Committee Work: House Armed Service Committee
As Chairman, Congressman Hunter is responsible for overseeing all aspects of national security policy, including the annual $500 billion defense budget.
"Rethinking Force Structure"
Written by Congressman Duncan Hunter
Roll Call Newspaper, May 29, 2003
As the Cold War was ending in 1991, the Administration of George H.W. Bush proposed a major downsizing in our military’s force structure. The so-called “base force” was designed to reflect the interests of a nation at peace, following our victory in the Cold War. Then Defense Secretary Cheney and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Colin Powell, proposed reducing the Army from 18 active and 10 reserve divisions to 12 active, 6 reserve and 2 cadre divisions. The Air Force would fall from 24 active and 11 reserve fighter wings to 15 active and 11 reserve fighter wings. The base force reduced the Navy from 15 aircraft carriers and a total of 546 ships to 12 carriers and 451 ships. In 1990, our defense budget was roughly 5.8% of the Gross National Product (GNP). ...
"An Uphill Climb at Evian"
Written by Congressman Duncan Hunter
The Washington Times, May 22, 2003
Getting rid of weapons of mass destruction is a great idea, embraced by all nations, with one implicit condition: the United States must pay for almost everything. Next week [June 1-3], President Bush travels to the French Alps for three days of talks with leaders of the world’s largest economies and Russia – the G-8. This year’s host, France, suggests focusing the summit on several major themes, including the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction—good advice, but no more than that unless the French president helps to implement already existing agreements within the exclusive club. The group’s principals, the leaders of the world’s wealthiest nations, need a reminder that world-wide nonproliferation projects demand of them real financial contributions, not just idle chatter. ...
"Defense Needs Dollars"
Written by Congressman Duncan Hunter
The Wall St Journal, March 5, 2003
With nearly 250,000 troops deployed in the Gulf, some 16,000 in Afghanistan, and B-1 and B-52 bombers ready to depart for Guam if needed to address the North Korean threat, some in the media still think we spend too much on defense. The headlines are telling: "Largest Defense Increase Since the Reagan Administration," "Massive New Buildup," etc. The casual observer is left with the clear impression that the nation's military is well-funded.
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