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Congressman Mike Turner successfully included major parts of his recently introduced “New START Treaty Implementation Act” into the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) this Wednesday. Last Thursday, Turner introduced “The New START Treaty Implementation Act” as a standalone bill in the House of Representatives. Wednesday morning, Senator Jon Kyl introduced “nearly identical” legislation in the Senate. As part of the NDAA, Turner’s provisions will codify the White House’s own promised “To-Do List” from last year’s START Treaty debate. The NDAA is up for a vote before the full House in two weeks.
“I’m proud to have the support of Armed Services Chairman McKeon and Senator Jon Kyl for these provisions of The New START Treaty Implementation Act. These leaders in Congress realize the importance of our nuclear deterrent to both our own national security and that of our allies. At a time of increasing uncertainty surrounding the intentions of nations developing nuclear weapons, we must continue to maintain and modernize our stockpile,” said Turner, who is the Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces.
“During last year’s the New START debate, a bipartisan consensus formed around the need for modernizing our nuclear weapons, delivery systems, and infrastructure. The President has promised a robust ten-year modernization program, but the project to create a sustainable deterrent will transcend several administrations. We need to act now, to codify the promised ‘To-Do-List’ for modernizing our nuclear forces,” added Turner.
“Looking beyond the New START Treaty, we also need to be careful about additional arms control and deeper cuts before certain modernization milestones are met. This legislation would require that Congress be consulted before deeper cuts are made to either our deployed or non-deployed nuclear stockpile, or before international agreements limit U.S. missile defense capabilities. We have cut our stockpile dramatically since the Cold War, but we now need to slow down, to pause, and make sure that with respect to both weapons and the triad, that we have a sustainable deterrent,” noted Turner.
Highlights of Turner’s New START Treaty Implementation Act now included in the House NDAA:
- Modernizing our nuclear weapons and related infrastructure, as the President has pledged to do in a November 2010 report on nuclear modernization plans, and other statements.
- Limits funds for reductions of deployed weapons required by New START Treaty pending a joint certification by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Energy that the modernization plan is indeed proceeding.
- In the event modernization is not proceeding, it requires a six month freeze on funds. Treaty implementation is thus linked to progress in nuclear weapons modernization, but the provision is carefully crafted to avoid treaty default.
- Prohibits further unilateral reductions of deployed and non-deployed nuclear weapons below New START Treaty levels:
- Prohibits the executive branch from making unilateral reductions to the non-deployed hedge stockpile until the full functionality (in the 2024 time frame) of the new plutonium and uranium facilities (CMRR-NF, UPF)—dates and criteria previously laid out in the administration’s own May 2010 report on the Stockpile Stewardship and Management Plan and in more recent testimony.
- Amends the U.S. Code to prevent the executive branch from unilaterally reducing U.S. deployed or non-deployed nuclear weapons, except as otherwise and specifically provided by law—by a future treaty or Act of Congress.
- Expresses concern about the administration’s stated plans to modify U.S. deterrence requirements and nuclear strategy merely for the purpose of justifying further arms control reductions.
- Requires the President to notify Congress before implementing any changes to nuclear strategy, to certify that the U.S. will not adopt a counter-value targeting strategy and that the triad will be preserved (consistent with section 1058 of the House-passed FY11 NDAA), and to wait 90 days after the congressional notification.
- Preserving U.S. freedom of action with respect to missile defense by amending the U.S. Code to prohibit any international agreements limiting U.S. missile defense capabilities except with specific authorization—by a new treaty or Act of Congress.
- Sustaining our extended deterrent for NATO by counseling against unilateral reduction, consolidation, withdrawal of our non-strategic nuclear weapons in Europe, without either host nation request or NATO High Level Group request and certain other conditions.
- Codification of the “1251 Report” from the FY2010 NDAA on modernization of the nuclear stockpile, delivery systems, infrastructure.
