Defense and National Security
I have the privilege of representing the men and women of Fort Sill and Tinker Air Force Base in Congress. My voting record reflects my firm belief in a strong national defense. I believe Congress has no greater responsibility than providing our military with the resources it needs to be the best equipped and the best trained in the world. In a post September 11, 2001, now is not the time to ignore ongoing terrorist threats, or threats emerging over the horizon.. While we must provide funding for these most immediate needs, we must also focus on domestic security and preparation for future challenges.
I remain concerned about the trajectory the Obama administration has chosen in the way it is choosing to resource our military. Just recently, the Secretary of Defense has called for the military to begin cutting programs, services, and benefits -- during a time of war! This is something I cannot, and will not, support. Now is the time to ensure our troops receive the resources they needs and the weapons they require. With that said, I am not blind to the coming budgetary and fiscal challenges that are present and arriving in the very near future. However, I firmly believe that the first job of government is the defense of the people and the homeland. To that end, I will continue to support robust defense budgets that provide for the needs of our servicemen and women.
Taking Care of our National Guard and Reserves
I understand the challenges of serving our country during our Global War on Terrorism. In the past decade, we have faced many challenges and obstacles to restoring the stability and security that existed prior to September 11. However, at every turn, our Reservists and National Guardsmen have stepped forward to provide critical operational capabilities to our active forces, and have been our operational reserve.
Simply the extent to which our country has been forced to rely on the Reserves and National Guard should prove the case that defense budgets must not be cut. And, because of our reliance on the Guard and Reserves, we must be ever more vigilant about their budgets and unique and challenging environment within which our citizen soldiers serve.
I am ready to work with our National Guard and Reserve servicemen and women to ensure a smooth transition back to civilian life and to work with the Employer Support of Guard and Reserve should they have reemployment problems. I take these problems very seriously, and wish to reassure our Guardsmen and Reservists that their experiences will directly affect legislation in future Defense Authorization Bills.
Strengthening Fort Sill
Fort Sill is a critical part of the U.S. Army. Many soldiers stationed there are protecting America right now in Iraq, Afghanistan and other places around the world. Fort Sill is the premier artillery-training site for both the Army and the U.S. Marine Corps. The U.S. Air Force also uses part of Fort Sill as a training range.
More recently, Fort Sill was identified as a major BRAC receiver. As a result, the Air Defense Artillery Branch is one of the major new commands that will be located at Fort Sill. Transferred from Fort Bliss, the ADA is making a long-overdue return to home station as it once again becomes a member of the Fort Sill Community.
As a result of the BRAC process, Fort Sill has been building new infrastructure that is required for the new units. As Fort Sill's representative, I will work to ensure that Fort Sill receives the dollars it requires to adequately resource the new units and facilities that are a result of the BRAC process. Additionally, I will work to increase the joint capabilities and use of the base. To find more information about Fort Sill please visit sill-www.army.mil.
Strengthening Tinker Air Force Base
I am committed to helping to strengthen Tinker Air Force Base, one of the most valuable depot maintenance facilities within the U.S. Air Force. Recent improvements on base in manufacturing and quality control have made Tinker a nationwide leader in innovation. Resulting cost savings and increased capacity will allow Tinker to do even more work for the Air Force.
Tinker has been a preeminent lead in their use of LEAN and Six Sigman Process Reform, which has greatly increased the utilization of depot capabilities. Throughout my time in Congress, I have worked with Tinker to ensure that they have the resources they need to continually reform and rethink their depot maintenance process. This will ultimately be critical in ensuring that Tinker is the No. 1 depot for the 21st century.
Additionally, the new Tanker will provide opportunities for Tinker to exploit in the future. I intend on standing by Tinker and assisting it as the new Tanker begins its service life. To find more information about Tinker at www.tinker.af.mil.