The Hill Report: Week of May 19 - May 23, 2008
Op-Ed
The Hill Report: Week of May 19 - May 23, 2008
This week in Washington, I joined my colleagues in honoring the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform in recognition of Memorial Day. On Tuesday, the House passed a resolution recognizing the 35th anniversary of Operation Homecoming from the Vietnam War, honoring Americans held as prisoners of war in Vietnam. The list of POWs from Operation Homecoming includes a patriot who has served along side us in Congress for 17 years: Congressman Sam Johnson (TX-03).
Representing residents in Collin County, Congressman Johnson embodies the spirit, courage, and sacrifice of an American patriot. As a prisoner of war in Vietnam for seven years, Congressman Johnson knows the cruelty of tyranny as well as the unequaled blessings of liberty and freedom. With a decorated career in the military and in public service, he has earned the gratitude and respect of many Americans, and I look forward to continuing to work with him in Congress as a both a friend and colleague.
As we remember our Armed Forces, Congress also has the responsibility to provide funding for our soldiers and veterans, ongoing operations and military readiness. On Thursday, the House passed the Defense Reauthorization Act of Fiscal Year 2009, approving funding for specific military programs and expenses. Highlights of the bill include the following provisions:
Provides a much-deserved 3.9 percent pay raise to the men and women of our military
Authorizes $783 million for continued procurement and enhancement of current body armor systems
Allows nearly $2 billion for currently unfunded readiness initiatives
Increases active duty Army personnel by 7,000 and active duty Marine Corps personnel by 5,000
Prevents increases in TRICARE co-pays and premiums and expands suicide prevention efforts for active duty troops and veterans
As a co-Chairman of the Congressional Missile Defense Caucus, my priorities for defense readiness include ensuring that our missile defense programs are funded and developed to protect America from the threat of ballistic missiles from rogue nations.
Currently, the United States' layered missile defense program has interceptors that are operationally capable of engaging ballistic missiles in their midcourse and terminal phases of flightbut not in the boost (launch) phase of flight. Boost phase interceptors are critical to eliminating a missile threat while it is easiest to track: over the adversary's territory and furthest from the United States and our allies.
As a result, I offered an amendment to state the official sense of Congress that we need to support the development, testing, and fielding of the capability to intercept ballistic missiles in their boost phase to protect America's interests.
In addition to my amendment, Congressman Trent Franks (R-AZ), a fellow co-Chairman of the Missile Defense Caucus, offered his own amendment to add $719 million to the Missile Defense Agency's budget, specifically for the Theater High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) program and Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense program. These programs are vital to a comprehensive missile defense program. This amendment would have provided the necessary additional funds to continue proper testing and development of these systems, and provided for the continued success of our short- and medium-range ballistic missile programs.
Unfortunately, my amendment was defeated in the Rules Committee and Congressman Franks' amendment was voted down on the House floor. However, missile defense capabilities remain critical to our national security, and Congressman Franks and I maintain our commitment to ensuring that America's missile defense capabilities are unsurpassed around the world.
Passed with broad bipartisan support in the Armed Services Committee and on the House floor, the Defense Reauthorization bill overall represents improved quality-of-life and safety initiatives for our troops and their families, and I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure that our troops and military programs, including missile defense programs, are provided the resources necessary to succeed.
American Conservative Union Award
On Thursday, I was pleased to receive an award from the American Conservative Union (ACU) for my conservative voting record in the 110th Congress, First Session. ACU presented me a 96% conservative score as part of ACU's 2007 Rating of Congress based on 25 key conservative votes in three categories: economic and budget matters; social and cultural issues, and defense and foreign policy. During my tenure in Congress, I have received an overall conservative rating of 98% from ACU.
The American Conservative Union is the nation's oldest and largest grassroots conservative organization with a stated commitment to a market economy, the doctrine of original intent of the framers of the Constitution, traditional values, and a strong national defense. I am proud to share their core values, and I look forward to continuing my work of promoting fiscal discipline and limited government in Congress.
News from the 32nd District
This week, I had the privilege of meeting with middle school students from three of Dallas' outstanding Jewish schools. On Tuesday, I was pleased to visit Levine Academy and Torah Day School in Dallas.
During my visits to these schools, I provided an overview of our nation's constitution, our process of democracy, and the importance of checks and balances within our system of government. Additionally, I highlighted the importance of education to America's economic growth and competitiveness in the face of rising international competition. Interestingly, students from both schools raised questions about high gas prices and national solutions to America's energy crisis. I explained the difference between energy policies on Capitol Hill and encouraged them to continue educating themselves on the critical issues facing our nation.
On Thursday, 8th grade students from Akiba Academy in Dallas visited me in my Washington, D.C. office as a part of their educational week visit to our nation's capital. In addition to providing a tour of the Capitol building, I appreciated the opportunity to discuss with them the importance of goals in life, leadership in government, and current policy issues, such as immigration reform.
Particularly during the spring and summer months, many of my constituents have the opportunity to visit Washington, DC and to see first hand the inspiring history and fascinating process of our democracy. My D.C. office offers tours of the Capitol building and can assist with arranging other tours of government buildings with 2-4 weeks advance notice. Please feel free to visit my website sessions.house.gov/index.cfm or call my Washington, D.C. office for more information about how my office can assist you during your visit to our nation's capital.
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