|
May 09, 2002 Harman Votes For Stronger, Smarter Defense-- “This bill is good for the nation’s defense,
good for our homeland defense, WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Harman today voted for the Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes $383 billion for national defense. Harman said the bill - which passed - will help ensure a strong national defense. Harman, a strong advocate for defense transformation and a high-tech military capability, stated, “Our nation faces a new challenge. While our military forces will be called to win wars overseas, the nation must also wage a war at home. This is not a war we can win solely with artillery, ships or uniformed troops. It is a war of intelligence, of technology, and of wills.” Harman pointed out that “many of the weapons systems critical to our nation’s defense that are included in the bill are built by skilled workers in the South Bay.” The bill authorizes $562.3 million for the Global Hawk uninhabited air vehicle, $3.4 billion for the Joint Strike Fighter - the high-tech, multi-role fighter of the future, and $5.2 billion for the F-22 Raptor - the Air Force’s next-generation air dominance fighter. These vital programs are all based in the South Bay and employ hundreds of South Bay workers Other major programs produced in Southern California are the C-17 transport plane, built in Long Beach, and the next generation of the F-18 fighter aircraft, built in El Segundo. Harman said, “The bill before us today also takes a step in the right direction by transforming the military into a truly modern fighting force. The authorization of programs to protect the homeland shows an understanding of the threats we now face. The authorization of uninhabited vehicles, of stealthy aircraft, and improved communications and sensors embraces new technologies key to winning the wars of the 21st century.” “This bill is good for the nation’s defense, good for our homeland defense, and good for the South Bay,” said Harman. ### Related Link: U.S. House Armed Services Committee
Home | Lobby | Congresswoman Harman's Office | Press | Issues | Casework | District Office | Library | Webmaster | Privacy Policy | Contact
|