Provision Raises Alarm over Potential Interference to GPS
Congressman Mike Turner successfully included language in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which requires the Secretary of Defense to notify Congress if he determines there is widespread interference with the military’s use of the Global Positioning System (GPS) caused by a commercial communications service. Turner, the House Armed Services Subcommittee Chairman on Strategic Forces, has legislative jurisdiction over space and satellite systems, included the provision in his Mark of the NDAA last week. Passage by the full committee by a vote of 60-1 late Wednesday night will bring the bill to a vote before the full House in two weeks.
“When it comes to GPS spectrum, government agencies must consult with the Defense Department on any effects. Our servicemembers who are on the ground in two wars count on an uninterrupted GPS capability to do their jobs. This language creates a public notification so we know the magnitude of the problem,” said Turner.
In January 2011, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted a conditional waiver to a single commercial communications company, called LightSquared, to build tens of thousands of ground stations that may cause widespread interference to neighboring GPS signals. The Commander of Air Force Space Command, General William Shelton, told Turner in March 2011 that, based on analysis he had seen to-date, “that virtually every GPS receiver out there would be affected.”
Turner further stated, “We need our government, and the FCC, to do the right thing. It is unacceptable for our warfighters to be put at greater risk or made less effective as a result of LightSquared’s operations. We need assurances from the FCC and this Administration that it will fully resolve the harmful interference issue prior to granting LightSquared final authorization to provide service.”
WASHINGTON – A House committee has approved a $553 billion defense bill that increases the chances that southwest Ohio will be a testing region for unmanned aircraft being developed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
The defense measure, which will reach the House floor later this month, includes an amendment sponsored by Rep. Mike Turner, R-Centerville, that would give the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson a say in where these testing sites would be located.
Read the full story at the Dayton Daily News
Legislation Contains Bevy of Provisions Key to Southwest Ohio
Washington D.C. – Congressman Mike Turner successfully included language in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) yesterday which will have a far reaching impact on Southwest Ohio if approved by the full Congress and signed into law by the President. Turner’s amendments to the annual Defense Department bill include provisions which affect: leadership at the Air Force Institute of Technology, the Air Force Research Lab, and meeting the airspace needs for Unmanned Aerial Systems.
AFIT Leadership
“AFIT military leadership in order to maintain preeminence and relevance in the years ahead,” said Turner. “My legislation would provide that top level military leadership while simultaneously ensuring educational continuity by establishing a SES level Provost position,” stated Turner.
Turner’s language closely mirrors the leadership structure at the U.S. Navy operated Post Graduate School. The proposal allows for the Secretary of the Air Force to fill the top slot at AFIT with either an active duty Colonel or a retired Brigadier General or higher. This would ensure the AFIT retains the attention of top level leadership while providing the Secretary of the Air Force discretion as to filling the position with active duty or retired personnel. The Naval Post Graduate School is currently led by a Navy Vice Admiral, the Air Force equivalent of a Lieutenant General.
The language also creates a SES level Provost position to prevent against any disruptions in academic and institutional affairs that can be generated from regular changes in leadership. These options would ensure continuity in the Institute’s approach towards educating our nation’s military leaders while adhering to Secretary Gate’s proposal to eliminate the number of flag officers in our military.
AFRL Hiring Authority
“Our nation’s Defense Laboratories are experiencing both a critical hiring need and a severe shortage of engineers and scientists with advanced degrees. This language helps laboratories stay competitive with the commercial market and brings talented personnel into Department of Defense,” said Turner.
Specifically, Turner’s amendment eliminates the sunset provision of the Defense Laboratory hiring authority which he had placed in the FY09 NDAA. The expedited hire authority provided under Section 1108 applies to scientific and engineering positions which require an advanced degree.
The provision allows AFRL to waive some advertising and preference requirements, but maintains the requirement that the applicant meet all relevant qualifications. Since the enactment of the legislation, AFRL and the other defense laboratories have been able to reduce the hiring time by weeks and has become a critical tool of AFRL personnel management to hire the best scientific talent. A recent Defense Department report showed that “direct hire” generally cut the number of days it took to hire an applicant from 147 to 91.
