Supported passage of the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, H.R. 1585, which passed the House of Representatives and the Senate this week. The bill had been in continued negotiations over the addition of a controversial hate crimes provision to the defense bill. Congressman Forbes authored a letter with Rep. Trent Franks (AZ-02) urging conferees to remove the language from the annual defense policy bill that typically carries bipartisan support and Senate conferees ultimately dropped the controversial provision. Congressman Forbes helped secure funds for Fort Lee, Virginia, and other critical defense programs in Virginia, including shipbuilding activities. Highlights of the bill impacting the Virginia Fourth Congressional District include: 1) Authorizes BRAC funding, which will impact Fort Lee, VA; 2) Authorizes funding for the first next generation aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald Ford, CVN-21, to be built in Newport News, Virginia; 3) Authorizes $5.9 million for construction of a chapel at Fort Lee; 4) Authorizes a multi-year ship procurement for Virginia-Class Submarine program, and boosts advanced procurement by $588 million for two Virginia Class Submarines rather than the one submarine planned in the President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2010; and 5) Renames the Logistics Automation Facility at Fort Lee after General Richard H. Thompson. The bill also authorizes a pay raise of 3.5% for active duty service members and prevents any increase in TRICARE fees among military retirees.
Supported H.Con.Res. 246, a resolution to honor the United States Marine Corps for serving and defending the United States on the anniversary of its founding on November 10, 1775. The resolution, which was cosponsored by Congressman Forbes, passed the House on December 17, 2007.
Supported H.Res. 542, a resolution to express the unconditional support of the House of Representatives for the members of the National Guard. Between September 11, 2001, and March 31, 2007, 235,703 members of the National Guard have been deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. The resolution, which was cosponsored by Congressman Forbes, passed the House on December 18, 2007.
Visited Fort Lee with the Secretary of the Army Pete Geren on Friday, December 14. The Secretary of the Army is the senior official of the Department of the Army and responsible for the effective and efficient functioning of the Army. Forbes said: “As Ranking Member of the Readiness Subcommittee, I know how much Fort Lee impacts and is going to continue to impact the Army as well as our overall military readiness. Fort Lee is literally becoming the logistics capital of the world and is a true leader in what makes a successful post. This leadership is what brought the Secretary here today and what makes Fort Lee a model for the rest of the Army.” To read more about the visit, click here.
Participated in his first Hearing as Ranking Member of the Readiness Subcommittee during a hearing on the Implementation of 2005 BRAC Recommendations and the costs associated with the rebasing activities of the military. In his opening statement, Congressman Forbes said, “I was one of forty members who voted against BRAC when it was first voted upon several years ago, and it’s particularly disappointing because many of the concerns cited here today could have been predicted, and were predicted ahead of time. Nonetheless, the BRAC process was approved in 2005. And so, this is a hearing on the implementation of BRAC– there is no intent to change or undo the BRAC recommendations. The communities affected by BRAC deserve to know that Congress is committed to seeing the BRAC process through.” To view a video of the opening statement, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kp7h1UIuVYE.
Supported H.Con.Res. 261, which commemorates the centennial anniversary of the sailing of the Navy's "Great White Fleet," launched by President Theodore Roosevelt on December 16, 1907, from Hampton Roads, Virginia, and returning there on February 22, 1909. Congressman Forbes was an original cosponsor of the bill, which passed the House of Representatives on December 11, 2007.
Selected to serve as Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee Readiness Subcommittee by full Committee Ranking Member Duncan Hunter (CA-52). The Readiness Subcommittee oversees issues like the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, military construction and housing, shipyard issues, and military readiness, including training, logistics, and maintenance as well as 30 percent of the Defense budget authorizations. For more information about the selection, click here.
Selected by the Speaker of the House to be a conferee on H.R. 1585, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). As a conferee, Congressman Forbes participated in negotiations between the House of Representatives and the Senate on differences in the versions of the two bills. The NDAA is an annual defense policy bill and the legislation authorizes funding for the United States military. Conferees have informally negotiated for weeks, and the bill is expected to come to the floor the week of December 9 now that a controversial hate crimes provision was removed in negotiations. Prior to being formally selected, Congressman Forbes wrote a letter that was signed by 28 other Members urging the leadership of both the Armed Services Committees to remove the provision.
Cosponsored H. Res. 111, which would establish a House Select Committee on Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) affairs. The measure, which has 248 cosponsors, would create a committee that would conduct a full investigation of all unresolved matters relating to United States personnel unaccounted for from the Vietnam era, the Korean conflict, World War II, Cold War Missions, or Gulf War, including MIA's and POW's.
