Defense & Foreign Affairs
Strengthening Our Military and Helping Rhode Island Contribute to Our National Defense
As a graduate of West Point and a former infantry officer, Senator Reed knows the risks our Armed Forces face every day. Reed voted against the Iraq war and offered a plan to responsibly bring our troops home and refocus our efforts on the threats coming from Afghanistan and Pakistan. Through his work on the Armed Services and Appropriations Committees, he works tirelessly to ensure that America’s fighting men and women have the equipment they need and the benefits they deserve.
Senator Reed believes that the United States should also be engaged in diplomacy to support our allies and build stronger relationships with emerging nations. He has focused on arms control and non-proliferation efforts to keep weapons of mass destruction out of the hands of terrorists and continues to support expanding our development programs, which contribute to global security.
Reed has also secured hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding to bolster Rhode Island’s defense industry, create more high-paying jobs, and expand opportunities for local businesses. Rhode Island’s 16,000 defense workers make a valuable contribution to our national security and generate more than $1.75 billion in local economic activity each year. Reed has worked hard not only to maintain the U.S. Navy’s presence in Rhode Island, but to expand it by bringing additional commands, institutions, and projects to Naval Station Newport, such as the Navy Supply Corps School, which was previously located in Athens, Georgia.
Read More »Key Priorities & Accomplishments
- Senator Reed was one of the first to call for better body armor and up-armored vehicles for our troops in the field.
- As the Chairman of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower, Reed helped secure $1.2-billion for the construction of the two second new Virginia-class submarines per year. The Virginia class submarine is a critical component of our national defense capabilities, and Rhode Island plays a vital role in its construction.
- Reed helped ratify the New START Treaty, an important agreement between the U.S. and Russia that reduces the number of strategic nuclear weapons, builds on previous treaties, and contributes to countering nuclear proliferation throughout the world.
- To ensure our troops have the best equipment, Senator Reed worked for over a decade to secure eight state-of-the-art C-130J cargo airplanes for the Rhode Island Air National Guard to replace the Guard’s aging fleet. These planes help the 143rd Airlift Wing transport troops, equipment, and supplies to combat and humanitarian missions around the world. Over the years, Senator Reed secured $37 million for the construction of a new maintenance hangar for the planes at Quonset Point.
The Latest
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Agreement Reached on Defense Authorization Bill
A bipartisan conference committee of Senate and House members has approved a final defense bill authorizing $633 billion in defense spending for 2013, including a 1.7 percent pay raise for U.S. military personnel. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 als...
Posted on 12/19/2012 | -
U.S. Senate Approves $631 Billion Defense Authorization Bill
The U.S. Senate voted 98-0 for a $631 billion defense bill that authorizes funding for weapons, aircraft, ships and submarines, and provides a 1.7 percent pay raise for U.S. military personnel. The fiscal year 2013 Defense Authorization bill also supports the phased withdrawal...
Posted on 12/5/2012 | -
Senate Unanimously Approves Reed Amendment to Protect Military Families from High-Cost Loans and Unfair Credit Practices
In a victory for military families, the U.S. Senate today approved Senator Jack Reed’s (D-RI) amendment to the 2012 Defense Authorization bill to crack down on unscrupulous lenders and help prevent them from charging excessive fees to soldiers and their families. In 20...
Posted on 12/3/2012 | -
U.S. Senate Approves Reed’s Bipartisan Housing Assistance for Veterans Amendment
The U.S. Senate today gave unanimous approval to a bipartisan amendment authored by U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Mike Johanns (R-NE) to help upgrade veterans’ housing. The Housing Assistance for Veterans Act (HAVEN Act) authorizes a competitive, five year, $20 mi...
Posted on 12/3/2012 | -
Reed Speaks on the National Defense Authorization Act
Mr. President, I rise today in support of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013. I wish to commend the work of my colleagues on the committee, particularly Chairman Levin, who is here, and Ranking Member McCain, for their incredible diligence, dedication, and commitment to the men and women...
Posted on 11/29/2012 | -
Reed Extends Application Deadline for U.S. Service Academy Nominations
PROVIDENCE, RI - U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that the deadline for students seeking his military Academy Nomination will be extended from October 31st to November 5th. Congressional nominations are required for applications to the prestigious military academy...
Posted on 10/31/2012 | -
Reed on CNN's OutFront
Posted on 10/18/2012 |