Meeting Airspace Needs for Defense-Related UAS Research
“This amendment places the decisions on Unmanned Aerial Systems testing needs at the feet of the AFRL. These are experts who have pioneered the expanding field on unmanned flight. If signed into law by the President, AFRL will play a key role in integrating UAS into the National Airspace System,” noted Turner.
After Turner had included this same provision in the FY 09 NDAA, the House Armed Services Committee voted to include it once again. The committee noted that the availability of special use airspace is important to research related to Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and the needs of our national defense. The proliferation of technology enabling the use of UAS represents a clear future threat to national security; however, lack of special use airspace to research detection techniques is a potential impediment to the nation’s ability to counter this emerging threat.
The committee encouraged discussions between the Air Force Research Laboratory to explore ways for the FAA and the Department of Defense to work together on problems related to integrating UAS into the National Airspace System. The committee’s approved bill with Turner’s language urges the Department of Defense and the Federal Aviation Administration to place a high priority on meeting national defense needs for special use airspace related to UAS research, including addressing defense needs for special use airspace for research in “detect and destroy” technologies.
Around the globe our men and women in uniform serve our country bravely and honorably. By volunteering to serve in our military they sacrifice time with their families and often many of the comforts we take for granted here at home. We have a duty to ensure that these heroes are taken care of when they have completed their service. In that spirit, I have cosponsored a number of bills which provide employment incentives and protect benefits for our veterans and their families.
With unemployment in Southwest Ohio approaching 13 percent in some areas, it can often be difficult for our service members to find jobs upon their return home. Just last year, the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the unemployment rate for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan aged 18-24 wars was a staggering 21.1 percent. That is why I sponsored the Hire a Hero Act of 2011, to offer tax credits to small businesses that hire a returning veteran or member of the National Guard or Reserve. The bill would extend the Work Opportunity Tax Credit to include current National Guard and Reserve members and make the credit permanent for veterans.
Those who return with disabilities from their service often rely on their military benefits to make ends meet. However, upon applying for assistance, they may often have difficulty accessing those benefits. For example, there is a loophole in the benefits system which does not allow veterans with a service-connected disability of less than 50% to concurrently receive both retired pay and disability compensation. To remedy this issue, I have cosponsored the Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act which amends federal military retired pay provisions. This commonsense reform has the bipartisan support of 118 of my House colleagues.
Similarly, I have signed onto support the Retired Pay Restoration Act. This legislation expresses the sense of Congress that military retired pay should not be reduced because a military retiree is also eligible for veterans’ disability compensation awarded for a service-connected disability. Congressional approval of this bill would allow the receipt of both military retired pay and veterans’ disability compensation with respect to any service-connected disability.
We should also take care to support those surviving family members of our men and women in uniform that made the ultimate sacrifice. Current law states that survivors of those lost in action are to receive funds under the Survivor Benefit Plan. However, if they receive veterans’ Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, this sum reduces the amount of money given to widows and orphans. The Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act would halt reductions to the amount of money that is received by veterans’ widows. I’m glad that this bill has the support of 128 of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle.
While our service members fight in multiple theatres and undertake dangerous missions each day, they should rest assured that they have our support here at home. These bills are some of the steps Congress is taking to further our commitment to those who serve. I look forward to continuing to work across the aisle to provide our troops what they have earned through service to this nation and support our men and women in uniform.
Funding Would Maintain Jobs and Allow Plant to Produce 60 Tanks over the Next Year
Congressman Mike Turner commended the inclusion of $272 million for tank production in the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces Mark of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). These funds would mean roughly 60 M1A2 Abrams tanks would be produced over the next year, ensuring the plant does not idle as previously planned. Thousands of workers contribute to the production of the M1A2 at the Lima, OH facility.