Voted in favor of the Conference Report for H.R. 3222, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2008. This legislation provides funding of the Department of Defense. Provisions of the legislation impacting the Fourth District of Virginia include: 1) 3.5% across the board pay raise for active duty service members; 2) $2.7 billion of the first increment of funding for the next generation of aircraft carrier; 3) the construction of a Virginia class submarine in 2008; 4) $588 million above the President’s budget request for advance components for two Virginia class submarines beginning in 2009; 5) $94.5 million for the Global Combat Support Systems, Army, a program developed in Chester, VA that will modernize the Army’s logistics systems by combining 13 logistics systems into one; 6) $108 million for research and development in Joint Experimentation at U.S. Joint Forces Command, including nearly $5 million added at the request of Rep. Forbes from the Command’s Unfunded Requirements List; this is $4.5 million above last year’s level; and 7) $615.7 million for rebasing activities, including up to $17.6 million for Fort Lee for right sizing Army Community Services, deployment support, and facility sustainment, restoration, and modernization.
Signed as an original cosponsor for H.R. 4104, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2008. Currently, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bill is combined with another domestic spending bill, which has held up consideration after the President vetoed the joint bill. This new bill would separate the two for individual consideration and allow funding for military construction and veterans affairs to move forward. The bill provides funding for over $65 million in military construction in the Fourth Congressional District in addition to the $398.4 million in BRAC construction at Fort Lee, VA. Specifically, aside from the BRAC expansion money, the bill provides $9.8 million for a Unit Operations Facilities at Fort Lee, VA, $6.9 million for Barracks at Fort Lee, VA and provides $5.9 million for a chapel at Fort Lee. At Fort Pickett, VA, the bill provides $25 million for a Regional Training Institute and $1.05 million for a Combat Pistol Qualification Course at Fort Pickett, VA. In Chesapeake, VA, the bill also provides $8.45 million for a Mobile User Objective System Installation for the Navy in Chesapeake, VA.
Authored a letter signed by nearly 30 Members to House Armed Services Committee Conferees urging them to keep hate crimes legislation out of the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA has traditionally been passed with broad bipartisan basis, but the current bill includes hate crime legislation, an extremely divisive provision which evoked a veto threat from the President. The hate crimes legislation bill that would expand federal hate crimes coverage to include sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and disability. Current law defines hate crime as any crime against either person or property in which the offender intentionally selects the victim because of the victim's actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, or sexual orientation. This language would widen federal jurisdiction over hate crimes and expand the categories of protected persons to include sexual orientation and gender identity.
Voted in favor of H.Con.Res. 162, which expresses the sense of Congress that basic pay should be increased for members of the Armed Forces. This resolution supports a provision included by the House Armed Services Committee during consideration of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act that increases base pay for military members by 3.5% rather than the 3% requested by the President. The provision was retained by the Senate, and it is also included in the annual defense spending bill that the House passed and was signed by the President.
Voted in favor of H.R. 513, the National Heroes Credit Protection Act, which requires that any consumer credit information agency that receives a negative report of nonpayment or late payment from a creditor for a person in the military enter a notation that it is due to military service, if the service member requests the notation. The bill also requires that any future creditor that receives a credit report that includes such a notation disregards any negative information that is due to military service.
Spoke at a luncheon for foreign military officers participating in international cooperation education through the U.S. Army’s Logistics Management College. The 41 students, which come from 27 different countries, are in the United States learning from the U.S. military about logistics and other military functions. The students, many of whom are based out of Fort Lee during their studies, also participate in a two-day learning tour of government institutions in Washington DC. After their exposure to the American way of governance and military education, many students return to their home countries to be senior leaders within their own country’s armed forces.
Cosponsored H.Con.Res. 246, honoring the Marine Corps on its birthday. November 10, 2007 was the Marine Corps' 232nd birthday.
Hosted House Armed Service Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (MO-04) on Saturday at the U.S. Joint Forces Command Joint (JFCOM) Warfighting Center in Suffolk, VA. As part of his responsibilities as Chairman, Rep. Skelton frequently makes visits to military bases in the United States and around the world. The visit was in response to an invitation by Congressman Forbes to see what capabilities JFCOM provides for our nation’s military. To learn more about Chairman Skelton's tour at JFCOM, click here.
