Media
Congress Must Provide for the Common Defense
July 24, 2018
As our nation faces an increasingly dangerous and volatile world, it is imperative that our troops have the most up-to-date equipment and cutting-edge technology they need to carry out their critical missions that keep us safe. As the technological abilities of our enemies expand exponentially, Congress must provide the tools our men and women in uniform need to meet these challenges. Thankfully, this year’s National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, focuses on rebuilding our military and reinvesting in our national defense so America can remain the land of the free.
Years of reduced funding, sequestration, and the threat of Base Relocations and Closures have decimated our military and hampered our readiness and capabilities as threats arise. It is time for Congress to act. I am grateful Chairman Mac Thornberry (TX-13) and the House Armed Services Committees have carefully crafted legislation making defense reform the highest priority. With this year’s NDAA, we have a pivotal opportunity to return to the days of a strong, capable defense, and we must take advantage of it.
Passing the National Defense Authorization Act is an opportunity to demonstrate to allies and adversaries alike that we are serious about defending this country. And most of all, we understand there is a time to come together to support the men and women who risk their lives to protect our nation. Our brave soldiers wake up every single day ready to do their job by fighting for our freedoms and answering the call to duty. Now, Congress must do ours.
Luke Air Force Base, located in my district, is the Air Force’s premier fighter training base in the United States, and the F-35 is a global enterprise in the making. I have heard time and again how uncertainty and restrictions in the defense budget have stalled the Air Force’s F-35 fighter jet program. I am pleased this year’s House-passed NDAA authorizes funding in line with President Trump’s budget request for 77 F-35 Lighting II, putting the F-35 on the path to become fully operational and combat-ready. As conferees from the House and Senate finalize each chambers’ differences in the NDAA, it is my hope that the final version that Congress sends to the President’s desk meets or exceeds this number. The NDAA can ensure the F-35 program moves forward at an increased pace because our Armed Forces and allies are depending on the success of these aircraft.
While our readiness challenges cannot be solved overnight, we must sustain our efforts and let our servicemembers know we support them both at home and abroad. I also wish to thank and honor the men and women in uniform who put their lives at risk every day to defend our freedom and protect our nation.
As Americans, we treasure the rights guaranteed in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights that set our country apart from the rest of the world. I was pleased to support the NDAA in the House in May, but our work is far from over. Our freedoms have been protected by the brave men and women of our Armed Forces for over 240 years, and I remain committed to fighting each and every day for those who steadfastly defend us and our way of life.
Years of reduced funding, sequestration, and the threat of Base Relocations and Closures have decimated our military and hampered our readiness and capabilities as threats arise. It is time for Congress to act. I am grateful Chairman Mac Thornberry (TX-13) and the House Armed Services Committees have carefully crafted legislation making defense reform the highest priority. With this year’s NDAA, we have a pivotal opportunity to return to the days of a strong, capable defense, and we must take advantage of it.
Passing the National Defense Authorization Act is an opportunity to demonstrate to allies and adversaries alike that we are serious about defending this country. And most of all, we understand there is a time to come together to support the men and women who risk their lives to protect our nation. Our brave soldiers wake up every single day ready to do their job by fighting for our freedoms and answering the call to duty. Now, Congress must do ours.
Luke Air Force Base, located in my district, is the Air Force’s premier fighter training base in the United States, and the F-35 is a global enterprise in the making. I have heard time and again how uncertainty and restrictions in the defense budget have stalled the Air Force’s F-35 fighter jet program. I am pleased this year’s House-passed NDAA authorizes funding in line with President Trump’s budget request for 77 F-35 Lighting II, putting the F-35 on the path to become fully operational and combat-ready. As conferees from the House and Senate finalize each chambers’ differences in the NDAA, it is my hope that the final version that Congress sends to the President’s desk meets or exceeds this number. The NDAA can ensure the F-35 program moves forward at an increased pace because our Armed Forces and allies are depending on the success of these aircraft.
While our readiness challenges cannot be solved overnight, we must sustain our efforts and let our servicemembers know we support them both at home and abroad. I also wish to thank and honor the men and women in uniform who put their lives at risk every day to defend our freedom and protect our nation.
As Americans, we treasure the rights guaranteed in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights that set our country apart from the rest of the world. I was pleased to support the NDAA in the House in May, but our work is far from over. Our freedoms have been protected by the brave men and women of our Armed Forces for over 240 years, and I remain committed to fighting each and every day for those who steadfastly defend us and our way of life.