I support a strong national defense and believe that providing for that defense is the most fundamental of responsibilities of our federal government. For decades, North Alabama has played a principal role in our nation’s defense, and in Congress I will ensure that this continues and that we fund our defense programs at the highest levels.

We have led the way, not only in how our citizens have participated in the armed services, but in the development of new technologies to support our soldiers in the field. For decades, our commands and our contractors have played a leading role in creating our missile defense programs, developing new Army aviation and missile programs, and providing new software, modeling and simulation, and other technologies for use by our weapons developers. In Washington, there are many issues that will be addressed by Congress, but none is more important that how we move forward in the defense of our nation and how we preserve our role in that defense.

National Missile Defense

We must be able to defend our country from missile attacks. While the risk of major nuclear strikes might have been reduced by the end of the Cold War, the fact remains that there are countless missiles in the world that remain a threat to this nation. The presence of these missiles and the developing threats from nations such as Iran and North Korea as well as international terrorists must be countered with a comprehensive missile defense shield. We must continue to develop our Ground Based Missile Defense System and ensure that it can protect the United States from any current or future missile threat. We must also continue to develop our THAAD, KEI, and MKV programs so that our ability to counter these threats continues to improve and so that we can provide the best protection possible for our troops and our allies.

BRAC

Since I began public service, I have pursued ways to make sure our region is ready for BRAC. I have urged local, state, and federal leaders to provide the infrastructure required to meet the influx of people that will move to North Alabama over the next few years. Each budget cycle is critical for BRAC funding, both from the federal and state level. I will work in Washington to make sure that the overall BRAC budget is met and to look for any other ways to provide assistance to local communities to meet the needs for roads and schools.

BRAC was a major win for North Alabama. Aside from the significant economic impact, we should be honored that the BRAC Commission and the Department of Defense understood the value of Redstone Arsenal. With SMDC already consolidated at Redstone, MDA continuing to move forward, and AMC gearing toward transition, we are poised to increase our role in our nation’s defense.