Participated in negotiations on the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Act. The House and Senate are entering conference negotiations to reconcile the differences between the defense authorization bill passed in each chamber of Congress. On Tuesday, October 23, 2007, Congressman Forbes participated in a conferee meeting related to military readiness issues, which include training, logistics, and maintenance issues. On Thursday, October 25, 2007, Congressman Forbes participated in a meeting on seapower issues. Once an agreement on a joint bill is reached, both the House and the Senate will vote on the legislation and, if passed in both chambers, the bill will be sent to the President for his signature.
Authored a letter to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees urging their support for the Global Combat Support Systems, Army (GCSS-A). The program is an essential component of the Army’s Single Automated Logistics Enterprise effort to bring its logistics efforts into the 21st century and will improve coordination between other Army and Joint Command control systems. The GCSS-A was funded at $94.7 million by the House and $59.7 million by the Senate. The GCSS-A is under development in the Fourth Congressional District in Chester, VA.
Voted in favor of H.R. 3087 which would require the President, in coordination with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other senior military leaders, to develop and transmit to Congress an update on contingency planning and strategy for the redeployment of United States Armed Forces in Iraq. The bill received bipartisan support and passed 377-46.
Met with Dr. Charles McQueary, Director of the Operational Test and Evaluation office of the Office of the Secretary of Defense to discuss the use of modeling and simulation in the Defense Department. Dr. McQueary’s office is responsible for providing unbiased assessments of each major weapons system procured by the Defense Department. Dr. McQueary has also been a vocal proponent of ensuring all U.S. warships are tested to counter high-speed, sea-skimming anti-ship missiles believed to be developed by Russia and China. An amendment offered by Rep. Forbes in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act provided funding to accelerate preparing for the threat of the missiles a year earlier than scheduled.
Cosponsored H.R. 826, the State Defense Force Improvement Act. Sponsored by Rep. Joe Wilson, this legislation allows the Secretary of Defense to coordinate homeland security efforts with, and provide assistance to, a state defense force upon request. State Defense Forces are state volunteer units that operate under the authority of the Governor and National Guard, particularly in times of emergency and national disaster.
Cosponsored H.R. 1357, which would mandate that U.S. government pension funds divest of any companies that are invested in Iran’s energy sector. The bill also prohibits any future investment by U.S. government pension funds in companies invested in Iran and expresses the sense of Congress that private pension funds should divest from the companies as well. Additionally, the bill directs the Federal Register to publish a list of all U.S. and foreign entities that have invested more than $20 million in Iran’s energy sector between August 5, 1996 and the date of publication. If Iran ceases support for international terrorism, pension funds can be reinvested in the country.
Attended a joint House Armed Services Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on the war in Iraq with witnesses General David H. Petraeus, Commander, Multinational Forces in Iraq, and Ambassador Ryan Crocker, U.S. Ambassador to Iraq. In their independent testimony, General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker indicated that the security situation on the ground has improved, and that the Iraqis have not achieved political reconciliation on major issues such as oil revenue. In his remarks, General Petraeus recommended removing five of the 20 U.S. brigade combat teams in Iraq by mid 2008. To learn more about the situation in Iraq, read Congressman Forbes' Iraq Primer.
Signed letter to House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee to urge support for $10 million in Title XI Ship Loan Guarantee Programs. These programs provide small and medium sized ship owners with a loan guarantee to allow construction of new ships. These programs are critical because it allows the U.S. to maintain a fleet that can meet the nation’s energy shipping needs and serve as a military auxiliary fleet in times of emergency without relying on foreign ship builders. The program has a 20-to-1 multiplier, which means that for every $1 million spent in the program, $20 million in ship construction is performed in the United States.
Cosponsored H.R. 1084, the Reconstruction and Stabilization Civilian Management Act. This bill would build the capacity of the State Department and other federal agencies to quickly deploy civilian specialists to address the unique needs of a reconstruction operation and serve as counterparts to the military. Specifically, the legislation creates a “Response Readiness Corps” of 250 civilians with expertise in a wide range of skills such as agriculture, engineering, law, and business development, who could quickly deploy to set the ground work for successful stability operations.
Supported H. Res. 605, which honors and supports the goals and ideals of the American Gold Star Mothers Day. Gold Star Mothers are women who have made tremendous sacrifice through the loss a son or daughter who served in the Armed Forces. The Gold Star Mothers organization was charted by the United States Congress on June 12, 1984 for the purpose of assisting the veterans and dependents of World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and other conflicts. This resolution requests the President to ask the people of the United States to observe Gold Star Mothers Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities on September 30th. To read Congressman Forbes' column on Gold Star Mother's Day, click here.
