said were essential to crafting the final compromise.

“We get all the credit, they do all the work,” McKeon said.

McKeon concluded his speech with an Irish blessing, noting his heritage.

“To this great body and to our troops, wherever you may be, may God bless you and keep you,” McKeon said. “And now, for hopefully the last time, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.”