Held a classified meeting with General Kevin Chilton, Commander of U.S. Strategic Command.   As the head of Strategic Command, General Chilton has the responsibility of ensuring the security of the military’s computer networks and space satellites.  Congressman Forbes held the meeting in response to ongoing reports that China is focusing espionage efforts on the Department of Defense computer systems.  The Pentagon’s Annual Military Report on China also indicates that China is developing capabilities to jam, disrupt, and destroy navigation and communications satellites.

Participated in a House Armed Services Committee hearing on recent Security Developments in China.  Congressman Forbes questioned both witnesses about whether the United States was prepared to counter the growing asymmetric capabilities that China has developed over the last few years.  These new capabilities include advanced tracking of naval ships and submarines, anti-satellite technology, and increased efforts to infiltrate computer networks.  Congressman Forbes also noted that the classified information related to China makes it difficult to raise awareness to some of the most concerning issues, such as cyber espionage.

Praised the nomination of the first woman military officer in history for promotion to four-star general, former Fort Lee commander, Army Lieutenant General Ann E. Dunwoody.  Congressman Forbes said, “Anne is someone I consider a friend of mine, a friend of Fort Lee, and most importantly, she is a dedicated soldier and a first-rate military professional.  It does not surprise me that Gen. Dunwoody will be the first woman to reach this remarkable milestone, and I look forward to continuing to work with her to ensure our soldiers have the supplies and equipment they need to accomplish their mission.”  Dunwoody was nominated to be the commander of Army Materiel Command, which oversees Army logistics and acquisitions.  As the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee, Congressman Forbes provides oversight of the military’s logistics, maintenance and equipment needs.

Supported Amendment #1 to H.R. 2642, the Supplemental Appropriations Bill of 2008.  This bill provides funding for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan through June 2009.  The bill includes $210 million for day care centers on military posts across the country, including one at Fort Lee, Virginia.  The measure also provides the remaining funding to complete the Fiscal Year 2008 Base Realignment And Closure (BRAC) construction.  More than $400 million of construction is ongoing or planned at Fort Lee, Virginia as a result of the 2005 BRAC round.  The bill also includes $200 million in new barracks for soldiers and Marines that was authorized by the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee; Congressman Forbes serves as the Ranking Member of that Subcommittee.

Wrote a letter to President Bush to caution the Administration on signing any agreement with the Iraqi government that would require U.S. troops to seek permission from the Iraqi government to accomplish their mission.  Congressman Forbes also recommended that the Administration be prepared to leave Iraq in case the Iraqis refuse to sign a new legal mandate for the presence of U.S. troops, or in case they refuse to provide full legal protections for U.S. troops to defend themselves and accomplish their mission.  The current legal authority for U.S. troops expires on December 31, 2008.

Joined in sending a bipartisan letter to the House Appropriations Committee requesting they follow the lead of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) to accelerate the number of submarines the Navy will purchase in 2010 and 2011 from one submarine to two submarines.  Congressman Forbes and other members of the HASC offered a series of amendments to increase the number of submarines in the annual defense policy bill.  The Navy is expected to face a shortfall in its requirement of 48 submarines as the older Los Angeles class submarines are retired and replaced by the new Virginia Class Submarines.  Currently, the number of submarines deployed can meet about 65% of the needs of the military commanders requests made from around the world.  Submarines are built exclusively in Groton, Connecticut, and Newport News, Virginia.

Met with Michele Flournoy, President of the Center for a New American Security, to discuss the ongoing readiness and personnel challenges faced by our military and opportunities to address them in the future.

Cosponsored H.R. 6026, the Clean Global War on Terror Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2008.   H.R. 6026 would provide $178 billion in total spending for our men and women in uniform who are serving in harm’s way.  The bill does not contain any additional domestic spending or restrictive policy provisions.  Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has indicated that the account to pay Army personnel will run out near June 15, 2008, without additional funding.

Voted to support H.R. 5658, the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act of 2009 during floor consideration of the annual defense policy bill.  After 57 amendments were considered, the bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 384 to 23.  The bill includes support for military readiness, military families, the base realignment and closure process for 2005, and the Navy and shipbuilding and repair: 

Support for Military Readiness

• An additional $2.6 billion to field Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAP) to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Authorizes an increase of 13,450 military personnel in 2009 to increase end-strength and increase the time soldiers spend at home between tours of duty.
• $2 billion toward unfunded readiness initiatives requested by the services.
• $11 billion for equipment reset requirements.
• $500 million to fix recently discovered shortfalls in military barracks.
• A requirement for the Pentagon to study joint logistics organization.  The Virginia Fourth Congressional District is home to Army Logistics at Fort Lee, Va., and also U.S. Joint Forces Command in Suffolk, Va., which is responsible to make sure deployed forces are properly equipped and manned.