Supported H.R. 3625, a bill that permanently extends the HEROES Act of 2003. The HEROES Act ensures that service members who are receiving Federal student aid are not adversely affected because of their military status. The legislation also minimizes the administrative burden placed on members of the armed forces. Specifically, this legislation allows service members to defer Federal aid repayment while serving during a war or national emergency.
Attended the House Armed Services Committee hearing on the U.S. Army’s Strategic Imperatives on Wednesday, September 26, 2007. The hearing featured Secretary of the Army Pete Geren and Chief of Staff of the Army General George Casey. The witnesses outlined the Army’s plan to restore a more sustainable deployment cycle for soldiers, expand assistance for veterans and soldiers’ families, and discussed the Army's long-term plan to address reorganizing and upgrading Army vehicles and equipment.
Cosponsored H.R. 3558, the Military Eye Trauma Act of 2007, which would create a Center of Excellence within the Department of Defense (DOD) devoted to the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment and rehabilitation of military eye injuries. The Center of Excellence would be required to develop a “Military Eye Injury Registry,” containing up-to-date information on the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up for each serious eye injury received by any member of the armed forces. The legislation also requires a joint DOD-VA program for service members and veterans affected by visual dysfunction related to Traumatic Brain Injury.
Cosponsored H.R. 2247, the Montgomery G.I. Bill for Life Act, which repeals the 14-year limit on the use of the benefits by members of the Selected Reserve, and the 10-year limit on the use of benefits by members of the Ready Reserve who are separated due to disability after supporting contingency and certain other operations.
Cosponsored H.R. 2799, the Quadrennial Foreign Affairs Review Act, which requires the State Department to review the diplomatic structure and strategy of the Department of State and its related activities. A similar review is required each year in the Department of Defense.
Joined the Rotorcraft Caucus, which aims to promote helicopter safety and seeks ways to improve rotorcraft technology to meet emerging needs such as homeland security and emergency response. The Caucus is chaired by Congresswoman Kay Granger and Congressman Joe Sestak.
Attended a classified House Armed Service Committee briefing on nuclear weapons control by the U.S. Air Force. The briefing was given following an incident in August when a B-52 bomber flew from Minot AFB, North Dakota to Barksdale AFB, Louisiana with nuclear weapons aboard.
Supported H.Res. 604, which expresses the nation's sincerest appreciation and gratitude for the service of the members of the 303rd Bombardment Group (Heavy) upon the occasion of the final reunion of the 303rd Bomb Group (H) Association. Congressman Forbes is a cosponsor of this legislation.
Supported H.Res. 326, which commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The measure also honors the more than 58,000 Americans who lost their lives in that conflict, and recognizes the service and sacrifice of the more than three million men who served in Southeast Asia.
Questioned Comptroller General David Walker during a House Armed Services Committee hearing about the GAO’s assessment of progress in Iraq. The GAO, or Government Accountability Office, is an independent investigating arm of Congress. Mr. Walker testified that the GAO concluded that as of August 1, 2007, the Iraqi government had fully met 3 of 18 benchmarks, and partially met 4 others. Congressman Forbes asked Mr. Walker 1) who had the best information on the situation in Iraq and 2) whether he would have chosen the same 18 benchmarks to fully evaluate the situation in Iraq. Mr. Walker testified that Gen. Petreaus, the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, would have more information to conditions on the ground with regard to the military, and that if given a clean sheet, he would not have selected those particular benchmarks to assess the situation.
Submitted Questions for the Record for witnesses testifying before a House Armed Services Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing about the way forward in Iraq. The joint hearing, which consisted of 107 Members, or nearly a quarter of the whole House of Representatives, included testimony from Gen. Jack Keane, former Army Vice Chief of Staff, the Hon. William Perry, former Secretary of Defense, and Gen. John Batiste, a retired general who previously commanded the 1st Infantry Division in Iraq.
Voted for and praised the final passage of H. Con. Res. 181, which recognizes and commends all volunteers who provide support to the families and children of members of the Armed Forces who are deployed in service to the United States. Congressman Forbes was an original cosponsor of this legislation.
