The War on Terrorism remains a strong effort to fundamentally change the environment in those regions of the world that has given rise to the fundamentalism that promotes and exports terrorism. I firmly believe this is being accomplished through the introduction of freedom and laying the foundations of stable democracy. This is a large and difficult task, and there is no denying that we have suffered setbacks. But we must not lose sight of the fact that we have also had great successes. Free and democratically elected governments in Afghanistan and Iraq attest to this, and effects from our efforts in these two nations can be seen in changes in Libya, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt and the Palestinian Authority.

With the ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan our men and women in uniform continue to perform their duties in an outstanding and honorable manner. We need to ensure that the defense budget is sufficient to keep them well equipped and well trained. The Fiscal Year 2006 Department of Defense Appropriations Act provides $453.28 billion for the Department of Defense. This is an increase of $12.3 billion over the previous year and is a solid commitment to our national security and our men and women in uniform. Funding includes $50 billion in additional appropriations for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, of which $1 billion is for National Guard and Reserve equipment. Additionally, Congress agreed to $198.3 million in funding for Veterans Affairs Medical Services.

Additionally, the President recently signed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006. Our troops will benefit from a 3.1 percent across-the-board pay raise and quality of life initiatives such as improved housing and recruitment incentives to help with personnel shortfalls. Additionally, the bill authorizes funding for the latest state of the art weapons, equipment and supplies. This includes $440 million for additional up-armored vehicles and $114.7 million for enhanced body armor. This bill also expands and improves health care coverage for certain members of the Selected Reserve and expands coverage under TRICARE Prime. I believe support for our troops comes in giving them all of the tools they need to win the war.

The Wyoming National Guard continues to play a very active role in the War on Terrorism. With deployment levels high in both the Army and Air Guard, we need to continue to provide support to these folks and their families. I am very proud of them and thankful for their sacrifices in these tough times.

F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne continues to serve admirably in its nuclear deterrent role. Together, with base and community leaders, we are continually searching for new missions that F.E. Warren can fill in our national defense posture. In the 108th Congress, the Wyoming Congressional Delegation was successful in securing a military construction authorization and appropriation for a new storm water drainage system on the base.

I am pleased to be very involved with the National Unmanned Systems Experimental Environment (NUSE2) initiative. In conjunction with the Wyoming National Guard, University of Wyoming, and the Department of Defense Joint Robotics Program, the NUSE2 project will utilize cutting edge research currently being done at UW with top notch training facilities and personnel at Camp Guernsey to develop and test new unmanned vehicle technology for the future. Unmanned vehicles have already saved thousands of lives in the War on Terrorism, and NUSE2 will give our troops more of these valuable tools to help them to accomplish the mission. I was successful in securing $2.8 million dollars for Wyoming’s portion of this valuable program. This money will go toward improvement of existing facilities at Camp Guernsey, as well as research projects at the University of Wyoming.

In the post 9-11 world, we must always have a strong military force that can adapt to the challenges that face us and defend the freedom, security and prosperity of the American people.