“I want to commend Chairman Bartlett for including these funds in his Mark of the NDAA. If this language makes it through Congress and is signed by the President, workers at this Ohio facility would continue to modernize tanks for our warfighters. These workers and their jobs require tremendous skill and dedication; we simply cannot shut down this plant and expect them to wait around for it to start up again. This plant is vital to jobs in Ohio, and is a unique facility which crafts equipment for our soldiers and marines,” stated Turner.
Congressmen Turner and House Armed Services Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces Chairman Roscoe Bartlett (MD-6) visited the Lima Tank Facility on April 20th. Prior to this announcement, production of the Abrams M1A2 was set to end in 2013 and was not planned to start again until 2016. Lima is the only facility in the country that builds these tanks for the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marine Corps.
“Thanks to Congressman Michael Turner’s diligence, I had an opportunity to visit the facilities in Lima, Ohio where Abrams tanks are assembled. The most important things I learned came from talking with some of the men and women that make them. This Tactical Air and Land Forces mark for the FY 12 National Defense Authorization Act has $272 million that will keep the Abrams lines warm. It reflects the reality that our industrial base cannot be turned on and off like a light switch. It will likely be more economical to maintain the capability our country needs to build armored vehicles while also providing our National Guard with the same modernized equipment as our active duty personnel,” said Congressman Roscoe Bartlett.
During their visit, the lawmakers received an overview and tour of the production facilities, as well as a demonstration of the M1A2 tank and met with the Ohioans who produce the M1A2. They were accompanied by LTG Robert P. Lennox, the Army Deputy Chief of Staff, G-8.
Mike Turner released the following statement upon the announcement that Romania will host missile interceptors as part of a planned U.S. missile defense shield over Europe:
“I welcome this announcement by President Traian Basescu which furthers our shared commitment to a strong missile defense initiative. This decision is important for the defense of our NATO allies, and ultimately strengthens the defense of our homeland. This facility will help to counter threats from short and medium range missiles which will be key to deterring the growing threats from Iran.”
Late Sunday evening, President Obama announced from the White House that U.S. Navy SEALs had located and killed Osama bin Laden. Bin Laden had been the most wanted person in the world, and the search for him has spanned three presidencies. This has been an effort tirelessly pursued by our service members, intelligence community, and law enforcement. Their work deserves nothing but the highest praise.
For years, Osama bin Laden has planned and undertaken missions which have resulted in the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians. Americans will never forget the attacks of September 11 but bin Laden’s victims were not limited to the United States. Christians, Muslims, and Jews alike have been targeted by this cold blooded murderer. Furthermore, he sought out both military and civilian targets; whether it was the 1998 Embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania, the 2000 USS Cole bombing, or the attacks of September 11th, 2001. Let us never forget the lives that were lost at his hands. Their memories live on in the hearts and minds of their families, and continue to be honored each and every day.
The bravery that followed in response to those attacks was nothing short of inspirational. We witnessed first responders rushing into burning buildings, and then working for days on end to find survivors. We also saw Americans inspired by the attacks volunteer to serve in our nation’s armed forces. They knew full well that they would be joining the fight against terror in earnest. Today, those men and women are bravely serving on the front lines around the globe, preserving freedom and democracy.
With the elimination of Osama bin Laden comes the closure of one chapter in this fight. We have shown the world that if you seek to harm Americans – we will pursue you, and justice will be served. No matter how long it takes or how great the effort. That continues today. The intelligence gathered at bin Laden’s compound is sure to reveal a treasure trove of new information about Al-Qaeda. Many elements of this terror network and its affiliates remain active, and the number two leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri is still at large. Our service members and intelligence community continue their vigilance and are working to bring these individuals to justice as well.
When this nation was founded, our forefathers knew that freedom and liberty are things to be guarded and preserved for future generations. Much like our original fight against tyranny, the fight against terror is an enduring cause. We are fortunate to have the support of our allies around the globe in this fight. Together, we will defeat Al-Qaeda and make this world a safer place.
