Congressman Howard P. “Buck” McKeon, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, accepted the prestigious Eisenhower Award last evening. Given by the National Defense Industrial Association, the award recognizes leaders “in support of the military services and other security-related agencies.” Past recipients include former Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Richard Myers and Colin Powel, General David Petraeus, and former HASC Chairman Ike Skelton.

In his acceptance speech, Chairman McKeon warned about the dangers of Sequestration, a series of devastating cuts to military resources scheduled to begin next year. “Sequestration will do what the greatest generation fought so hard to prevent and defend against more than a half century ago. It will do what the Soviets exhausted themselves attempting. It will do what countless tin pot dictators, ideological madmen, and ruthless suicide bombers have failed to do.”

McKeon called on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to join those acting to avert what McKeon described as a potential “national disgrace.”

“If Senator Reid doesn’t have a plan of his own, he must allow the Senate to consider one of the other plans that have been introduced,” McKeon said.

McKeon’s remarks as prepared for delivery can be read here. A video of the speech, produced in the event that floor votes kept Chairman McKeon from appearing in person can be viewed here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDsx5cSLavU