Wilson Statement on National Defense Authorization Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2008

CONTACT: Ryan Murphy
(202) 225-2452 (Office)
(202) 689-4825 (Cell)

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement after the House Armed Services Committee markup of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2009.

"We need to ensure our military has 21st Century technology and resources required to protect the American people. I am grateful that this legislation includes a variety of different programs that will do just that. I hope as we move forward in this process that the concerns I and others may have with the bill are addressed.

"In addition to the funds provided for equipment, the 3.9% increase in servicemember pay is an invaluable component of honoring the sacrifices of armed forces. As we work to update our forces, we should continue to close the gap that exists between the military and civilian sector.

"Additionally, our Army needs increased funding so that more equipment can be provided to our states' National Guard and Reserve units. Our Guard and Reserve soldiers have taken on an increasingly active role in our nation's defense overseas since September 11th. However, the proposal by some to take from one account and give to another is counterproductive. We would undermine our strategic advantage in one area even while strengthening it in another. That is unnecessary when we could increase our budget to fund the resetting of the Guard and Reserve.

"There are additional components of the legislation that fall short. For example, the majority of the committee chose to cut funding for the European Missile Defense program. This is disappointing in light of assurances by NATO and our allies in the region who have supported this program. I hope that this funding will be reconsidered so we can honor our commitments.

"Overall, the baseline budget of our national defense should be increased. In a time of war, the military cannot fight, reset, grow, and modernize with a stagnant budget. Our defense spending to date in the Global War on Terrorism is lower as a percentage of our nation's wealth as compared to past conflicts including the Cold War. We need to continue to reform our budget process to reflect the conflict we are in today and fully prepare our military to fight in any conflicts that may arise in the future."

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