National Defense

I remain a very strong supporter of our national defense, perhaps the most fundamental responsibility of the Federal government.

North Alabama has a number of major military installations, including the Redstone Arsenal, that are very important to our region and the nation's overall defense. That fact was recognized during the latest round of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC).

The Base Realignment & Closure Commission recommendations to Congress, which became law November 9, 2005, include the move of seven different entities to Redstone Arsenal. Those moving are:

U.S. Army Materiel Command

U.S. Army Security Assistance Command

Missile Defense Agency

U.S. Army Space & Missile Defense Command

U.S. Army Aviation Technical Test Center

Rotary Wing Air Platform Research, Development & Evaluation

U.S. Army 2nd Recruiting Brigade

A short range ballistic missile test.

In total, these moves account for an anticipated 4,714 new jobs with the creation of additional jobs by defense contractors supporting the work of the affected agencies. The moves will further position Redstone Arsenal as a major center for Army aviation and missiles and will include the addition of several new general officers, including at least one four-star, two three-star and three two-star generals. Scheduling for the moves has already begun and will continue over several years to end no later than September 2011.

For 6 years I served on the Military Construction Appropriations subcommittee and 2 years on the renamed Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee. I look forward to continuing to work to ensure that Alabama’s growing role in missile defense and other areas is adequately funded.

Current Legislation (Updated September 24, 2007)

H.R. 1585, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008: This bill authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that H.R. 1585 would authorize $640 billion in FY2008 appropriations, which includes $141 billion for the ongoing military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

I am concerned that Ballistic Missile Defense is funded at $764 million lower than the President’s FY 2008 budget request of $8.899 billion. Many of these programs are managed out of Huntsville so their continued funding are of primary importance to me.

It passed the House on May 17, 2007 by a vote of 397 - 27 and is currently pending in the Senate.