10 June 2003
Byliner: Budget Meets Defense Needs, by Duncan Hunter
(USA Today 6/10/03 op-ed) (410)
(This column by Rep. Duncan Hunter, a California Republican, who is
chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, was first published
June 10 in the USA Today. The column is in the public domain. No
republication restrictions.)
(begin byliner)
Budget Meets Defense Needs
By Duncan Hunter
In crafting this year's defense bill, we examined our victories in
Iraq and Afghanistan as well as our needs in the continuing war on
terrorism. We used the initial lessons learned while also preparing
for the future of our armed forces.
Here are some examples:
-- $727 million for Bradley fighting vehicles and Abrams tanks. These
"outdated" vehicles spearheaded the charge to Baghdad, and many of our
troops survived firefights because of them; yet, budgetary constraints
led the Army to cancel needed upgrades.
-- Increased funding for precision-guided munitions and cruise
missiles. For example, the legislation directs an increase in the rate
of production for tactical Tomahawk missiles, which can travel 1,000
miles and thread a goal post.
-- A 4.1% average pay raise for all military personnel and $6 billion
for new housing and other construction. We owe much to our men and
women in uniform and the families that support them.
-- Increased funding for aerial refueling. Our KC-135 tankers are 40
years old and being retired. Many missions over the skies of Iraq were
modified or canceled because of a shortage of refueling aircraft.
Without restoring this capability, we risk being unable to effectively
project our airpower.
-- New quality-of-life initiatives for reserve and National Guard
personnel.
-- $119 million to refurbish the B-1 bomber, which performed
masterfully in the skies over Iraq. Unfortunately, one-third of the
fleet would have been scrapped for lack of funds. Clearly, we must
retain the capability to strike enemies around the world on short
notice; yet the Air Force will not build any new bombers for more than
10 years.
-- Directing those conducting the next round of U.S. base closures to
accommodate an increase in the size of our military in the event of a
major conflict.
This legislation continues our commitment to defend our homeland and
take care of our military personnel. It provides for today's needs
while addressing tomorrow's threats. By a vote of 361-68, the House of
Representatives recently approved this legislation and validated our
approach.
(Duncan Hunter, a California Republican, is chairman of the House
Armed Services Committee.)
(end byliner)
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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