Rep. Calvert Praises Passage of Defense Spending Bill
Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) joined a bipartisan majority of the House of Representatives in approving the Fiscal Year 2014 Defense Appropriations bill by a vote of 315 to 109. The bill provides the funding necessary to support our military operations and national security agencies. Rep. Calvert is a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.
"One of the highest priorities for Congress, even during difficult budget times, must be to provide our soldiers with the resources they need to protect our nation," said Rep. Calvert. "The Defense Subcommittee has crafted a good bill that gives our soldiers a pay increase and invests in the latest technology that will ensure our military is second to none in the world."
The Defense spending bill contained language, requested by Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42), that requires the Air Force to submit a report on its Reaper UAV placement strategy.
"Once again, I urge the Air Force to prioritize the replacement of MQ-1 Predators with MQ-9 Reapers at installations, like March Air Reserve Base, that already have training schoolhouses," said Rep. Calvert, a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. "I am hopeful that the Air Force's MQ-9 placement strategy recognizes the benefits of the infrastructure and historical knowledge that's already in place at the existing training facilities."
Below is the specific Appropriations bill report language regarding the report requested by Rep. Calvert:
"The Committee directs the Secretary of the Air Force to submit a report to the congressional defense committees with the fiscal year 2015 budget request providing a detailed, location- by-location schedule for the basing of MQ–9 Reapers including, where appropriate, the replacement and planned disposition of MQ–1 Predator aircraft to be replaced by the MQ–9. The report shall also include the criteria by which the Air Force determines the order of priority for MQ–9 beddown locations and the impact that MQ–1/MQ–9 transition will have on existing MQ–1 flying training units."
Currently, the 163d Reconnaissance Wing operates a Predator Formal Training Unit at March Air Reserve Base. The unit's schoolhouse Predators are stored, maintained, launched and recovered at Southern California Logistics Airport (SCLA).
Bill Highlights:
Ongoing Military Operations – The bill contains $85.8 billion for ongoing military operations in Afghanistan. This is a reduction of $1.5 billion compared to the previous year's level, due to the strategic drawdown of forces overseas. This funding will provide the needed resources for our troops in the field, including funding for personnel requirements, operational needs, the purchase of new aircraft to replace combat losses, combat vehicle safety modifications, and maintenance of facilities and equipment.
Military Personnel and Pay – The legislation includes $129.6 billion to provide for 1,361,400 active-duty troops and 833,700 reserves. This funding level is $2.1 billion above the fiscal year 2013 enacted level. The bill fully funds the authorized 1.8 percent pay raise for the military, instead of 1 percent as requested by the President.
Defense Health and Military Family Programs – The bill contains $33.6 billion – $858 million above the fiscal year 2013 enacted level and $519 million above the request – for the Defense Health Program to provide care for our troops, military families, and retirees. Increases above the request include $246 million for cancer research, $225 million for medical facility upgrades, $125 million for traumatic brain injury and psychological health research, and $20 million for suicide prevention outreach programs.
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