Cosponsored H. Res. 604, which expresses the nation's sincerest appreciation and thanks for the service of the members of the 303rd Bombardment Group (Heavy) upon the occasion of the final reunion of the 303rd Bomb Group (H) Association. The 303rd Bombardment Group (H), "Hell's Angels," included nearly 5,000 listed as missing in action during its 364 combat missions during World War II. The 303rd Bomb Group (H) Association's final reunion will be held in Washington, DC in September 2007.
Cosponsored H.R. 23, a Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II, which would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly benefit of $1,000 to certain honorably-discharged veterans of the U.S. Merchant Marine, or their survivors, who served between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946. Attended
Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus breakfast on Thursday, July 19th with members of the House Armed Services Seapower Committee. The breakfast provided an opportunity for Members of Congress to interact with shipbuilding suppliers and discuss ongoing issues and solutions to ensure the long-term domestic capability to build naval vessels for the United States.
Joined other members of the Virginia Congressional delegation in pushing a review of the hyperbaric chambers at Portsmouth Naval Medical Hospital. Following questioning from the Virginia delegation, the Secretary of the Navy will decide whether or not to move forward on a decision to complete construction of two unused hyperbaric chambers at Portsmouth Naval Medical Hospital. The Navy Medicine Division is recommending that the chambers not be completed after three private hospitals in the region developed the hyperbaric chamber capability before the Navy completed its chambers.
Submitted Questions for the Record for a witness panel convened before the House Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee on Tuesday, June 26, 2007. The hearing included an update on the Marine Corps's Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) program, which is 300 percent over initial costs estimates, four years behind schedule, and short of meeting operational capabilities. Rep. Forbes included questions to inquire why the contractor was awarded nearly 80% of the possible award incentive fees in spite of the delays and cost overruns. He also asked military officials to explain how the EFV fits into the Navy and Marine Corps's overall strategy and if it is still considered essential. The EFV is a heavy troop transport vehicle designed to float from a ship to shore with a capability to travel well in-land before requiring maintenance.
Joined the Missile Defense Caucus. The Missile Defense Caucus recognizes that rogue states and America's strategic military rivals continue to build faster, longer, and more sophisticated ballistic missiles capable of striking the United States and that our enemies and rivals are exploring space-based technologies to gain a strategic military advantage over the United States. The group, comprised of Members of Congress, believe that American foreign policy should not be constrained by the ballistic missile capabilities of our enemies. The Caucus is committed to providing for the defense of the American people, our warfighters and our national interests by supporting a layered and robust missile defense that utilizes land, air, sea, and space.
Introduced H. Res. 487, a resolution recognizing the contributions of modeling and simulation (M&S) and recognizing M&S as a National Critical Technology. Historically, a National Critical Technology is one that has particular value to the national security of the United States and/or significant economic impact on the country. H. Res. 487 was referred to the House Science Committee, where it passed unanimously by voice vote. It now faces consideration by the full House.
Agreed to cosponsor H.R. 1481, the Military Access to Housing Act, which would treat housing allowance for soldiers similarly to recipients of other government payments such as food stamps and welfare for the purposes of qualification for low income housing.
Questioned senior Defense Department officials at a hearing on security developments relating to China. The House Armed Services Committee held a hearing on Chinese security developments following the recent test of an anti-satellite missile, as well as the release of a report on China's military by the Department of Defense. At the hearing, Congressman Forbes focused particularly on questions concerning Chinese efforts to identify computer and network vulnerabilities.
Hosted a RAND Congressional Briefing on Nuclear Submarine Design. As co-chair of the Congressional Submarine Caucus, Congressman Forbes, along with co-chair Rep. James Langevin (D-RI), hosted a briefing for Members of Congress and their staff to learn how the United States can retain the skilled workforce and capability to design a nuclear submarine. For the first time since the 1954 launch of the USS Nautilus, the first nuclear-powered submarine, a U.S. submarine is not in the design process. To view the RAND report, click here.
Participated in a House Armed Services Committee hearing regarding body armor, to address recent allegations that the Army may not be providing the best armor for our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Committee has asked the Army to conduct an independent test of Dragon Skin and any other producer who believes they can improve the current Interceptor Body Armor used by troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The test is expected to be conducted some time after July.
Voted in favor of H.R. 2446, the Afghanistan Freedom and Security Support Act of 2007, which would provide humanitarian and security assistance to Afghanistan. The measure contains provisions to step up counter-narcotic efforts in response to the expansion of growing poppy fields. In the 2005-2006 season, poppy cultivation in Afghanistan grew by an estimated 59%. Over 500,000 laborers and an unknown number of traffickers, warlords, insurgents and officials also participate in and benefit from the drug trade.