 Support for Military Families and Veterans

• Funding for a 3.9% pay raise for active duty military personnel to reduce the pay gap between the military and private sector pay to 2.9%.
• Prohibit increases in both TRICARE and pharmacy user fees, which would prevent more than $1.2 billion in healthcare costs from being passed on to service members.
• Increased funding for family support programs by $15 million.
• Establishes a tuition assistance program for eligible military spouses, authorizing a career intermission pilot program, and creating new preventive health care initiatives.

 Implementing Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) and New Construction

• $218 million in new construction at Fort Lee, Va., for the implementation of the BRAC Round 2005.  Fort Lee, Va., will double in size as a result of the BRAC 2005 round. The bill included 100% of the required funding for Fiscal Year 2009.
• $90 million in additional funding for barracks at Fort Lee, Va.
• $11 million for dining facilities at Fort Lee, Va.
• $4 million for a group storage facility at Fort Lee, Va.
• $3 million for a Multipurpose Machine Gun Range at Fort Pickett, Va.

 Support for Navy, Shipbuilding, and Repair

• Full funding for one Virginia Class Submarine, plus $722 million in additional funding to allow defense industrial base to build two submarines beginning in 2010, rather than waiting until 2011 that are in current Navy plans.
• More than $600 million for the aircraft carrier overhaul of the USS Theodore Roosevelt.
• $120 million in additional ship repair funding included at the request of Rep. Forbes.  This funding will allow for 31 more ship maintenance periods and one more submarine maintenance period than was in the budget request.  About 40% of the new work would occur in the Hampton Road region.
• $10 million for a new gate entrance at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Virginia to ease traffic congestion and provide access during heightened threat condition.  The project includes a new turn lane off George Washington Highway to the Shipyard, a new pass office, security gate, a vehicle inspection area, and a guard house.  An average of 12,000 vehicles enters the Shipyard each day.  This project was included at the request of Rep. Forbes.
• $1.8 billion for a San Antonio LPD-17 ship, which was requested by Rep. Forbes.  The LPD carries vehicles, helicopters, and troops close to shore. The additional ship will help the Navy get a step closer to a 313 ship Navy.
• The measure did not include a waiver to allow the Navy to reduce its fleet from 11 aircraft carriers to 10 aircraft carriers.  Rep. Forbes along with other members on the Armed Services Committee, believe that 11 aircraft carriers should be the minimum number of carriers we have.
• $30 million at the request of Rep. Forbes for the Maritime Guaranteed Loan Program to support a strong domestic shipbuilding industrial base and preserve a U.S. flagged merchant fleet.
• A limitation on the leasing of foreign-built ships.

Other Initiatives Supported by Rep. Forbes in H.R. 5658

• The establishment of an interagency panel between the Department of Defense and Department of State to identify reforms to coordinate more effectively on national security matters.
• $800,000 for the Virginia Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis Center (VMASC) at Old Dominion University to develop modeling and simulation (M&S) standards for the Department of Defense.
• $20 million for the Procurement Technical Assistance Program, which helps guide small businesses in communities surrounding Fort Lee, Va., and other military installations in bidding and receiving Department of Defense contracts.  The service is provided at no cost to the small businesses.

Supported House passage of H.Con.Res. 334, a resolution in support of National Military Appreciation Month to honor our Armed Forces and the men and women who serve to preserve the freedom, security and prosperity enjoyed by the people of the United States. 

Voted to support H.R. 5658, the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act of 2009 during the House Armed Services Committee markup of the annual defense policy bill.  The bill includes support for military readiness, military families, the base realignment and closure process for 2005, and the Navy and shipbuilding and repair: 

Support for Military Readiness

• An additional $2.6 billion to field Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAP) to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Authorizes an increase of 13,450 military personnel in 2009 to increase end-strength and increase the time soldiers spend at home between tours of duty.
• $2 billion toward unfunded readiness initiatives requested by the services.
• $11 billion for equipment reset requirements.
• $500 million to fix recently discovered shortfalls in military barracks.
• A requirement for the Pentagon to study joint logistics organization.  The Virginia Fourth Congressional District is home to Army Logistics at Fort Lee, Virginia, and also U.S. Joint Forces Command in Suffolk, Virginia, which is responsible to make sure deployed forces are properly equipped and manned.

 Support for Military Families and Veterans

• Funding for a 3.9% pay raise for active duty military personnel to reduce the pay gap between the military and private sector pay to 2.9%.
• Prohibit increases in both TRICARE and pharmacy user fees, which would prevent over $1.2 billion in healthcare costs from being passed on to service members.
• Increased funding for family support programs by $15 million.
• Establishes a tuition assistance program for eligible military spouses, authorizing a career intermission pilot program, and creating new preventive health care initiatives.

 Implementing Base Realignment and Closure

• 100% of the required funding for the implementation of the Base Realignment and Closure Round 2005.  Fort Lee, Virginia will double in size as a result of the BRAC 2005 round.
• $10.6 million for dining facilities at Fort Lee, Virginia.
• $4.35 million for a group storage facility at Fort Lee, Virginia.
• $2.95 million for a Multipurpose Machine Gun Range at Fort Pickett, Virginia.
• $90 million for barracks at Fort Lee, Virginia.

