Provide a Defense Budget for Our Men and Women in Uniform

Our first priority in the 112th Congress employment growth. That’s why we put in place policies that will stop the runaway spending in Washington and create more security for our financial markets and businesses to grow our economy and create jobs.

Last week, Steve Austria had the opportunity to visit Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB), the largest employer on the site of New York alone. If the decision to continue in the short term (CR) was not passed this week, a place that no doubt have been affected is WPAFB, which has many programs that depend on continued funding. Without the funding of many existing programs could cause delays and costs of programs, jeopardize national defense programs that support, and put thousands of jobs on the line.

But a carriage return in the short term is not enough. Now that the government shutdownhas have been avoided, we must find a long-term solution to the budget crisis that recognizes the crucial role of defense funds for our national security at home and abroad. A full Appropriations Defense billmust be taken to ensure that our defense systems have adequate funding, start new authority, and the planning for the fiscal year remains.

Without a proper budget authority the military may be forced to make as many as 75 construction projects on hold, reduce training time, delay maintenance of equipment; postpone the purchase of missiles, radar, aircraft, helicopters and unmanned pilot, and transfer the money for research and procurement, account management, give some examples.

And now, time is of essence. Each day that passes in which a total defense spending bill is not passed, is another obstacle to the efforts of the military to plan the defense of these vital priorities. It is time for Congress to pass a continuing resolution for the remainder of fiscal 2011 contained language that was included in human resources that enable a new contract to continue in 2011.

I assure you that Steve Austria, working with my colleagues in the House to complete a bill of defense funding is reflected in due course. As a member of the Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans credits, Steve Austria crucial to understand how a defense budget is used in Ohio.