May 23, 2013
Press Release
WASHINGTON- The House Armed Services Committee today released legislative language scheduled to be considered by the Subcommittee on Readiness at their markup tomorrow. By releasing the legislative language ahead of the mark, Chairman McKeon is complying with House disclosure rules and overseeing the most transparent process in Congress for composing national security legislation. >> Read the Readiness Subcommittee Mark.
Led by subcommittee Chairman Robert Wittman (R-VA), the proposed mark addresses many issues of concern for depleted force readiness levels and related high levels of assumed risk, and makes several requests for the Department to report on plans to achieve full-spectrum readiness. The proposal will:
- Prohibit the Department from proposing, planning or initiating another round of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC).
- Increase oversight of Littoral Combat Ship and Joint Strike Fighter programs and require DoD to issue a lifecycle sustainment plan for both platforms.
- Ensure appropriate stationing of missile defense capacity in Asia by requiring DoD to analyze and report on missile defense capabilities in Guam.
- Ensure the Department has continued access to military training ranges such as Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake and Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range.
- Reauthorize the Sikes Act for an additional five years to enable the Department to continue to plan, develop, maintain and coordinate wildlife, fish and game conservation and rehabilitation development and maintenance of fish and wildlife resources on military reservations.
- Provide pay and benefit authorities for federal civilians deployed overseas which represents an important element of national force readiness.
- Support the retention of seven Navy cruisers and two amphibious ships proposed for early retirement.