Senate Debates Rosse Military Budget Proposal 7/18/3132
INN - Interstellar News Network
GENEVA, TERRA—Today's Senate meeting in Geneva broke new ground for the
Republic of the Sphere. For the first time in since its formation, the Senate debated
measures that would increase rather than decrease the Republic's military spending.
Kev Rosse, Senator for Prefecture III, was the bill’s sponsor, calling for real world
increases in military spending, allowing wide-ranging upgrades of the armed forces
and the creation of several new units. Prominent figures across the Republic,
including Prefect Kal Radick of Prefecture IV and Northwind’s Legate Tara Campbell,
publicly came out in support of the bill. The proposal received a mixed response from
the chamber.
"While I acknowledge the desire and even the need to upgrade our military," said
Senator Alycia Rousset of Prefecture VII who is also Duchess of Augustine, "I
cannot in good faith vote for a measure that would increase the tax burden on our
citizens and residents. I would suggest instead that the military fund its own upgrade
by managing its resources better and taking steps to minimize the waste that is
endemic in the military-industrial complex."
Senator Alice Syrmar, a long-time foe of Rosse, was less diplomatic and reiterated her
opposition. "I will not pander to the militaristic fancies of a Clansman, particularly one
who believes the powers-that-be grant him visions of the future." Her attacks on
Rosse's spiritual beliefs drew a rebuke from the Exarch – her second in as many
months – but many in the chamber appeared sympathetic with her opposition to an
increase in military spending.
"Why should we waste money to strengthen our military when there is no credible
threat?" asked Hermann Colgar of Vega.
Only Rosse spoke unequivocally in favor of the proposal. "Peace is not maintained by
weakness," said the Senator from Prefecture III. "It is precisely because of the threats
we cannot foresee that our armed services need to be reinforced. Do not forget that
the greatest military disasters of the last few centuries came upon their victims
unexpected: The Amaris coup, the Fourth Succession War, the Clan invasion, the
Blakist Jihad. We have no greater enemy than complacency—the recent discovery of
a black market BattleMech smuggling ring clearly illustrates this—and I would urge
the chamber to think long and hard on the risks involved before denying this motion."
Rosse's speech won over enough of the attendees that the proposal wasn't summarily
dismissed, but the vote fell short of a simple majority, let alone the two-thirds required
to enact the proposal as a Senate Special Financial Directive in this fiscal year.
INN - Interstellar News Network
GENEVA, TERRA—Today's Senate meeting in Geneva broke new ground for the
Republic of the Sphere. For the first time in since its formation, the Senate debated
measures that would increase rather than decrease the Republic's military spending.
Kev Rosse, Senator for Prefecture III, was the bill’s sponsor, calling for real world
increases in military spending, allowing wide-ranging upgrades of the armed forces
and the creation of several new units. Prominent figures across the Republic,
including Prefect Kal Radick of Prefecture IV and Northwind’s Legate Tara Campbell,
publicly came out in support of the bill. The proposal received a mixed response from
the chamber.
"While I acknowledge the desire and even the need to upgrade our military," said
Senator Alycia Rousset of Prefecture VII who is also Duchess of Augustine, "I
cannot in good faith vote for a measure that would increase the tax burden on our
citizens and residents. I would suggest instead that the military fund its own upgrade
by managing its resources better and taking steps to minimize the waste that is
endemic in the military-industrial complex."
Senator Alice Syrmar, a long-time foe of Rosse, was less diplomatic and reiterated her
opposition. "I will not pander to the militaristic fancies of a Clansman, particularly one
who believes the powers-that-be grant him visions of the future." Her attacks on
Rosse's spiritual beliefs drew a rebuke from the Exarch – her second in as many
months – but many in the chamber appeared sympathetic with her opposition to an
increase in military spending.
"Why should we waste money to strengthen our military when there is no credible
threat?" asked Hermann Colgar of Vega.
Only Rosse spoke unequivocally in favor of the proposal. "Peace is not maintained by
weakness," said the Senator from Prefecture III. "It is precisely because of the threats
we cannot foresee that our armed services need to be reinforced. Do not forget that
the greatest military disasters of the last few centuries came upon their victims
unexpected: The Amaris coup, the Fourth Succession War, the Clan invasion, the
Blakist Jihad. We have no greater enemy than complacency—the recent discovery of
a black market BattleMech smuggling ring clearly illustrates this—and I would urge
the chamber to think long and hard on the risks involved before denying this motion."
Rosse's speech won over enough of the attendees that the proposal wasn't summarily
dismissed, but the vote fell short of a simple majority, let alone the two-thirds required
to enact the proposal as a Senate Special Financial Directive in this fiscal year.
| July 18, 3132 |