 Support for Navy, Shipbuilding, and Repair

• Full funding for one Virginia Class Submarine, plus $722 million in additional funding to allow defense industrial base to build two submarines beginning in 2010, rather than waiting until 2011 that are in current Navy plans.
• More than $600 million for the aircraft carrier overhaul of the USS Theodore Roosevelt.
• $120 million in additional ship repair funding included at the request of Rep. Forbes.  This funding will allow for 31 more ship maintenance periods and one more submarine maintenance period than was in the budget request.  About 40% of the new work would occur in the Hampton Road region.
• $10 million for a new gate entrance at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Virginia to ease traffic congestion and provide access during heightened threat condition.  The project includes a new turn lane off George Washington Highway to the Shipyard, a new pass office, security gate, a vehicle inspection area, and a guard house.  An average of 12,000 vehicles enter the Shipyard each day.  This project was included at the request of Rep. Forbes.
• $1.8 billion for a San Antonio LPD-17 ship, which was requested by Rep. Forbes.  The LPD carries vehicles, helicopters, and troops close to shore. The additional ship will help the Navy get a step closer to a 313 ship Navy.
• The measure did not include a waiver to allow the Navy to reduce its fleet from 11 aircraft carriers to 10 aircraft carriers.  Rep. Forbes along with other members on the Committee, believe that 11 aircraft carriers should be the minimum number of carriers we have.
• $30 million at the request of Rep. Forbes for the Maritime Guaranteed Loan Program to support a strong domestic shipbuilding industrial base and preserve a U.S. flagged merchant fleet; and
• A limitation on the leasing of foreign-built ships.

Offered an amendment to H.R. 5658 that requires the Navy to report to Congress on the timetable for the development of a target for the “Sizzler” missile.  The amendment was adopted by voice vote.  The Sizzler missile is a Russian made, sea skimming missile that has been deployed in the last 8 of 12 Chinese submarines.  Current target technology owned by the Navy cannot verify that U.S. ships, including aircraft carriers can defend against the missile.  Rep. Forbes has repeatedly called upon the Navy to develop a target as soon as possible.

Offered an amendment to H.R. 5658 calling on Congress to pass an emergency war supplemental as soon as possible on May 14, 2008.   The supplemental bill would provide funding for ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan through next summer.  The funding would also improve our military’s readiness by funding efforts to increase the Army’s end-strength by 36,000 soldiers and restoring broken or damaged equipment.  By increasing the number of soldiers in the Army over time, each soldier will have more time at home between deployments.  The measure was not adopted by the committee.

Voted in favor of an amendment to H.R. 2642, the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 to pass an emergency defense spending bill.  Following the contentious vote on the funding, which failed 141-149, Rep. Forbes said, "I am not going to play politics when it comes to funding our troops who are fighting over in Iraq. I voted for troop funding because it is my responsibility to see that our troops get the funding they need, first and foremost. However, I could not support increasing discretionary spending and other entitlements in the same bill after it became clear that no funding was approved for our men and women in uniform. While foreign aid programs, unemployment benefits, and GI bill improvements all deserve serious consideration in this Congress, it is unthinkable to include them in a war supplemental that doesn't even fund our troops."

Served as Ranking Member during the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee markup of the annual defense policy bill.    The bill authorizes $143 billion for operation and maintenance and $24 billion for military construction.  The bill also increases funding for Army training, prepositioned stocks and aircraft maintenance.  The bill was approved by voice vote and will now be considered by the full House Armed Services Committee.  The bill also includes: 

• $500 million to fix recently discovered shortfalls in military barracks,
• $80 million for energy conservation projects and updates installation energy reporting requirements
• $120 million in additional ship repair funding included at the request of Rep. Forbes.  This funding will allow for 31 more ship maintenance periods and one more submarine maintenance period than was in the budget request.  About 40% of the new work would occur in the Hampton Road region.
• 100% of the required funding for the implementation of the Base Realignment and Closure Round 2005.  Fort Lee, Virginia will double in size as a result of the BRAC 2005 round.
• $90 million for barracks at Fort Lee, Virginia;
• $32 million for a Regional Training Institute at Fort Pickett, Virginia;
• $10 million for a new gate at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Virginia to provide security and ease traffic congestion during heightened threat condition.  This was included at the request of Rep. Forbes.
• $10.6 million for dining facilities at Fort Lee, Virginia;
• $4.35 million for a group storage facility at Fort Lee, Virginia;
• $2.95 million for a Multipurpose Machine Gun Range at Fort Pickett, Virginia; and
• A requirement for the Pentagon to study joint logistics organization.  The Virginia Fourth Congressional District is home to Army Logistics at Fort Lee, Virginia, and also U.S. Joint Forces Command in Suffolk, Virginia, which is responsible to make sure deployed forces are properly equipped and manned.

