Legislation: National Military Act of 1790 (Failed)

[Galaxie]

Mr. Speaker,

These United States are new -- untested in the global stage, and underdeveloped in military capacity. Lest we be torn asunder by a stronger power intent on our demise -- and the demise of our freedom -- it is absolutely imperative that we consolidate and normalize our military's functions to ensure a rapid and damaging response to any nation that wishes to challenge us.

May these United States never be caught off guard by a foreign foe. May our military be a world-class defense force that makes others think twice before firing against our freedom.

I yield.

[Galaxie]

Mr. Speaker,

I give you this scenario:

Our nation sits peacefully alone on our side of the great Atlantic, undisturbed by hostile powers.

One fateful day, a force of ill-intent lands upon our shores. They take aim at our cities, our industries, and our people.

We look to call our army to our defense. Still ill paid and undercompensated for their duties granting us our freedom, they are war-weary and unobliged to come to our defense.

Our state militias, divided by both geography and command, launch weak and disorganized counter-attacks. We lose many great men, and ultimately the war.

We cannot expect a benevolent ally to come to our aid at every confrontation we face. We cannot expect to field an army of unpaid men who put their lives on the line.

Freedom does come at a price, gentleman. That price is a Security Tax -- one which must be levied to protect our nation, and our freedom. Financial prudence is laudable, but it means nothing if we have no nation to budget.

[Galaxie]

Mr. Speaker,

The offer that stands before us from Mr. Morris is incredibly generous and a great relief for our outstanding debts. Truly, Mr. Morris has proven himself time and time again as a man who places his country first -- even over his own personal wealth and security.

One man should not have to solely finance our military. We cannot rely on Mr. Morris for the many centuries this nation is bound to survive, and we cannot bet that we will have a man with the finance or the honor of himself to bail us out at every turn.

Instead, we must all fill his shoes, and accept a small tax to support our national well-being. Mr. Morris has sacrificed much for this nation, as did the soldiers that defended it. Let us pay them a debt of gratitude by pledging a slight decrease of our revenues.

I yield.