Contact: Josh Holly-202.226.3988
Everett Opening Statement for Armed Services Committee Markup of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009
Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Armed Services Committee marked up the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009, which authorizes budget authority for the Department of Defense and the national security programs at the Department of Energy. Rep. Terry Everett (R-AL), Ranking Republican on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, released the following opening statement:
“I thank my good friend, the chairman, and congratulate her on this year’s Strategic Forces mark. As this is my last markup, I wanted to reiterate my thanks to both Mrs. Tauscher and Mr. Reyes, two friends with whom I have had the pleasure of working and whose friendship I have greatly enjoyed during my time as chairman and ranking member of the Strategic Forces subcommittee.
“Regardless of the issue, we have a strong history of working in a bipartisan manner to identify prudent ways to enhance our nation’s security.
“This year’s mark contains many sound measures that provide key capabilities to the warfighter and strengthen our strategic forces. I am particularly pleased with the Chairman’s position on national security space. The mark addresses many important issues including:
· “The growing threat to space;
· “The need for vulnerability assessments earlier in the space acquisition process;
· “Full funding for key acquisition programs such as AEHF, WGS, SBIRS, and GPS-III, that reflect a measured approach to space acquisition; and
· “Protection of the TSAT budget request, while the Department reevaluates architecture options after their decision to reduce this program by $4 billion.
The mark makes positive strides in the area of Atomic Energy Defense Activities by:
· “Requesting a technical review of NNSA’s Life Extension Programs to address uncertainties and risks;
· “Adding funding to research enhanced surety for existing weapons systems; and
· “Directing the Secretaries of Defense and Energy to report on steps they are taking to enhance inventory controls for nuclear weapons.
“I am disappointed the Reliable Replacement Warhead Phase 2a study wasn’t directly funded, but am pleased funding was provided for advanced certification.
“Our missile defense deliberations proved the most challenging. While we agreed on many provisions, such as full or increased funding for Patriot PAC-3, Aegis, and THAAD, there are a few provisions that the minority could not concur with.
“I am deeply concerned about the large reduction in funds for European Missile Defense. I do not agree with the 50-percent cut contained in the mark. I believe this sends the wrong message to our Allies who have come out strongly in support of the project. The Secretary of Defense noted in a letter to Chairman Skelton and Ranking Member Hunter that funding would send a strong signal to Poland, the Czech Republic, NATO, Russia and Iran. Just last week, the Senate Armed Services, in a bipartisan manner, fully funded the European request.
“Significant progress has been made this year:
· “NATO endorsed European missile defense and is working with the U.S. on integration activities;
· “The Czech Republic and U.S. plan to sign agreements in June; and
· “The results of the Independent Study are expected to be made available to Congress this summer.
“I understand the Chairman’s concern about schedule and execution of funds. However, I believe we must support the acquisition of long-lead parts in 2009 to meet the scheduled early deployment capability in 2012.
“Furthermore, if we don’t fund long-lead items, we risk production breaks that will cost the nation more in the long run and further delay fielding this critical layer of protection.
“With rising concern about the ballistic missile threat and our allies such as Japan, Israel, and NATO pursuing missile defense capabilities, this is a crucial time for the U.S. to continue its leadership and follow through on its international commitments.
“Additionally, the Missile Defense Agency also requested $10 million for a Space Test Bed. I continue to believe there is merit in a study to examine the pros and cons of such a concept. Technology has advanced and the threat has changed since we last seriously looked at the concept. I worry not only about ballistic missile threats but also threats to satellites, such as the anti-satellite missile the Chinese tested in 2007. Therefore, I support having an independent entity to study the feasibility, technology, and costs of space-based defense concepts.
“Finally, I remain concerned about the reduction to the overall topline level of the strategic forces mark. I do appreciate, however, the thought, candor, and measured approach you have taken in preparing this mark. We make great strides in many areas that are critical to our nation’s security. There may be some gaps between us, but I believe we can work through them in defense of our nation.
“Again, I would like to thank the other members of the subcommittee and the staff for their hard work toward making this year’s mark such a quality product. I would also like to thank you, Madam Chairman, for all the work this subcommittee does during the year. I will miss the work that we do and the people that I work with.
“Madam Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.”
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