Voted to approve the House Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee markup of the annual defense policy bill.  During the markup, Rep. Forbes, along with Rep. Joe Courtney, Rep. Brad Ellsworth, and Rep. Rob Wittman, introduced a bipartisan amendment to increase submarine funding by $300 million.  The amendment was adopted by voice vote, and the funding will allow the Navy to accelerate the delivery of an additional Virginia Class Submarine in 2010.  Under current plans, the Navy would not deliver two submarines per year until 2011.  The draft bill also included:

• An additional $2.6 billion to field Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAP) to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• More than $600 million for the aircraft carrier overhaul of the USS Theodore Roosevelt;
• $2.8 billion for a Virginia Class Submarine;
• $1.8 billion for a the San Antonio LPD-17 ship, which was requested by Rep. Forbes.  The LPD carries vehicles, helicopters, and troops close to shore, and the additional ship will help the Navy get a step closer to a 313 ship Navy; the vessel is consistently at the top of the Navy and Marine Corps’ unfunded requirements list.
• Five additional ships, including two Littoral Combat ships, one Joint High Speed Vessel, and two ammunition ships;
• $30 million at the request of Rep. Forbes for the Maritime Guaranteed Loan Program to support a strong domestic shipbuilding industrial base and preserve a U.S. flagged merchant fleet;
• Language reiterating the Virginia Class Submarine teaming agreement between Electric Boat of Groton, CT and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Newport News, Virginia;
• A limitation on the leasing of foreign-built ships; and
• The measure did not include a waiver to allow the Navy to reduce its fleet from 11 aircraft carriers to 10 aircraft carriers.  Rep. Forbes along with other members on the subcommittee, believe that 11 aircraft carriers should be the minimum number of carriers we have.

Lauded the agreement between U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) and the Old Dominion University that will utilize modeling and simulation (M&S) technologies to support joint training and experimentation.  The three year agreement signed on April 29, 2008 will harness ODU’s Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center (VMASC) capabilities to advance M&S and enhance training development for the U.S. military. During this year’s congressional budget cycle, Congressman Forbes requested funding for Modeling and Simulation Standards Development at JFCOM to be accomplished at VMASC.  If this funding is provided, it will help JFCOM bring together the military’s M&S community to identify common standards for use across the Department of Defense.  Congressman Forbes is the Founder and Co-Chairman of the Congressional Modeling and Simulation Caucus.

Wrote a letter to the Navy requesting 45 more days to study the Environmental Impact Statement regarding the alternatives to move Navy ships or submarines to Mayport, Florida. After the USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier that was based in Mayport, FL was retired more than a year ago, the Navy has been studying what ships, if any, should relocate to the southern port.  The Navy agreed to provide a 15-day extension to allow more time for the Commonwealth of Virginia and other interest parties to provide comment to the Navy.

Hosted the Aircraft Carrier Industrial Base Coalition (ACIBC) at their annual breakfast on Capitol Hill on Thursday, April 24.  The ACIBC represents companies and small-business contractors from around the country that perform work on the U.S. Navy’s aircraft carriers.  The 4^th Congressional District of Virginia includes more than 100 suppliers that have contributed to the construction of aircraft carriers, which are built exclusively at Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard.  At the breakfast, Rep. Forbes noted the increasing challenges for the coalition members because the federal budget continues to be squeezed by rising energy prices, interest payments and entitlement spending. 

Met with the Army Chief of Staff, General George Casey, to discuss the readiness of Army personnel and their equipment.  During the meeting, Rep. Forbes indicated his concern to the Chief of Staff about the toll of repeated deployments on Army soldiers and their families.  He also said he would continue to push for Congress to pass the FY2008 supplemental, which would provide funding for the Army to begin increasing its size by 36,000 soldiers.  By adding more soldiers, the Army can give soldiers more time between deployments.  The supplemental funding is being held up by congressional leadership. 

Introduced H.Res. 1129 with House Armed Service Air/Land Subcommittee Ranking Member Jim Saxton, which urges Congress to pass the remaining supplemental funding for this year.  The funding would increase the Army’s size and provide funds for the reset and restoration of the equipment for the five combat brigades returning from Iraq this summer.  Rep. Forbes introduced the resolution in response to concerns that Congress’ lack of timely funding for the military  is undermining the long-term readiness of the military.  The resolution states in part, “Congress should immediately act to pass a clean fiscal year 2008 global war on terror supplemental in the interest of national security and to ensure the integrity of the entire military force.”  Rep. Forbes is the highest ranking minority member on the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee.  

Served as Ranking Member at a House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee briefing from the Navy regarding ship maintenance for two Navy vessels found to be unfit for combat operations.  Rep. Forbes requested the briefing after an internal Navy inspection found the USS Chosin and USS Stout, which are based in Norfolk, VA., would require numerous repairs before conducting combat operations.  Rep. Forbes asked the Navy officials to explain whether this problem was an isolated incident or a systemic problem, and whether these problems resulted from a lack of funding.  Prior to the Navy inspection, Rep. Forbes had asked the House Armed Services Committee to consider providing additional funding for the Navy’s ship maintenance account.   

