B-010: Free Education for Our Heroes (Title Amendment) Bill, 1674

[Alfonso Velez]

Madam Speaker,

I object to the request for adoption of this bill by Unanimous Consent.

I am extremely disappointed in the Leader of the Opposition for tabling this bill. After hearing nothing from the Leader of the Opposition's party after the initial confidence vote in Parliament, after failing to participate in any debates, after failing to even show up to even vote on almost all of the measures we've had this session so far, the Leader of the Opposition breaks his silence to table this bill. Madam Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition should be ashamed. 

Given that the Leader of the Opposition couldn't be bothered to give the customary opening statement within the 24 hour period, I can only speculate about why he tabled this bill--but I admit, Madam Speaker, I am baffled. This is one of two opportunities for the Opposition to table legislation to help strengthen our Republic--and it wastes its docket pick on this bill--and doesn't even bother to utilize its second docket pick. I suppose we shouldn't be surprised given how absent the Opposition has been so far.

Madam Speaker, it seems to me that the Leader of the Opposition believes that our men and women in the armed forces aren't heroes. Absent an opening statement from him, it is a logical inference as the only thing this bill does is change a title of a previously passed bill from "Free Education for our Heroes Act" to "Free Education for our Servicemen Act." The Leader of the Opposition and his party might not think that our brave men and women in the armed forces are heroes--but this Government does. Therefore, we will be voting against this bill and strongly encourage every member of Parliament to do the same. Frankly, Madam Speaker, this bill is an insult to our Armed Forces and to our Republic--and we will not let it stand.

Finally Madam Speaker, permit me if I might to encourage the Leader of the Opposition to do what the voters elected him and his party to do--to represent their interests in Parliament. Had he been present during the debate on this bill, he could have offered whatever amendments he would have liked to offer and we could have debated them then. Had he done his job and offered two substantive bills in opposition week--he would have had an opportunity to serve the people who voted for him and his party.

Madam Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition has been derelict in his duties and it is a great shame that he finally breaks his silence to introduce this bill. The citizens of Alduria should well note his actions and inaction.