Forbes Opening Statement for Armed Services Committee Markup of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009

May 13, 2008
Press Release

Contact: Josh Holly; 202.226.3988        

Forbes 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, legislation which authorizes budget authority for the Department of Defense and the national security programs within the Department of Energy.  Readiness Subcommittee Ranking Republican J. Randy Forbes (R-VA) released the following opening statement: 

“I would like to start by expressing my sincere appreciation to my Chairman, Mr. Ortiz, for his leadership and the foresight with which he conducts our subcommittee.  He has set a course for the Readiness Subcommittee that not only focuses on the need of our troops today, but also delves into areas that have broader impacts on the mission accomplishment and future readiness of our military. 

“Through his leadership, the Readiness Subcommittee has taken up issues that aren't easily solved, but are imperative to the readiness of our troops.  In addition to the necessary hearings on readiness posture and the Fiscal Year 2009 budget request , the subcommittee held hearings on the processes for issuing and renewing security clearances, plans for improving the energy strategy of the Department Defense, and an examination of what should or should not be considered an ‘inherently governmental function’.  While one may not think of these as the most exciting topics to discuss, they are absolutely critical to mission accomplishment. 

“The mark directly reflects the work the subcommittee has done across the spectrum of readiness issues.  As a brief example, this mark takes some terrific first steps in reducing operating costs and reducing the logistics burden of fuel supply. I strongly believe efforts like this will ultimately reduce risk and enable our military forces to be more agile and more efficient on the battlefield. 

“In addition, you have often heard me say that years of underfunded procurement accounts are being manifested in aging fleets of aircraft, ships, and vehicles.  This aging equipment is costly to maintain, offers reduced reliability, and requires increased man-power to keep it serviceable.  It is for these reasons, that I am particularly pleased that the mark does much to address the readiness issues facing the Department of Defense by providing more than $550 million in funding, above the President's request, to address depot level equipment repair and maintenance needs.  This funding will go a long way to ensuring that shortfalls in available equipment, particularly in the National Guard, are being remedied.  

“On that note, I'm also pleased that our colleagues on the Air and Land Forces Subcommittee have provided robust funding for Army National Guard and Army reserve equipment.  This equipment, along with the additional depot maintenance funding provided in this mark, is a very good step toward filling the holes in the yard and restoring readiness. 

“Likewise, our installation infrastructure has also suffered from less than adequate funding – just as we have recently seen at Ft. Bragg.  I will note that the mark also increases Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization funding to repair aging barracks by $650 million, with most of these funds heading to the Army.  

“In conclusion, I urge my colleagues to support this mark.  Thank you, Mr. Ortiz for your leadership and friendship in preparing this Readiness mark.” 

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