Met with 36 senior civilians from the Army to discuss the role the House Armed Services Committee has in oversight and to listen to the officials regarding their concerns for the Army.  Mr. Bill Moore, Deputy to the Commander of the Army’s Combined Arms Support Command (CASCOM), representing Fort Lee, Virginia, in the 4^th Congressional District, also participated in the meeting. 

Served as Ranking Member during a House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee hearing on H. Res. 834, a resolution regarding the readiness of the U.S. military.   During the hearing, Congressman Forbes said, “We must realize we cannot snap our fingers and produce a military that is fully ready — regardless of the funds provided. It takes time measured in months — not weeks — to recruit, train, and ready soldiers and Marines.  It also takes time, often 18-months or more, to field the equipment our soldiers and Marines need to accomplish their missions.  Every day that passes without the readiness funding included in the 2008 supplemental is one more day that we delay gains in strategic readiness.” 

Cosponsored H. Con. Res. 295 to express the deep appreciation of Congress to the families of members of the United States Armed Forces. 

 Co-authored a letter to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates requesting a timeline for promoting the top National Guard official to four-star general.   As part of last year’s defense policy bill, Congress required the Pentagon to ensure the National Guard had a representative at the highest rank in the military, which is a four-star general.  Congress made the change to ensure the National Guard has a seat at the table in the discussion of defense issues. The National Guard has transitioned from a strategic reserve to an operational one that is equipped and deployable alongside active duty units.  The current National Guard Bureau Chief, Steve Blum, is a three-star general. 

Was cited in an article in The Hill  newspaper for writing a letter to the Pentagon’s top acquisition official, John Young, about why the Air Force appears to be wasting taxpayer dollars on package deliveries.   A recent package sent by the Air Force from Corpus Christi, Texas, to a base in Lexington, Oklahoma, traveled 2,243 miles before reaching its destination — even though the two cities are only 576 miles apart.  This happened due to an Air Force regulation that is sometimes interpreted as a requirement that a shipment be flown for at least one leg of the delivery route.  The letter states in part, “This confusion is generated by lack of clear guidance and poor training and is resulting in inefficiency and unnecessary cost to the taxpayer.”

Questioned General David H. Petraeus, Commanding General, Multi-National Force Iraq, and Ambassador Ryan Crocker, U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, during a House Armed Service Committee hearing on Iraq.  After the hearing, Rep. Forbes said, “General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker are regarded as two of the most respected military and diplomatic leaders respectively in the country today. Seven months ago in their last report to Congress, we received a thorough and open account on the situation in Iraq. Today, they have held to that standard by providing a candid assessment of both the success and challenges we face in Iraq. General Petraeus noted that we have seen defining steps forward in achieving political and economic progress in Iraq, which I saw firsthand in my most recent visit to Iraq over Christmas. General Petraeus also testified today that while the progress is significant, it is fragile and reversible. I look forward to closely following the transition from U.S. to Iraq control of security and reconstruction operations. As I do so, I am constantly grateful for the unwavering commitment of our men and women in uniform who are serving on the frontlines and who continue to keep America safe.”

Voted in favor of H. Res. 265, a resolution honoring military children during “National Month of the Military Child.”  This resolution recognizes the personal sacrifices of children of members of the Armed Forces that often go unnoticed, and honors their unique contribution by demonstrating the nation’s support to members of the Armed Forces and their families.

 Questioned senior Army and Marine Corps officials on the status of U.S. Ground Forces during a House Armed Service Committee hearing.  When Rep. Forbes asked whether congressional action to fund the Fiscal Year 2008 war supplemental will impact the readiness of our forces, General Richard Cody stated, “The Army runs out of pay for Active Duty and National Guard Soldiers in June 2008; the Army runs out of operation and maintenance funding for the Active component in early July and for the Guard in late June; two Stryker Bridge Combat Teams (BCTs) may not receive hull protection kits before they deploy; Armored Security Vehicles could face a break in production;  Army National Guard will not receive 10 CH-47 F model helicopters; converting and existing BCTs will not receive the Bridge to Future Networks communications systems; and the Army will be unable to upgrade and construct facilities for returning Wounded Warriors at Forts Drum, Campbell, Stewart, Carson, Hood, Riley and Polk.”

Signed a letter asking House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to bring funding for military personnel and equipment reset to the floor for a vote before military operations are impacted by the delay.  The letter states in part, “Republicans agree with Army officers when they state that the ‘Army is not broken,’ but we recognize that our forces are stressed.  Additionally, we understand that immediate action on the Fiscal Year 2008 Supplemental would ease the stress on our ground forces.  Madame Speaker, all Members of Congress are concerned about the readiness of our military forces, and none want to put our brave military personnel in danger.  Understanding that continued inaction directly impacts our military’s ability to improve readiness, we urge you to work with the House Appropriations Committee to move the Fiscal Year 2008 Supplemental to the House floor for a vote without further delay.”  