Hosted a Modeling and Simulation (M&S) Caucus Congressional Policy Breakfast which offered Members and staff the opportunity to learn about recent advances in modeling and simulation. The Congressman also highlighted a resolution he plans to introduce with other members of the caucus next week that would recognize M&S as a national critical technology.
Voted in favor of H.R. 2206, the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of 2007, which provides funding for the U.S. military fighting the war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan. Provisions of the legislation include:
- 18 political and security benchmarks for the Iraq government to meet in order to receive economic aid from the United States;
- Funding for new Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles that provide increased protection for soldiers and Marines from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs);
- Funding for the continued implementation of the 2005 round of Base Realignment And Closure (BRAC), including the consolidation of the Army logistics center at Fort Lee; and,
- Increased funding for veterans healthcare facilities and services.
Voted in favor of H.R. 692, the Army Specialist Joseph P. Micks Federal Flag Code Amendment Act of 2007. This legislation would allow state governors to pay tribute to veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation through proclamations directing federal agencies in their respective states to fly the American flag at half-staff upon the death of a member of the Armed Forces who dies while serving on active duty.
Voted in favor of H.R. 1585, the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Act in the House Armed Services Committee Markup. This legislation allows for funding of the Department of Defense (DoD) and the national security programs of the Department of Energy. Additionally, the legislation allows for supplemental funding to support current operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere in the Global War on Terror. Provisions of the legislation impacting the Fourth District of Virginia include:
· The first increment of funding for the next generation of aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford CVN 78;
· The construction of a Virginia class submarine in 2008;
· Authorization for the Secretary of the Navy to enter into contracts for two Virginia class submarines beginning in 2009 and funding for advance components for the two submarines;
· Authorization to build worship facilities at Fort Lee;
· $8.4 billion for all nationwide BRAC projects, including BRAC expansion at Fort Lee;
· More than $6 million in authorization funding for three programs at U.S. Joint Forces Command; and,
· A provision to name the Logistics Automation Training Facility of the Army Quartermaster Center and School at Fort Lee in honor of retired General Richard H. Thompson.
Signed a letter to House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton last week asking him to keep the National Defense Authorization Act free of controversial Iraq War language. In the markup last week, Chairman Skelton followed through on the request. The bill contained no language regarding the withdrawal of troops from Iraq. The letter asked that any provision on the Iraq War be given its own full consideration by the Committee, rather than combining it in the larger bill that provides guidance to the Defense Department on military policy and funding matters.
Voted against H.R. 2082, the Intelligence Authorization Act. Congressman Forbes supports funding for critical intelligence programs, but could not support a bill that cut classified human intelligence programs while including a requirement to do an intelligence study utilizing critical intelligence assets to assess how climate change might affect national security. Reductions in human intelligence programs significantly undercut the specific recommendations of the 9/11 Commission on ways the United States can prevent future attacks.
Voted against H.R. 1684, the Homeland Security Authorization Act. Congressman Forbes could not support the bill because it contained provisions that limit the effectiveness of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including limits on their capability to associate salary and pay to employee performance, which can weaken the Department's ability to effectively retain experienced personnel. It also eliminated a provision that would identify the House Homeland Security Committee as the single point of oversight for DHS, contrary to the 9/11 Commission Report's recommendation that each chamber of Congress maintain a single focal point for Congressional oversight over Homeland Security operations.
Voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Act in a Seapower Subcommittee Markup. This legislation authorizes funding for defense of the United States, including military construction. The bill includes projects with direct impacts in the Fourth District, with funding for a new aircraft carrier and a plan to construct two Virginia Class Submarines. The Tidewater area contains the only U.S. shipyard that can construct a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, and would also be responsible for partial construction of the submarines.
Voted against H.R. 1591, the Conference Report on the Iraq War Supplemental. The legislation failed to provide commanders on the ground with the flexibility they need to lead our troops during this critical phase. Congressman Forbes could not support legislation that crippled military commanders, contained billions in non-war related spending, and forced a date for withdrawal. A conference report is the finalized version of a bill, negotiated by a conference committee comprised of House and Senate members, to resolve differences in their respective versions of legislation that has passed in both chambers.
Announced Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz (TX-27) as the new co-chairman of the Congressional Modeling and Simulation (M&S) Caucus. Congressman Ortiz serves as the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee Chairman and represents a congressional district that has been at the forefront of cutting-edge medical M&S research. For more information on the M&S Caucus, click here.
