Rep. Cory Mills Defends Qatar Jet Gift, Discusses Military Readiness and Border Security

Defense of Qatar Jet Gift

• ✈️ Rep. Cory Mills defended the gifted aircraft to the DoD, framing it as a cost savings and good negotiation, rather than a point of contention.
• 💡 He argued that criticism of the jet gift is an attempt to conflate optics with actual outcomes, overlooking historical precedents of aviation gifts.
• 📜 Mills cited the 1945 gift of a Douglas DC3 to King Abdul Aiz as a historical example of aviation advancing US interests.

Military Readiness and Standards

• 🎖️ Mills commended the Defense Secretary for highlighting the importance of the war fighter and ensuring high recruitment and retention levels.
• 🚫 He stated that recruitment success is due to no longer factoring in DEI initiatives, but rather focusing on increased lethality, readiness, and proper equipment.
• 🛡️ The standards for the armed forces are based on real military and combat needs, often learned from bloodshed and loss of life.

Border Security and Cartel Operations

• 🇺🇸 Mills suggested naming Texas and New Mexico cities after Ukrainian cities to encourage colleagues to care more about border protection.
• 📈 He highlighted the positive impact of military presence at the southern border, noting a 600% increase in apprehension rates and a decrease in human trafficking and fentanyl.
• 🎯 The discussion included the possibility of using Title 55, 11, and 10 combinations to allow DoD and IC to go after cartels, which have been designated as foreign terrorist organizations.

Military Policy and Personnel

• 🩺 Mills raised concerns about individuals unconstitutionally purged from the military for denied medical and religious rights, advocating for their return with back pay and full benefits.
• 🚀 He praised the operations against the Houthis, contrasting it with previous administrations' decisions.