The venerable soldier, statesman, and Virginian, General George C. Marshall once noted, "In a democracy such as ours, military policy is dependent on public opinion." The Senate Committee on Armed Services is one of our nation's important congressional forums for ensuring that national security objectives and policy are guided by the priorities, concerns, and interests of the American people.
I am privileged to have been a member of the Armed Services Committee every year since first being elected in 1978. Currently, there are 24 Senators on the committee, and I serve as Chairman. Throughout my years of service, the committee has addressed the most critical fundamental security issues facing the nation, including: the revitalization of the armed forces under President Reagan; the restructuring of the military following our success in the Cold War; the review and implementation of the lessons learned from recent military operations, and; the countering of emerging threats from foreign nations and terrorist groups.
As Chairman of the Armed Services Committee during the 106th Congress, I was pleased that the committee provided critical support to the military services, the men and women in uniform, their dependents, and military retirees. In 1999, the committee provided the first real increase in spending for national security priorities in over a decade, including the first major increase in compensation for military personnel in 16 years. The following year, the committee authorized extensive improvements in health care for active duty service members, their dependents and military retirees. This commitment to military personnel continues today. Recently, death gratuity and life insurance benefits available to families whose loved ones gave the ultimate sacrifice in combat were increased to provide up to $500,000 in compensation. As Chairman, I am convinced that it is essential that the men and women of the armed forces not only have better tools and equipment to do their jobs, but also an enhanced quality of life for them and their families.
When considering the many issues before the committee, I do so with an appreciation of the long and distinguished history of support of all Virginians for our armed forces. Today, more than 200,000 members of the military and Defense Department agencies serve in over ninety installations, bases, and facilities throughout the Commonwealth. In addition to the senior civilian and military leadership located at the Pentagon in Arlington, other noteworthy commands include the 29th Infantry Division in Fairfax County, the commander-in-chief of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet in Norfolk, the 1st Tactical Fighter Wing in Hampton, the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, and the Army Ammunition Plant in Radford.
Today, our nation faces new threats and challenges. Through my work on the Armed Services Committee, my admiration and respect for our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines has grown unabated over the years. With every confidence, I can report to my fellow Virginians and Americans that our military is indeed, "Manned and Ready."
Updated: July, 2006
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