Cosponsored H.Res. 313, a resolution to recognize Our Military Kids, Inc., for its dedication to children of deployed and severely injured National Guard and Reserve personnel. The mission of Our Military Kids, Inc., a Virginia-based organization, is to ensure that these children can participate in important activities such as athletics, fine arts and mentoring or tutoring programs.
Cosponsored H.Con.Res. 98, a resolution emphasizing the importance of funding for the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) implementation. The resolution asks that important military construction funding not be included in other legislation, which could cause its passage to be delayed.
Welcomed the Joint Forces Command (JFCOM) leadership and its commander, Air Force Gen. Lance Smith, to Capitol Hill at a reception on Wednesday. The event provided an opportunity for the leadership of JFCOM to highlight its capabilities to Members of Congress. JFCOM, located in Norfolk and Suffolk, VA, is responsible for integrating training and equipment across all branches of the military and is a focal point for defense experimentation efforts. JFCOM's training hub, the Joint Warfighting Center in Suffolk, coordinates the military's joint training, largely through the use of modeling and simulation efforts.
Attended a hearing of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee regarding the 2008 National Defense Authorization budget requests for military construction, family housing, base closures and facility operations and maintenance. The hearing included testimony from the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Department of Defense. Congressman Forbes raised his concerns to Army officials on the recent cuts to military construction budgets and their effects on the implementation of the Base Realignment and Closure decision from 2005 and the expansion of Fort Lee.
Voted in favor of H.R. 1538, the Wounded Warrior Assistance Act, during a mark-up in the House Armed Services Committee last week. This legislation would ensure that soldiers receive adequate care and would improve the oversight of facilities, procedures and outpatient care services. This legislation came in response to the conditions uncovered at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in February 2007. The bill will now go before the full House of Representatives for passage.
Voted against H.R. 1591, the Iraq War Supplemental legislation. Although the legislation included positive and productive provisions, such as benchmarks for the Iraqis, funds to refurbish military equipment, and additional funding for ongoing deployments, Congressman Forbes could not support a bill that simultaneously contained language that cripples military leaders, sets a hard deadline for troop withdrawal and spends billions in non-emergency, non-war related funding.
Participated in a House Armed Services Committee hearing to discuss the defense budget request from Joint Forces Command (JFCOM), which is based in Norfolk and Suffolk. JFCOM commander General Lance Smith testified on the Fiscal Year 2008 budget request for the command. Congressman Forbes' questions focused on the impact of budget cuts to JFCOM from last year. JFCOM oversees over 1.1 million service members and is charged with ensuring the various military services work together.
Spoke at the Second Annual Modeling and Simulation (M&S) Summit in Chesapeake, Virginia. At the summit, Congressman Forbes, Chairman of the Modeling and Simulation Caucus, announced the development of a resolution of Congress to highlight the importance of modeling and simulation to national security and also led a panel discussion with fellow M&S Caucus members. The annual event brought M&S leaders from government, industry and academia for a rare discussion on issues and advancements in the M&S community, and how to enhance the ability of lawmakers and industry leaders to deliver advanced M&S technologies into the hands of the users - soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines on the front lines in the War on Terror.
- Read an article by Joint Forces Command on the Summit by clicking here.
- Listen to the podcast with audio from Congressman Forbes and Mr. David,
Executive Director, Joint Futures Laboratory at Joint Forces Command.
Attended the annual Submarine Base Industrial Council breakfast on Capitol Hill. Congressman Forbes addressed the gathering as the newly appointed Co-Chairman of the Congressional Submarine Caucus, with his Co-Chairman, Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI).
Encouraged the leadership of the Navy at a House Armed Services Committee hearing to examine the various unconventional threats for which the U.S. must be prepared. Congressman Forbes asked each witness, which included the Secretary of the Navy, Chief of Naval Operations, and the Commandant of the Marine Corps, whether they felt the proposed budget for next year included all the funds needed to protect our country against threats.
Joined four members of the Virginia Congressional delegation in sending a letter to the Secretary of the Navy to inquire about the cost of the transfer of a Norfolk aircraft carrier to Florida, rather than remaining at the existing port in Norfolk.
Cosponsored H.R. 511, which states that Congress will not cut off or restrict funding for units and members of the Armed Forces deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
Hosted the nation's top Marine at a Navy Marine Corps Caucus breakfast. General James T. Conaway, Commandant of the Marine Corps, addressed a range of topics, including new types of combat-ready vehicles being deployed to Iraq, the quality and retention of American troops and the quality of care for Marines returning from combat.Expressed opposition in a speech on the House Floor to H. Con. Res 63. To view Congressman Forbes' speech, click here.
