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Defense Issues
Northern Virginia’s Leader on Defense Appropriations · During his tenure in Congress, Representative Moran has established himself as a staunch internationalist, a free-trader, proponent of a strong national defense, and an ardent supporter of international human rights. Congressman Moran has been a vocal critic of the Bush Administration's consistent failure to obtain international support for U.S. policies. Moran believes the Administration's unilateralist tendencies have alienated our closest allies, created resentment over our policies, and damaged our credibility as a benevolent world leader. Moran supports working with our allies and international institutions to bring about economic interdependence, strengthen the rule of law, and promote the establishment of pluralistic governments. · As a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, Congressman Moran has consistently supported investments in our national defense, recognizing that our domestic and economic security also depend on a strong national security posture. Through this seat, he has fought to ensure that our government and military personnel, as well as local emergency responders, are equipped with the best technologies available to meet the challenges of a post-9/11 world that is increasingly affected by terrorism, regional hostilities, ethnic conflicts, chemical and biological warfare, international drug trade and cyber-security threats. · Representing one of the country’s leading areas for developing technologies used by the Defense Department, Congressman Moran has effectively steered billions of dollars in R&D funding to Northern Virginia. His efforts have helped to create new jobs and economic growth that have fueled the local economy and kept unemployment to less than three percent. · Congressman Moran has also worked with his colleagues on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee to help secure more than $7 billion for the TRICARE for Life health care program for Medicare-eligible military retirees. In addition, he has supported billions of dollars in the defense budget that go toward medical research, including research into breast cancer, prostate cancer and ovarian cancer.
· In 2002, Moran voted against the resolution authorizing the use of force in Iraq, due to the preemptive nature of military action, lack of support by our closest allies, and the Administration's failure to provide a plan for post-war Iraq. Moran authored the alternative resolution with Representative Spratt which required that the President seek U.N. Security Council approval or separate congressional authority before committing U.S. troops to war in Iraq. This would have ensured that international weapons inspectors were given more time to find weapons of mass destruction and that a multilateral approach rather, than a unilateral action, was the first step taken. · As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Representative Moran was critical of the Bush Administration's $87 billion emergency supplemental appropriations request for the military and reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. A strong supporter of the men and women in the armed forces, Rep. Moran opposed the Administration's lack of funding for clean water, adequate body armor, and explosive jamming devices for troops stationed in Iraq. While recognizing the importance of reconstruction funds to secure the peace in Iraq and Afghanistan, Moran believes the Administration must encourage international allies to contribute to the reconstruction efforts so that the entire burden does not rest on the shoulders of the American taxpayers.
· Working closely with local leaders and the Washington-area delegation, Representative Moran has ensured that Northern Virginia receives proper resources and funds needed to secure the region and make it more prepared for potential security threats. Following 9/11, Moran worked with his colleagues to include more than $100 million in emergency appropriations for security enhancements and emergency response upgrades for the region’s police and fire departments, airports and public transit system. · The attacks of September 11th highlight the unique threat facing constituents of the Eighth district as well as the critical vulnerabilities of its strategic location. At hearings before the House Committee on Government Reform, Moran has pressed for more federal oversight and coordination with state and local officials to deal with regional emergencies and eliminate critical security gaps.
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