Armed Services Committee Unanimously Approves Defense Authorization Bill

May 13, 2008
Press Release

Contact: Josh Holly; 202.226.3988 

Armed Services Committee Unanimously Approves Defense Authorization Bill

Republicans Successfully Add Several Key Provisions; Rebuffed on Efforts to Restore Full Funding for the Army’s Future Combat System and European Missile Defense 

Washington, D.C. – Ranking Republican Duncan Hunter (R-CA) and Republican members of the House Armed Services Committee today hailed the committee’s unanimous approval of H.R. 5658, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009.   The comprehensive legislative passed last night authorizes $531.4 billion in budget authority for the Department of Defense (DoD) and the national security programs of the Department of Energy.  Additionally, the legislation authorizes $70 billion in supplemental funding to support operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere in the Global War on Terrorism for the first few months of Fiscal Year 2009. 

Republicans successfully amended the legislation to include: an additional $422 million to sustain two-per-year production of the Virginia Class submarine beginning in 2010; making improvements to the Department of Defense’s industrial program by mandating best practices, strengthening existing policies and providing more aggressive oversight of companies conducting sensitive business with the Department of Defense; movement toward limiting any foreign company developing and launching “ITAR-free” satellites with China from conducting classified work for the Department of Defense; and a requirement that the Pentagon must report annually on the nuclear weapons capabilities of Iran.   

However, Democrats blocked several key amendments offered by Republicans.  On a largely partisan vote, Democrats defeated Republican attempts to restore $372 million for the European missile defense system and $233 million for the Future Combat Systems, the Army’s major modernization program.  Armed Services Committee Democrats also used a parliamentary procedure to block an effort by Rep. Drake (R-VA) to completely repeal the unfair “Widow’s Tax”. 

Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA), Armed Services Committee Ranking Republican: 

“This bill provides increased capability and protection for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, increases the quality of life for military families and shapes our future defense posture by providing valuable investments in warfighting technology and benefits.  I commend Chairman Ike Skelton and my colleagues on HASC for putting together an excellent bipartisan bill.  While I did not agree with several provisions, such as cuts in missile defense and the Army’s future combat system, overall, the bill is excellent.” 

Rep. Jim Saxton (R-NJ), Air and Land Forces Subcommittee Ranking Republican: 

“While the legislation passed last night provides the Department of Defense much needed resources, it was clear that the budget top line is inadequate to provide the proper resources for the growing missions and responsibilities the Nation has levied on our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines.  For example, the Future Combat System is the foundation of our Army of tomorrow, but four years of back-to-back cuts are going to have a negative impact on the program.  To protect the nation from tomorrow’s threats around the world, Congress must have the foresight to adequately fund anti-missile defense, and modernization for the Army, Navy and Air Force and Marines.” 

Rep. John McHugh (R-NY), Military Personnel Subcommittee Ranking Republican: 

“This defense authorization bill includes a number of provisions that from a military personnel standpoint will benefit our troops, which is my area of focus as the Military Personnel Subcommittee’s Ranking Member.  From increasing the end strength of our Army and Marine Corps to authorizing a 3.9 percent pay raise, this bill will help to provide our troops with the support they need to defend the United States.  I am glad that we did this without raising TRICARE pharmacy fees and by assisting school districts across the country impacted by BRAC with $65 million in impact aid.   

“However, although we prohibited increases in TRICARE pharmacy fees, the majority chose to finance the cost of that prohibition on the backs of military retirees – stripping them of one percent of their retired pay for a month.  This was taking the easy way out instead of finding a real solution.  I hope we can correct this on the floor so we don’t penalize military retirees.” 

Rep. Terry Everett (R-AL), Strategic Forces Subcommittee Ranking Republican:

“This is my last defense authorization bill and I am pleased with its overall focus on meeting the needs of our nation’s security requirements through increased funding for the war on terror, equipment upgrades to better protect our military in Iraq and Afghanistan and a substantial pay raise for uniformed personnel.  I would have preferred to have seen full funding for European missile defense and committee approval of a study of options for future active space defenses, causes for which I personally fought.  But in the end I believe this is a strong defense bill that will maintain and build upon our ability to protect the homeland while looking after the men and women of our Armed Forces.” 

Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD), Seapower and Expeditionary Forces Subcommittee Ranking Republican: 

"No bill is perfect, but this is a good bill. The men and women in the Armed Forces whose mission success and safety are our highest priority should know that the Members of the Armed Services Committee and our staffs worked hard cooperatively and collaboratively with the Administration and the Armed Services to provide them improvements for now and the future in equipment, compensation, policies and operations. 

"Energy is the biggest national security and economic challenge in the 21st century --for our military as the biggest consumer -- and our country.  We're the world's number 3 producer with 8 percent of production. However, we consume 25 percent and import more than 60 percent of what we use. 96 percent of world reserves are owned and 78 percent of oil produced by governments of foreign countries.  Many of these countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Russia, Iran and Nigeria, are unstable and ambivalent or outright hostile to America and our allies. At over 120 dollars per barrel, the $600 billion the US now pays for imported oil is nearly equal to the entire defense budget. 

"I want to thank Chairman Skelton, Ranking member Hunter, Readiness Subcommittee Chairman Ortiz, Ranking Member Forbes and other colleagues for working with me to include in the House bill several key recommendations of the 2008 report of the Defense Science Board Task Force on Energy Strategy: ‘More Fight, Less Fuel.’  Among these are calculating the fully-burdened cost of fuel and requiring its consideration as a factor in the development of new equipment, weapons and tactics. It also creates within DoD a military director of operational energy plans and programs to develop and oversee a strategy for managing the military's energy requirements. 

"That adds to reasons why nuclear propulsion for large naval combatants is the right choice.  It offers greater power and unparalleled safety and operational endurance without the vulnerabilities of fossil fuel refueling. Life-cycle costs of nuclear power are also declining with rising fuel costs. I have worked closely for years with Seapower Chairman Gene Taylor on this and other issues. The House bill advances last year's requirement for the Navy to include integrated nuclear propulsion for the next generation cruiser.  It also recommends that future classes of amphibious assault vessels be nuclear.   

"I am pleased by the strong bipartisan support of the Republican amendment to accelerate procurement of two each Virginia Class attack submarines in 2010, 2011 and 2012. This will help reduce a critical gap in future decades. 

"Chairman Taylor and I have also taken steps to ensure that cost-overruns of the DDG-1000 destroyer will not endanger the Navy's 30-year 313-ship plan.  It is imperative to ensure that America’s blue-water Navy is superior with a balance of fleet size and capabilities to meet future challenges, such as those posed by a rising China and a re-emergent Russia. Only a blue water navy can protect the shipping lanes and choke points through which most of the world's oil and commerce flow."

"America must be prepared for asymmetrical attacks and the potential that a future foe may engage in more effective attacks against us than on 9/11.  The House bill includes an amendment I offered to continue the work of the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack.  With the proliferation of both nuclear weapons and ballistic missile technology, a high atmosphere EMP nuclear attack launched on a rogue SCUD is the ultimate terrorist weapon that could destroy our society."

Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA): 

 “I’m pleased that the Committee has passed a bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act.  While it’s not a perfect bill, it does make important provisions for the men and women who serve in our Armed Services.  To that end, I have maintained that we must ensure our troops have appropriate funds to make sure they never go to combat against a technological equal. 

“As this bill moves through the legislative process, Republicans will be working to see that critical funding is restored for missile defense, including the Airborne Laser.  I’m disappointed that Committee Democrats didn’t provide full funding for the missile defense programs requested by this administration, because the emerging threat posed by Iran is very real, and shouldn’t be ignored.  The programs we have been developing over the past ten years are working and should be fully funded.” 

Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX), Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee Ranking Republican: 

“The mark-up produced by the House Armed Services Committee demonstrates that we can achieve a bipartisan consensus on important national defense issues.  Unfortunately, what we have done today will come to naught if we do not address other important national defense issues outside the jurisdiction of this Committee.  In particular the House Democratic Leadership must allow a vote on much needed foreign intelligence surveillance legislation, stop putting global warming ahead of real intelligence gathering hindering our assessment of legitimate threats, and stifling innovative approaches to foreign aid, such as the Millennium Challenge Corporation.”

Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO), Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Ranking Republican:

“HR 5658 is a good bill that I intend to support.  Unfortunately, it does contain a number of provisions that I am very concerned about including serious cuts to missile defense and Army modernization as well as being below what I believe our nation needs to defend itself properly. 

“Unfortunately, the Democrats continue to cut funding for Future Combat Systems, which is the Army’s central modernization effort.  Knowledge is power, particularly on the battlefield, and FCS will revolutionize the way our soldiers gain and share knowledge in the heat of battle.  FCS will also provide next generation armored vehicles that will be smarter, safer and more fuel-efficient.  In the last few decades we have seen technology bring amazing new capabilities to our military and we must push these technologies down to our soldiers on the frontline.” 

Rep. J. Randy Forbes (R-VA), Readiness Subcommittee Ranking Republican: 

“The final mark contains many sound measures that provide key capabilities to strengthen our military readiness and to ensure our troops have the resources they need, both in the field and at home.  I am particularly pleased with the passage of a number of bipartisan amendments including the acceleration of funding for school districts impacted by BRAC, $120 million for Navy ship repair to eliminate the unfunded backlog of ship maintenance, and additional funding to make necessary improvements to Army and Marine Corps barracks to improve standards of living for our troops. A key component to ensuring readiness for our warfighting missions is maintaining the quality of our equipment and the living standards for our troops and their families. While the bill isn't perfect, it makes great steps to equip and provide for our troops, and I hope that it will continue to be strengthened as it moves to the House floor.” 

Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC): 

“Our troops need 21st Century technology and resources to help them do their job.  I am grateful that this NDAA provides for a number of programs that will benefit our armed services.  However, there are concerns I and many of my colleagues have regarding specific components of the legislation that I hope will be addressed as this process proceeds.  In particular, the funds necessary to reset our National Guard and Reserve forces to match the responsibilities in the Global War on Terrorism are vital; but we must not be undermining other important programs by shifting funding that could have a negative strategic impact.  By increasing our overall funding for defense to reflect the needs of the global conflict we face, we will ensure our military can fight, reset, grow, and modernize.”

Rep. John Kline (R-MN): 

“Overall, the 2009 National Defense Authorization Act is good legislation that supports our brave men and women in uniform.  

“I am disappointed, however, that the committee missed an opportunity to further increase veteran benefits.  The committee refused to utilize the House budget resolution that specifically authorized increased spending for disability pay, retired pay, and Survivor Benefit Plan annuities.  It also rejected an amendment that would have set the DoD budget at 4 percent of the Gross Domestic Product.  Spending 4 percent of our nation’s GDP on Defense is fiscally responsible and would encourage the military to use its resources prudently without limiting the U.S. economy’s capacity to grow and prosper.” 

Rep. Phil Gingrey, M.D. (R-GA): 

“I am proud to join my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee in support of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009. Like most legislation, this bill we passed out of committee is not perfect, but it represents months of hard work and bipartisan debate and compromise. Further, I am extremely pleased this bill will ensure America's continued air superiority by providing advance procurement funds for an additional lot of F-22A Raptors. The Committee also unanimously approved my amendment which reaffirms the Congress’s support of the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation. While this bill could be improved by fully funding America's missile defense priorities and the Army Future Combat Systems, it is essentially a good bill that provides for the immediate needs of the warfighter and addresses readiness concerns.”  

Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ): 

“Last night’s NDAA mark-up highlighted some key differences between Republicans and Democrats on defense. The majority was opposed to fully funding the Army’s modernization program despite Republican attempts to fully fund it; they were opposed to robustly investing in missile defense to ensure that the US and her allies stay ahead of the ballistic missile threat; they were opposed to taking a serious look at space defense, despite Republican attempts to prepare for threats in space; and lastly the majority refused to set a floor of 4% of GDP for our defense.  In today’s world, an under-funded national defense could ultimately be more costly to the American people than anything else government does.” 

Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA): 

“Without question, Congress’ first responsibility is to provide for our national defense and support the men and women who defend our freedoms.  The committee’s report is a reflection of how solemn the House takes this responsibility.  The National Defense Authorization Act lays the ground work for the programs and funding necessary to keep our military trained, equipped, and ready to meet any challenge and defeat any enemy.  This legislation meets those goals and I look forward to working with my colleagues on the committee to see that it is passed by the House.” 

Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO): 

“Following the mark up of the FY09 National Defense Authorization Act, I am happy to see necessary funding for our national defense and military authorized, but am disappointed by the lack of funds allocated to some of the essential aspects of our military budget. Specifically, seeing funds slashed from the European-based missile defense system and the Army’s Future Combat System is especially disheartening considering 2009 is a critical year for military funding.  

“Staying ahead of the threats made by Iran and moving forward with the European missile defense site construction is essential. By locating our defenses in optimal locations we have the ability to fully utilize our highly capable missile defense system. I am fully aware of the mounting threats in the 21st century by missiles and weapons of mass destruction. Even if we delay, Iran will not. Additionally, Europe is in favor of the missile defense site being erected on their soil.  We need to stay ahead of the threat. This is not a partisan issue as illustrated by the Senate Armed Services Committee’s recent bipartisan approval for full funding of the European site.  

“The Army’s Future Combat System will play a key role for our next generation of soldiers. With the FCS funds being cut yet again, the Army’s funding crisis will only continue to worsen. This program is literally of the Army and should be funded accordingly. 

“Despite these unfortunate failures, key funding was allocated including: $531.4 billion in budget authority for the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy and $70 billion in additional supplemental funding to support the Global War on Terrorism’s operational costs, personnel expenses and procurement of new equipment.  The well deserved pay raise of 3.9% for all armed service members and the increase of 7,000 Army and 5,000 Marine Corps active duty personnel will help sustain our required missions. Ultimately, it is my hope that we will be able to restore funding of critical programs in a bipartisan manner when the NDAA comes to the House floor. To ensure the necessary monetary support required to continue to ensure we have the best military force in the world.”  

Highlights of the bill include:

·        Authorizes $531.4 billion in budget authority for the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy. 

·        Provides an additional $70 billion in supplemental funding to support the Global War on Terrorism’s operational costs, personnel expenses and procurement of new equipment for first few months of Fiscal Year 2009.  

·        Additional funding for force protection needs in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, including $2.6 billion for state-of-the-art Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles; $947 million for Up-Armored HMMWV’s; and $2.2 billion for Abrams tank, Bradley fighting vehicle, and Stryker vehicle upgrades.  

·        $3.9 billion for an additional 15 C-17’s to support intra-theater airlift requirements and meet the airlift needs for the increased end strength in the Army and Marine Corps.  

·        An additional $800 million for National Guard and Reserve equipment. 

·        Provides $8.6 billion for the Army and $1.8 billion for the Marine Corps to support reset. 

·        More than $246 million for counter rocket, artillery, and mortar capabilities. 

·        Includes $744 million in advanced procurement funding to allow the Navy to start building 2 Virginia Class submarines in 2010. 

·        Increases of 7,000 Army and 5,000 Marine Corps active duty personnel to sustain our required missions.   

·        A 3.9% pay raise for all members of the armed forces in 2009 and guaranteed pay raises in 2010, 2011 and 2012 to reduce the military-civilian pay disparity.  

·        Extends the prohibition the committee enacted last year on retail pharmacy cost share increases. 

H.R. 5658 is expected to be considered on the House floor in the coming weeks. 

###

 https://republicans.armedservices.house.gov/