This week, the House will take up and is expected to pass the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 Defense appropriations bill. This bill funds all Department of Defense (DoD) activities, US intelligence operations and the Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) account.    

Most importantly, by passing this bill we begin to reverse the disastrous Obama administration’s cuts to our national defense.  

From the years 2011-2014 the United States cut national security funding by 18.8 percent while Russia and China increased theirs by 30.5 and 29.7 percent respectively. Given world events, and the Director of National Intelligence, James Clapper’s assessment that he could not recall “a more diverse array of challenges and crises”, it is clear that consecutive budget requests from the Obama administration have failed to adequately address our national security needs.

For these reasons, it is important that the President signs the House-passed FY17 defense appropriations bill. This bill recognizes the military’s shortfalls in modernization, and force readiness; it makes targeted investments to ensure that the military has the tools, training and manpower necessary to maintain peace, and if necessary defeat any potential enemy.

The delivery of advanced military equipment is critical as our once strong technological edge is rapidly shrinking. This year’s defense appropriations bill outspends the President’s request by nearly $10 billion to procure new Navy ships, Air Force fighter jets, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, Army helicopters and ground combat systems. These items were identified by each individual service branch as unfunded priorities needed to maintain the most technologically superior military in the world.

Of course, having the right equipment means nothing unless our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines are trained and ready to fight and defend our nation. General Mark Milley, Chief of Staff of the United States Army states “Readiness is number one, and there is no other number one.” Yet today, only one-third of Army brigades are combat ready and the Air Force is the busiest, smallest, oldest and least ready in its history. This bill includes an additional $6.4 billion to fill these stark readiness shortfalls, and $1.6 billion to invest in our infrastructure.

Most importantly, we must always remember that we have an all volunteer military with the greatest fighting force the world has ever known. Last year, I, along with thousands of residents in central Texas were shocked to hear that Fort Hood would be losing 3,350 active duty soldiers as a part of a larger 40,000 Soldier reduction across the Army.  These warriors are our friends and neighbors. We can’t let this stand. I was proud to cosponsor legislation to restore those troop cutswhich is included in this bill. In total, the bill restores 45,000 Active, Guard and Reserve Army Soldiers to our force.

The world is less safe today than it was eight years ago. Countries like Russia and China are seizing the moment, capitalizing on perceived US weakness by expanding their military capabilities and global reach.  Simultaneously, radical Islamic terrorism consumes US forces’ attention; all while this administration reduces our force and its capabilities. 

I have been, and will always remain, an ardent supporter of our Armed Forces and the men and women who train and fight to protect our great nation.  For all the values that we hold so dear, I do not believe there is any alternative than to support those that defend us. At a time of increasing global threats we must reverse the course laid out by President Obama, and restore our military might, upgrade our technology, and invest in our soldiers. This is what the House has done with the defense appropriations bill, and the President should stand up for our military and support this important legislation.

U.S. Rep. Carter represents Texas District 31, which includes Fort Hood, one of the largest military installations in the free world. He serves as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, is on the Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice and Science and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

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