This month I joined a majority of my colleagues in the House in funding the government through the end of this Fiscal Year (September 30th) and in passing a responsible budget resolution for next year. Both of these initiatives will help us to begin to control spending in Washington — an issue which has gone far too long without being addressed by either party.
Its steps like these which need to be taken for our nation to continue to be a world leader, get our economy back on track, and promote job creation in Southwestern Ohio. Speaker Boehner worked tirelessly to craft a plan that kept our government open, while cutting spending by nearly $40 billion over the next five months. This represents the largest non-defense spending cut in American history and is the first real step towards putting our fiscal house in order. Over the next 10 years it will save hundreds of billions of dollars which would have otherwise been added to our massive federal debt.
I am also heartened by the fact that all of this was accomplished without Defense Department cuts which would strain our military engaged in three wars. In fact, this resolution adds $5 billion to the Defense budget and assures our military leaders can continue making procurement plans without further delays. This is important for both our national security and Southwest Ohio’s economy. By passing this agreement we not only begin to correct the culture of endless spending in Washington, but have set the tone for that debate when we begin crafting a final budget for 2012.
The day after the House passed the bipartisan agreement on government funding for the rest of this fiscal year, we voted on a resolution on 2012’s budget. Put together by House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, this resolution serves as a road map for Congressional committees determining the budgets of individual parts of our government. It also takes the first real steps towards getting growing government spending under control. (You can review Paul Ryan’s budget plan here.)
These steps include preserving Medicare for future generations, investing in our nation’s defense, and building on our ongoing effort to trim the size and growth of our government. This resolution is crucial to the much-needed revitalization of our economy and putting Ohioans back to work. Families don’t have the luxury of making budgets without regard to what it means for their finances in the long run, and neither should our government. I’m glad to have joined the House in passing a financially responsible budget for this fiscal year, and the years to come.
At the same time Congress was coming together to find ways to responsibly trim spending, while preserving our national security commitments, our president took a different course. At a speech two days before we voted on a budget, he suggested that we arbitrarily cut defense by $400 billion. While our government must live within its means, we must not sacrifice our national defense in the process. His suggestion of this large a cut also comes without any explanation or study.
Simply cutting our defense budget while we are in the midst of three wars puts at risk a fighting force already stretched thin. It also doesn’t reasonably address the issue of a government which borrows 40 cents of every dollar it spends. I look forward to working with Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon to find efficiencies in our Defense Department. Thoughtfully reinvesting these efficiencies and creating a more cost-effective Department of Defense strengthens our national security and saves dollars.
Oversight Hearing Will Examine Restoring Veteran Trust and Patient Safety
In response to Congressman Turner’s March letter requesting a House Veterans Affairs Committee hearing examining medical safety practices at VA medical facilities, the Committee has announced it will conduct an oversight hearing entitled, “Sacred Obligation: Restoring Veteran Trust and Patient Safety.” The hearing, which will be conducted on Tuesday, May 3, 2011, at 10:30 A.M. in room 334 of the Cannon House Office Building, will review several recent patient safety incidents – including those in Dayton, Ohio; St. Louis, Missouri; and Miami, Florida.
“I look forward to this hearing, which will address the issues of broken promises to our veterans, and the extreme violations of basic safety procedures that have occurred at the Dayton VA Medical Center,” said Turner.
The Committee intends to discuss the VA’s response to recent incidents across the nation and developing proactive strategies for addressing underlying issues including:
- Standardized reprocessing for reusable medical equipment.
- Systematic ways of limiting the activities of suspect practitioners before patients are put at risk.
- Risk management and notification processes for veteran patients.
“Our veterans deserve the best care possible. This hearing will examine ways we can improve the VA, and begin to address the breakdown in the VA system which allowed the gross violation of standard medical procedures and practices to continue for at least 18 years,” added Turner.
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