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Marty on the Issues |
Defending the Homeland Congressman Marty Meehan is a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) and serves as the Ranking Member of the Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee. He also is a member of the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. The Terrorism Subcommittee has jurisdiction over counter-terrorism and counter-Weapons of Mass Destruction programs at the Department of Defense. In addition, the Subcommittee has oversight and authorizes all defense related information technology, special operations, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Force Protection and related intelligence programs. Overall, the Subcommittee authorizes roughly $36 Billion in defense spending
Meehan has worked to ensure that Massachusetts companies receive their fair share of the defense budget. He has fought for increased funding for grants that help the state's defense contractors convert their weapons-based technology to civilian use. Meehan also has made the redevelopment of the closed Fort Devens military base in his district a top priority. As a result, a federal prison and hospital, job training center and private businesses are now located on the site of the renamed Devens Commerce Center. When home in Massachusetts, Meehan tours companies and meets with business leaders, obtaining the first-hand knowledge necessary to effectively advocate for the needs of defense contractors in his region as they address new and emerging threats, and also transition to a civilian-based economy. |
While making the tough choices necessary to allocate federal resources in a post-Cold War environment, Meehan is committed to a lean yet effective Department of Defense. Meehan recognizes that the best way to ensure that the U.S. military is the finest in the world is to emphasize research and development. He has fought for upgrades in current weapon systems, including the Patriot missile, while also advocating for investment in new technologies. In addition, Meehan has been a strong proponent of dual-use projects.