Met with Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Gary Roughead, to discuss key Navy issues, including increasing our Navy to 313 ships under a tight budget environment, accelerating the development of a target to test the Navy’s defense against China’s “Sizzler” missile, and expanding  the Congressional Navy-Marine Corps Caucus. “These are key issues for the Navy and for our overall national security,” Forbes said. “I am pleased that we were able to discuss these issues first-hand with Admiral Roughead, and I look forward to working with the Navy on the development and acceleration of these plans in the House Armed Services Committee and through the Navy-Marine Corps Caucus.”  

Served as Ranking Member during a House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee hearing on the Fiscal Year 2009 budget request and needs of the National Guard and Reserves.   During the hearing, Congressman Forbes stated, “The readiness of our troops is critical to our national security and success in the war on terror.  The Department of Defense continues to face budgetary pressures against the backdrop of the on-going war on terror, continued high operations tempo and a need to recapitalize much of its aging equipment. In 2001, the Army had a $56 billion shortfall in major weapons systems and modernization funding.  The Army is now on a path to reduce that to $17.4 billion by 2013.  The reserve component was a large part of that number and will benefit greatly from investments being made to modernize and equip the forces.”  

Hosted a live teletown hall on the Navy’s Outlying Landing Field study on March 10^th.  Rep. Forbes called approximately 5,000 households in Sussex and Southampton counties to answer questions and hear comments about the Navy’s study of five sites for an Outlying Landing Field.  Rep. Forbes said the process continues to be of utmost concern both to the residents of his district and to the Navy.  As Ranking Member on the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee, he intends to closely follow the Navy’s actions as it continues the process of studying sites and seeking public input.  The Outlying Landing Field would allow Navy pilots to practice aircraft carrier landings at night before attempting such a landing on an actual aircraft carrier. The teletown hall technology allows hundreds of constituents to participate in a conference call with Rep. Forbes.   

Spoke with Assistant Secretary of the Navy, B.J. Penn, about the Navy’s impending release of the draft study regarding the possible options for homeporting ships in Mayport, Florida.  The Navy is studying the options after the Navy retired its aircraft carrier, the USS Kennedy, last year.  Several Members of Congress are concerned about moving any aircraft carrier from Norfolk, Virginia, to another East Coast location because the cost of upgrading a facility to support a nuclear carrier could be wasteful.  The cost issue creates even greater concern given the current challenges in budgeting for the Navy’s 30-year shipbuilding plan, which calls for 313 ships by 2020.  The final study is expected to be released in September.

Served as Ranking Member during a House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee hearing on the Department of Defense’s Energy posture.  In his opening statement, Rep. Forbes said, “One of the goals of the hearing today is to discuss the two serious energy risk areas that are identified in your report—energy risks to our operational forces and the risks of extended loss of power at fixed installation.  I’d like to know what needs to be done to bring your recommendations to fruition so that we can take steps necessary to further strengthen DOD’s energy posture and therefore strengthen our national defense.” 

Asked questions to Admiral Tim Keating during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on the 2009 Pacific Command budget request.  Admiral Keating oversees all U.S. military forces in the Pacific region and East Asia.  Rep. Forbes asked the Admiral if Navy ships in the region had the capability to defend against a Russian-made subsonic missile that has been deployed on eight of the last 12 Chinese diesel submarines.  The missiles are notable for being difficult to track on radar.  Last year, Rep. Forbes added $10 million to the defense budget to develop a test decoy so the Navy can evaluate its capabilities against the missile, which is known as “the Sizzler.”  Admiral Keating agreed to provide Rep. Forbes with a description of what funding and policy Congress could implement to assist the Navy in accelerating the testing against the missile, which Admiral Keating characterized as a capability he wished the Navy had now. 

Voted against the override of H.R. 2082, the Intelligence Authorization Act of 2008.  The bill would waste taxpayers’ dollars by creating a duplicative “Inspector General (IG) of the Intelligence Community,” because each intelligence agency, including the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, already has an IG.  The bill would also require two positions that have not previously required Senate confirmation to require such a confirmation.  This provision contradicts an observation of the 9/11 Commission that the effectiveness of our intelligence activities suffered as a result of delays in the confirmation process and would politicize what should be a neutral intelligence position. All U.S. intelligence programs have been deemed to comply with Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions by the Attorney General.  

Met with Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Lt. Gen. Robert Magnus, to discuss recruiting and retention, readiness and the Marine Corp FY 2009 budget request.  Rep. Forbes is the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee, which overseas about 30 percent of the military’s budget authorization. 

Served as Ranking Member during a House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee hearing on Inherently Governmental Functions.  The hearing covered security and logistics contracts in Iraq, the contracting of security at military bases, repairing equipment and the outsourcing of acquisition-support services.  Rep. Forbes stated, “Are we making the best personnel decisions for the long-term health of our military—rather than for short term benefit?  We should think carefully before putting contractors in a position where they must choose between best value for the taxpayer and maximizing shareholder value.  The reason we have a government is to make those decisions for the collective good.  It is in the strategic interests of this country not to delegate that responsibility.”

