Wicker Notes Commitment to National Security

WICKER NOTES COMMITMENT TO NATIONAL SECURITY

Providing for the common defense is our government's highest priority. It is a challenge President Bush and this Congress have worked hard to meet amid wide-ranging and evolving threats to our national security at home and abroad.

Since the terrorist attacks of 9-11-01, tremendous initiatives have been undertaken to protect our homeland, maintain the highest level of military readiness, employ the most modern weaponry, and take care of our service members and their families.

ENHANCED HOMELAND SECURITY

Decisive action has been taken on the home front with passage of the USA Patriot Act, which has strengthened the hand of law enforcement agencies to stop terrorists before they can act. Steps to enhance intelligence-gathering abilities and provide more funds to train and equip first-responders have also been important. Creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) combined the resources of more than 20 federal agencies under one roof. While Congress is reviewing whether FEMA should remain under DHS jurisdiction, the Department's anti-terrorism efforts have helped make the U.S. safer. It is significant to note that nearly five years have passed since 9-11 without another attack on American soil.

The U.S. has taken the fight to terrorists in Afghanistan , Iraq , and other places around the world. This effort has been aided by the strong commitment in this Congress to make sure our armed forces have the best training and equipment and the most advanced war-fighting capabilities. Providing the resources to maintain this advantage ensures U.S. battlefield superiority.

MISSISSIPPI MAKING CONTRIBUTION

Some of the state-of-the-art technology to aid our military is being developed and manufactured in north Mississippi . A number of research projects at the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University are also devoted to this goal. Among these initiatives is work to produce highly-sensitive battlefield sensors, radar technologies, new weaponry, more advanced unmanned aerial vehicles, and equipment for next-generation U.S. Navy ships. As a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee in the House of Representatives, I have been fortunate to help secure funds for these important projects.

Another key national security component is the quality of the men and women in uniform on active duty and in the Reserve components. Congress has boosted pay and benefits for service personnel and improved housing for their families. Members of the military received a 3.1 percent pay increase. Since 2001, salaries have been increased by 29 percent.

TAKING CARE OF MILITARY FAMILIES

The average age of a military service member today is 28, and 55 percent of military personnel are married. The military's extended family includes 1.2 million children. Congress recognizes the need to support these families. The basic housing allowance has also been boosted, out-of-pocket housing costs have been virtually eliminated, and there is more funding to modernize family housing facilities. Health insurance benefits have been expanded for active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve members and their families.

More attention has been focused on the National Guard and Reserve components with expanded support programs to ease the deployment strain on service personnel and their families. Video teleconferencing and email service opportunities have also been enhanced for individuals stationed overseas. Montgomery GI Bill education benefits for Reserve component members have been increased by 40 percent.

http://www.house.gov/wicker/NationalSecurity.htm