Senator Arlen Specter Senator Arlen Specter Senator Arlen Specter Senator Arlen Specter Senator Arlen Specter
Senator Arlen Specter
Senator Arlen Specter Senator Arlen Specter
Senator Arlen Specter
Senator Arlen Specter
Senator Arlen Specter
Senator Arlen Specter
Issues Senator Arlen Specter
Senator Arlen Specter Defense
Senator Arlen Specter
Senator Arlen Specter
DefenseIssuePicture As a senior member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and the Committee on Governmental Affairs, which now has a leading role in the homeland defense mission, I am frequently confronted with the reality of threats to our national security, as well as the importance of maintaining our Nation's readiness. Effectively responding to new and emerging threats requires a strong national defense, especially in light of the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001.

As of October 2003, more than 2,000 members of the Pennsylvania National Guard were on active duty serving in America's War on Terrorism and in other deployments. In recognition of this, I introduced S.Con.Res. 120, a resolution commending the soldiers and airmen of the Pennsylvania National Guard for their exemplary service to the United States. With such a capable all-volunteer force, I do not think that reinstating the military draft is necessary in America today.

During the 108th Congress and beyond, I will work to ensure that the Department of Defense is adequately funded in order to protect American citizens both at home and abroad. Most recently, I worked toward this goal as a Conferee to H.R. 4613, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2005, which provides $416.2 billion for national defense. This bill contains a number of key provisions that I support for service members, including an across-the-board pay raise of 3.5 percent and $126 million in increases in family separation allowances and imminent danger pay for troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Additionally, I supported over $2.3 billion to enhance individual soldier equipment and critical force protection requirements such as up-armored HMMWVs and individual body armor. On July 22, 2004, the Senate passed the Conference Report to H.R. 4613, by a vote of 96 to 0, and President George W. Bush signed the measure into law on August 5, 2004.

I am also closely monitoring the proposed changes to the Department of Defense personnel system. I find it unacceptable for the Department to privatize jobs at Pennsylvania's military installations without congressional oversight and consultation. I do not believe it is appropriate to endanger the employment of the men and women who have served for many years to promote our national interests and preserve our national security, especially at this key time.

On March 3, 2003, I announced the formation of the Senate Caucus on Military Depots, Arsenals, and Ammunition Plants to advocate and educate others of the vital role these assets play in our Nation's military readiness. This caucus will help ensure that issues such as privatization and base closures receive proper Congressional oversight. Please be assured that as Chairman of the Senate Caucus on Military Depots, Arsenals, and Ammunition Plants, I will continue to oppose any inappropriate Department of Defense privatization efforts and base closures that may imperil military installations in the Commonwealth and the livelihoods of so many Pennsylvanians.

Senator Arlen Specter
Senator Arlen Specter
Senator Arlen Specter
Defense Press Releases
Senator Arlen Specter Sep. 30 - Senator Arlen Specter, a senior member of the Senate Appropriat...
Senator Arlen Specter Sep. 30 - Senator Arlen Specter, a senior member of the Senate Appropriat...
Senator Arlen Specter Sep. 30 - Senator Arlen Specter, a senior member of the Senate Appropriat...
Senator Arlen Specter Sep. 09 - Senator Rick Santorum, Chairman of the Senate Republican Confer...
Senator Arlen Specter Aug. 24 - Senator Arlen Specter, the Senior Senator from Pennsylvania, is...
Defense Articles
Senator Arlen Specter Jan. 14 - As the United States inches closer to a possible war with Iraq, members of the P...
Senator Arlen Specter
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Senator Arlen Specter
Senator Arlen Specter
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Senator Arlen Specter
Senator Arlen Specter
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