Sen. Tom Cotton is attempting to quell any concerns from boys and girls who have been good for goodness sake, confirming with a general that NORAD will dutifully be tracking Santa Claus again this Christmas Eve.
{mosads}During a lighter moment from a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Wednesday, the Arkansas Republican questioned Gen. Paul Selva, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, about the North American Aerospace Defense Command’s Dec. 24 prep. Every year, the organization tracks the bearded gift-giver as he departs the North Pole and heads to the homes of kids across the country.
“For 60 years, NORAD and the Air Force has been tracking Santa over the skies of North America,” Cotton said to Selva with a serious expression. “Can you assure the boys and girls of this country that NORAD and the Air Force is fully prepared to track Santa once again?”
“I don’t have a complete intelligence report, senator,” Selva replied. “But I understand that the reindeer have been in fact fed their quantity of oats and are prepared for the delivery of all of those gifts to those who have been nice and not naughty.”
Cotton, an Army veteran, appeared satisfied with the general’s answer.
“Well, I think it’s a welcome reminder,” said Cotton, “that while most Americans are at home enjoying Christmas with their families, that our airmen, soldiers, sailors and Marines, whether they’re in NORAD or around the world, are out there keeping us safe and defending our values and what makes this country great.”