Mark continues to be a strong advocate and supporter of all branches of the U.S. military. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Mark has pledged to provide our deployed troops with the resources needed to complete their mission and return home safely. He is committed to modernizing our forces to ensure they are able to transform to meet emerging and divergent threats of the 21st century. Mark voted against using force against Iraq until all peaceful alternatives had been exhausted. With the decision to use force having been made, however, Mark continues to be a vocal participant in Congressional efforts to provide our Armed Forces with the resources to secure decisive, meaningful victories in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Since being elected, Mark has fought hard to recognize the contributions to our national defense by the people, companies, and patriotic spirit of Minnesota. In light of the President's decision to cancel the U.S. Army's Crusader advanced artillery program in 2002, Mark fought tenaciously to ensure that the Army's Non-Line of Sight Cannon requirements remained a critical priority for the Army. Importantly, Mark helped secure $368.5 million for a replacement cannon and resupply vehicle program to be fielded by the year 2008. The Minneapolis-led team is now working on this replacement contract.
Mark has been widely credited for raising the visibility of Duluth's 148th Fighter Wing and for fighting to make certain its aircraft and facilities remain technologically advanced and ready to maintain its strong viability for future mission requirements. Most recently, Mark was instrumental in securing over $415 million for defense-related projects that will be performed in Minnesota in fiscal year 2005. Mark sees his role on the Senate Armed Services Committee as one of the most important contributions he can make to the interests of Minnesota and to the brave men and women of our Armed Forces. He will continue to provide for the needs of America's troops and for the families they must often leave behind during the nation's calls to service. He will continue to bring defense dollars back to Minnesota-based projects and programs – and each, in turn, will play a key role in America's military capability and the readiness of our service members.
Mark strongly favors giving American companies priority for contracts with the Department of Defense. He has repeatedly offered amendments to the National Defense Authorization bill in this regard. Mark also takes a strong stand on accountability from the Department of Defense regarding its spending. The Senate recently passed legislation authored by Mark that would require the Department of Defense to provide quarterly, public reports on how many millions of taxpayer dollars are being spent on military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and any other future operations that may be designated as part of the global war on terrorism.
Mark is dedicated to helping the men and women in uniform who make it possible for the rest of Americans to enjoy freedom and security here at home. Mark recently played an integral role in the successful fight to expand health care benefits for members of the military's reserve components and their families under the Department of Defense's TRICARE system. Further, President Bush recently signed legislation coauthored by Dayton and Senator Norm Coleman which requires by law that the Department of Defense must fully reimburse members of the U.S. Armed Forces for domestic travel costs while on rest and recuperation leave from service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Immediately following the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001, Mark encouraged President Bush to use National Guard troops at airports to provide additional security until a permanent security plan could be put into place. The result was National Guard troops, deployed by Governors throughout the country, protecting airports until a national security strategy was established. Mark also urged the President to arm members of the National Guard who are activated to serve on the nation's border in order to protect themselves and others against harm.
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