Announced that the Department of the Army will construct a $4.9 million Child Development Center (CDC) at Fort Lee, Virginia, as part of the Army’s increasing support for Army families.  Once completed, the center will have a capacity for 135 children.  The contract is slated to be awarded by October 2008.  Fort Lee was one of a select group of Army posts awarded the construction of a CDC.  Rep. Forbes received the notice of the construction as part of his responsibilities as Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee.

Questioned Admiral William Fallon, Commander of U.S. Central Command and Rear Admiral Eric Olson, Commander of Special Operations Command, during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Iraq, Afghanistan and U.S. Special Operations Forces.  Rep. Forbes asked both flag officers how they felt about the quality of the soldiers under their command and what they thought would happen if the U.S. left Iraq tomorrow.  Both commanders indicated that the soldiers under their command were the most professional, capable, experienced and adaptable soldiers they had ever served with, and that leaving Iraq too quickly would present devastating consequences to our national security.

Met with Admiral Jonathan Greenert, Commander of Fleet Forces Command in Chesapeake, Virginia.  Rep. Forbes and the Admiral discussed fleet repair and ship construction.  The Admiral stated that he was very upbeat and positive about the state of the fleet and they can support any mission handed down.  Admiral Greenert took over as Commander of Fleet Forces Command when the previous commander, Admiral Gary Roughhead, was selected to become the top naval officer in the country, the Chief of Naval Operations.

Repeatedly voted to have the House consider the Senate passed S. 2248, a bipartisan foreign intelligence surveillance bill.  The legislation gives intelligence agencies long-term certainty in their efforts to protect the nation and would protect companies assisting the government from lawsuits related to national security activities.  However, House leadership refuses to bring this bill to the floor, which has led to lapses in our intelligence-gathering efforts.Questioned Secretary of the Army, Mr. Pete Geren, and Chief of Staff of the Army, General George Casey, during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on the Fiscal Year 2009 Army budget.  Rep. Forbes questioned both officials on the state of the Army and the execution of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round.  The Army senior leaders noted that BRAC is slated to remain on schedule and meet the September 2011 deadline as long as Congress provides the BRAC funds in full and on time.  Fort Lee near Petersburg, VA, will nearly double in size as a result of the 2005 BRAC round.

Served as Ranking Member during a House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee hearing on Military Construction in Fiscal Year 2009.  Rep. Forbes questioned Navy officials about their study of potential sites for the Outlying Landing Field (OLF).  He asked officials to describe the timeline for the study process and whether officials would request any authorization or funding for the OLF this year.  The Navy official said that after the Washington County site in North Carolina was no longer being considered, the Governors of Virginia and North Carolina gave the Navy additional sites.  The officials also stated that the study typically takes 30 months, and that there could be no funding or authorization for OLF construction this year until the sites are studied under the National Environmental Protection Act provisions.  The officials also said that the Navy was considering possible incentives for localities impacted by a new OLF.

Signed on as an original cosponsor to a congressional resolution honoring the 60^th anniversary of the integration of the U.S. Armed Services. On July 26, 1948, President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981, which ordered that all people in the armed services be treated equally and be given opportunites regardless of race, color, religion, or national origin. The resolution honors the brave African Americans who served our nation in uniform during a critical time in our nation’s history.

Attended the Submarine Industrial Base Council congressional breakfast on February 28^th.  The members of the council were in Washington to meet with Members of Congress to discuss the contributions submarines have made to our national security, particularly in light of the growing Chinese navy.  In last year’s budget process, Rep. Forbes and other Members of Congress supported increasing the number of submarines the government purchases each year from one submarine to two submarines.  After receiving the additional funding, the Navy’s budget now shows that it will purchase two submarines in 2011 rather than 2012.  Nuclear submarines are built in Newport News, VA and Groton, CT.

Addressed the National Ship Repair Industry Conference on February 27^th regarding the challenges facing our naval forces and the size of the U.S. Navy.  Rep. Forbes reminded members that they should consider the Navy’s official goal of a 313-ship fleet as a floor, not a ceiling.  Rep. Forbes also thanked the members of the association for their service to the country and encouraged them to share their message with other Members of Congress who may be unaware of their contributions to the Navy. 

Submitted a statement for the record to the House Budget Committee to increase the defense budget if Congress does not address the Fiscal Year 2008 or 2009 supplemental spending bills. The bills provide funding to reset and restore military equipment while replacing worn vehicles and aircraft.   Rep. Forbes is the Ranking Member on the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee.

Submitted questions for the record to Secretary of the Air Force, Mr. Mike Wynne and Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Mike Moseley, concerning the Fiscal Year 2009 budget for the U.S. Air Force.  Rep. Forbes questioned the Air Force’s decision to cut 30,000 personnel over the last few years in light of the service’s request for more personnel this year.  Given the Army’s announcement of its plan to increase the size of the Army by 72,000 personnel last year, Rep. Forbes asked Air Force officials if they would consider putting Air Force personnel reduction on pause. He pointed out that taxpayers may save money if the Air Force halts its reduction now, instead of having to pay more money in the future to build up its force.

