National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012

Floor Speech

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Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of En Bloc Amendment 5 to H.R. 1540, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012.

I thank the Rules Committee for making my amendment in order and the Armed Services Committee for its work on this important legislation.

Among the reasons why I support the En Bloc Amendment is because it includes an amendment that I offered to increase the effectiveness of the Northern Command (``NORTHCOM'').

NORTHCOM was created on 1 October 2002 in the aftermath of the 11 September 2001 attacks, its mission is to protect the United States homeland and support local, state, and federal authorities.

In case of national emergencies, natural or man-made, which are happening all too frequently these days, its Air Forces Northern National Security Emergency Preparedness Directorate will take charge of the situation or event.

My amendment expresses the Sense of Congress that NORTHCOM: Develop and have in place a leadership strategy that will strengthen and foster institutional and interpersonal relationships with state and local governments and; utilize training programs to teach key personnel how to lead effectively in the event of a disaster and during uncertain times.

The purpose for NORTHCOM's existence is to bring the capabilities and the resources of the U.S. military to the assistance of the American people during a catastrophic disaster.

NORTHCOM leaders will be much more effective in saving lives, protecting assets, and enhancing resilience after the disaster has occurred if they are trained in the techniques of effective engagement with civilian leadership. My amendment represents Congress's support for such training.

I am disappointed that another amendment I offered to this bill was not made in order. This amendment would have instructed the TRANSPORTATION COMMAND (TRANSCOM) to update and expand the PORT LOOK 2008 Strategic Seaports study. Although this amendment was not made in order, I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that port infrastructure receives the programmatic support it deserves.

Finally, let me note my strong opposition to Section 1034 of the bill. Section 1034 is a broad and unwarranted expansion of executive power and an ill-considered enlargement of the ``War on Terror.''

This expansive new definition for the use of force is both unnecessary and potentially dangerous, particularly since Section 1034 does not require the President to obtain the express approval of Congress prior to using military force. I support efforts to strike this provision as the bill moves forward.

For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to support En Bloc Amendment 5 to the Defense Authorization bill.

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