Cosponsored H.R. 579, legislation that would prohibit the Department of Defense from raising TRICARE fees for active duty or retired military personnel. TRICARE is the health insurance plan for active duty and retired military personnel. This bill was introduced in response to proposals from the Pentagon which would raise the premiums and co-payments for military members.
Met with Virginia representatives from the Reserve Officer Association. Among the topics discussed at the meeting were the importance of replacing and refurbishing damaged equipment used in the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the closure of health care gaps for our citizen-soldiers and the proposed adjustments to retirement for reservists.
Announced co-chairmanship of the Congressional Submarine Caucus at a speech before the Navy Submarine League on January 31. The Submarine Caucus educates and coordinates its members to advance legislation that relates to the Navy's fleet of 70 submarines. During his speech, Congressman Forbes urged the more than 100 attendees to join him in ensuring that the United States has a strong Navy, particularly in light of recent Chinese developments such as the testing of an anti-satellite weapon and the surfacing of a Chinese submarine within attack range of a U.S. aircraft carrier. Rep. Forbes said, "The price to protect freedom is high, and we must never expect or feel entitled to freedom without responsibility. Rather, we must roll up our sleeves, put our profits, egos, and special interests aside, and ensure that we put the national security of our country first."
Cosponsored H.R. 22, a bill that would fund military construction such as Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) projects at the full amounts as passed by the House and Senate in 2006. Because the House and Senate did not complete work on all of the fiscal year 2007 appropriations bills before the end of the 109th Congress, nearly $6 billion of our nation's military construction projects, including projects at Fort Lee, cannot go forward until H.R. 22 or another bill funds the projects at the FY2007 authorized levels.
Participated in a House Armed Services Committee hearing on the effect the war in Iraq has on the readiness of our Army and Marine Corps. Congressman Forbes specifically asked the top uniformed officer of both the Army, Gen. Schoomaker, and the Marine Corps, Gen. Conway, what effect the war was having on our country's ability to deter threats and attacks from other parts of the world. Click here for the House Armed Services website.
Pressed Administration officials and defense experts to be candid with the American people as the examination of President Bush's new proposed way forward in Iraq continues.
At a full hearing of the House Armed Services Committee, panel witnesses confirmed that several points raised by Congressman Forbes must be addressed. While under questioning by Mr. Forbes, Dr. William Perry, a member of the Iraq Study Group, admitted that immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops would have disastrous consequences and would most likely require the return of U.S. troops at a later date.
In separate hearings, Congressman Forbes questioned Gen. Peter Pace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Dr. Frederick Kagan, who is regarded as the intellectual architect of the President's plan, as to whether the new troop levels proposed by the President are in line with the ratios that led to successful counter-insurgency efforts in the past.
Expressed opposition in a speech on the House Floor to H. Con. Res 63. To view Congressman Forbes' speech, click here.
Penned an editorial in the Richmond Times-Dispatch in response to the President's new strategy, insisting that Iraqis must decide to defend their own nation. Congressman Forbes articulated that our nation's citizens, leaders and decision makers must come together and look at the facts on the ground as to what will lead to victory in Iraq.
Introduced H.R. 1206, legislation to name the Logistics Automation Training Facility of the Army Quartermaster Center and School at Fort Lee in honor of retired General Richard H. Thompson. General Thompson is the only Quartermaster officer in history to rise from the rank of private to full General and is recognized as the leader of the modernization of the Army's logistics system. Read more about General Thompson and this legislation here.
Attended an informal breakfast with Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winters. Discussion included the Navy's shipbuilding plan for 2008 and the developments in China regarding their plans to construct an aircraft carrier and their recent action of shooting down a satellite orbiting in space.
Supported an increase in Iraqi battalions. Congressman Forbes joined several House Republicans in sending a letter to President Bush urging him to ensure that the more than 20 Iraqi battalions currently in peaceful areas of the country are sent to Baghdad to stop the sectarian violence there.
Reappointed to the House Armed Service Committee. Congressman Forbes will serve on the Readiness and the Seapower and Expeditionary Forces subcommittees.
Working to continue and expand the Modeling & Simulation Caucus for the 110th Congress. As Founder and Chairman of the Caucus, Congressman Forbes continues to be Capitol Hill's leading advocate for implementing modeling and simulation technologies.
