Providing for the common defense is one of the Congress’s most central duties, and today this is more important than ever.  Congressman Blumenauer has worked to ensure that the government takes a comprehensive and long-term approach to Defense and Homeland Security.  It is not enough to ensure that America’s military and security personnel remain the best in the world: Congressman Blumenauer believes the government must effectively partner with those who serve, states and neighborhoods, and the global community.

Defense

Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)

Homeland Security

Throughout his time in office, Congressman Blumenauer has worked to implement policies and programs to prevent and respond to national emergencies and security threats.  After the tragedy of September 11th, Congressman Blumenauer supported both the creation of an independent commission to study the events surrounding the terrorist attacks and subsequent recommendations to improve prevention of and response to future attacks.  As part of this ongoing commitment, the Congressman has worked to ensure that our first responders have access to the training and the equipment they need.

During his tenure on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the Congressman engaged in a series of discussions to increase security at airports and in the skies. Congress subsequently passed legislation to provide for a stronger federal role to ensure passenger and baggage security, increased on-board safety, and a strengthened Sky Marshal program.  In 2001, provisions of Congressman Blumenauer’s transit terrorism legislation became law.  These provisions elevate life-threatening crimes against transit and school bus vehicles and facilities to a federal offense.  

One of the most critical pieces of national safety is the preparedness of our communities.  The Congressman has worked hard to ensure that the federal government partners effectively with states and local responders, especially within the Portland metropolitan area.  Congressman Blumenauer has consistently fought to secure funding for the Fire Grant Program, Urban Area Security Grants, and the SAFER program.  These competitive federal programs enable localities to adequately staff, train, equip, and guard against threats to community safety. 

Defense

Congressman Blumenauer has worked to ensure that the government takes a comprehensive, realistic, and long-term approach to national defense – including support for America’s Reserve and National Guard forces.  The Congressman is particularly proud to support the 142nd Fighter Wing and 125th Special Tactics Squadron of the Oregon Air National Guard and the 939th Air Refueling Wing of the US Air Force Reserve, all of whom call Portland home.  In 2005, the Congressman was instrumental in the successful community effort to preserve the Portland location of the 142nd.

It is not enough to ensure that America’s domestic and military forces remain the best in the world: Congressman Blumenauer believes the government must become a better partner to those who serve, to states and neighborhoods, to the global community.  Despite agreement on the need for deep and lasting changes to military strategy, doctrine, and force structure, the Pentagon's focus has been on acquiring new capabilities rather than on re-evaluating current questionable priorities and programs. Congressman Blumenauer believes misdirected funding for activities like the National Missile Defense Program take away from other defense commitments and ignores the fact we are more at risk from terrorists and rogue states. 

Today's threats – terrorism, the upheaval caused by global economic change, worldwide epidemics, and environmental devastation – cannot be addressed by military force alone.  Congressman Blumenauer strongly believes that protecting national security also demands providing aid to developing economies, addressing poverty, and preventing further damage to the environment.  For years, he has spearheaded initiatives to enable the Department of Defense, the largest manager of infrastructure in the world, to clean up after itself and be a better partner with local communities.

Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)

Congressman Blumenauer has championed the effort to raise awareness and response to unexploded ordnance (UXO), the millions of discarded bombs and munitions that litter American lands and waters.  These 2,500 sites exist in every state and Congressional district, and include Camp Bonneville in Vancouver, Washington and the Spring Valley neighborhood in Washington, DC.  Congressman Blumenauer has worked closely with his colleagues and the Pentagon to provide funds for the cleanup of military lands. 

To continue to raise awareness of this issue, Congressman Blumenauer founded and now co-chairs the bipartisan Congressional Unexploded Ordnance Caucus .  Successes include requiring the Department of Defense to compile an inventory of UXO sites and to establish a program manager for UXO at the Pentagon.  For years, the Congressman has lead successful bipartisan efforts for greater funding for remediation research and development.  On the international front, Congressman Blumenauer organized the first-ever Congressional letter to the negotiators for the Convention on Conventional Weapons.  The bipartisan message urged greater action dealing with the Explosive Remnants of War, such as creating clear responsibility for its cleanup and implementing procedures to reduce risk in civilian areas.