Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2025

Floor Speech

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Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of amendment No. 129 that would cut $4.91 million from the DOD climate change research and reallocate that funding for the enhancements to the Army's unmanned ground vehicles, or UGVs.

I start by thanking my friend and colleague from Alabama, Representative Strong, for cosponsoring this important amendment.

Mr. Chairman, we should not be focusing on climate change research at the Department of Defense. Instead, we should be preparing for the next conflict and assure that our military is lethal and ready for combat.

According to the Presidential budget item justification for this project submitted by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, they claim that climate change will impact the full range of U.S. military operating environments. That is complete hogwash. Do we really think China cares about climate change that impacts their operations based on environment? Absolutely not.

To better protect American servicemembers from enemy fire, we should upgrade unmanned systems that operate in enemy environments. UGVs have already demonstrated their transformative potential on the battlefield. They can perform a wide range of tasks from reconnaissance to surveillance to logistics to explosive ordnance disposal without putting human lives at risk.

By increasing our investment in these technologies, we can significantly reduce the casualties and injuries among our troops, ensuring that fewer families will have to face the heartache of loved ones being harmed in the line of duty.

Moreover, enhancing our UGV capabilities will give us a strategic edge over our adversaries. As geopolitical tensions rise and threats become more and more sophisticated, having a fleet of advanced UGVs will enable our forces to respond swiftly and effectively to any threat. These vehicles can operate in environments that are too dangerous and inaccessible for humans, providing critical support in situations where conventional vehicles or personnel could be compromised.

This amendment aligns DOD dollars toward closing the most urgent warfighting gaps rather than funding climate research that does nothing to enhance national defense.

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Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Strong).

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Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.

Increasing funds for Army UGVs is not just a matter of military necessity. It is an investment in safety, security, and the future of our Nation. Let us act decisively to equip our forces with the tools they need to protect and serve.

I urge the adoption of my amendment, Mr. Chairman, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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