Cosponsored H.R. 5440, which would extend modernizations to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).  This bill ensures the intelligence community has every legal tool at its disposal to detect and disrupt terrorists before they can launch an attack.  The text of the legislation is exactly the same as a bill that the Senate has already passed, so the bill could be sent swiftly to the President’s desk to be signed into law.  Important temporary modernizations in FISA expired Saturday, February 16^th, limiting the Intelligence Community’s ability to monitor terrorist communications.  House leaders have not scheduled a vote on this bill.

Served as Ranking Member during a House Armed Service Committee Readiness hearing on the processing of granting security clearances.  Witnesses included representatives from the Office of Personnel Management, which oversees personnel in the Federal government, as well as industry representatives.  According to the GAO, it took an average of 276 days in 2007 to complete end-to-end processing of a top secret clearance.  Congressman Forbes stated at the hearing, "The process for determining security clearance eligibility and managing the personnel security clearance program should not only be effective, but we must make it as efficient as possible. Every day that a personnel billet that requires access to classified information is filled by a person without a security clearance, our readiness suffers."

Participated in the Purple Heart award ceremony for U.S. Army Corporal Chris Burrell, of Chesapeake, Virginia at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC.  Cpl. Burrell was wounded while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  The Purple Heart is awarded to a member of the Armed Forces who, while serving with the U.S. Armed Services after 5 April 1917, has been wounded or killed, or who has died after being wounded in combat.  The original Purple Heart, designated as the Badge of Military Merit, was established by General George Washington by order from his headquarters at Newburgh, New York, August 7, 1782.

Answered questions from callers around the United States on television during the Thursday, February 14 live edition of Washington Journal on C-SPAN.  Congressman Forbes took questions about current military readiness and the United States’ strategic posture, which was the subject of a House Armed Services Committee hearing later in the day.  During the hearing, Congressman Forbes asked the witnesses what it would cost today to create and sustain an army, a navy and an air force that are C-1 --- fully resourced and ready across the board--- to support the National Military Strategy.  To view Congressman Forbes on Washington Journal, click here and then view "Washington Journal Entire Program (2/14/08)."

Signed on as an original cosponsor to H. Res. 986, which honors Congressman Sam Johnson and all POWs who were returned home to a grateful nation 35 years ago.  Congressman Sam Johnson was a POW for seven years after his plane was shot down in Vietnam.  This resolution marks an important opportunity to not only remember the members of the Armed Services held as POWs, but also to remember those whose fates are still unresolved.

Met with Mr. Al Schaeffer, Director of Defense Research and Engineering, to discuss modeling and simulation (M&S) perspectives in regards to the Department of Defense.  Mr. Schaeffer is one of three chairman of the Defense Department M&S Steering Committee.

Cosponsored H.R. 5222, the Semper Fi Act, which rescinds all of the funding in last year’s federal spending bills for the City of Berkeley, CA and transfers those funds to the Marines.  This is in response to Berkeley’s City Council recent vote to tell the Marines to close their recruiting station in the city. With this vote, the City Council expressed that the Marines Recruiting Office was not welcome in Berkeley, and if recruiters choose to stay, they would do so as "uninvited and unwelcome intruders."  According to the Berkeley City Council agenda, they "encourage all people to avoid cooperation with the Marine Corps recruiting station, and applaud residents and organizations such as Code Pink, that may volunteer to impede, passively or actively, by nonviolent means, the work of any military recruiting office located in the City of Berkeley."  Congressman Forbes also signed a letter to the President asking him not to allow any federal funds to be spent in Berkeley, California, and cosponsored a resolution H. Res 958 that expressed a similar sentiment.

Submitted Questions for the Record for House Armed Services Committee Hearing on the Department of Defense’s Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Request.  Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen, testified before the House Armed Services Committee about the President’s proposed $515 billion budget on Wednesday, February 6, 2008.  Congressman Forbes submitted questions on subjects such as how to ensure the military is at the appropriate stage of readiness and how the United States can deter threats in the 21st Century.

Met with Former U.S. Pacific Command Commander, Admiral (Retired) Dennis Blair, U.S. Navy.  Admiral Blair, who is a part of the National Bureau of Asian Research, discussed China and the current security environment in the Pacific Rim. 

Met with Lieutenant General Michael Vane, Deputy Commander of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command concerning the rewrite of the Army’s premier operations manual, known as FM 3-0.  The new manual, which will be publicized at the end of the month, now gives equal importance to tasks focused on the population – stability or civil support – as it does to offensive and defensive operations.  This parity is critical as it recognizes that conflict involves more than combat between armed opponents.  The manual also introduces the concept of information engagement, which highlights the importance of getting our messages across to a wide range of audiences.  Congressman Forbes serves as the Ranking Member on the Readiness Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee, which overseas Army training, maintenance, logistics, and military construction.

Photo by Spc. Bryanna Poulin, courtesy of U.S. Army.