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Every day, I am inspired by the unwavering will and determination of our fighting men and women who serve with valor in Iraq, Afghanistan, and throughout the world in the Global War on Terror. Their commitment to serving our country represents the very best America has to offer and we owe them our debt of gratitude.
As a member of the House Committee on Armed Services, my number one priority is ensuring our men and women in uniform have the equipment, weapons and training they need to complete their missions. We should treat every soldier as if they were our own son or daughter. Providing them with anything less than our full support is unacceptable to me.
Essential to providing a strong national defense is a fully modernized military. I am proud of the vital contribution the 8th Congressional District makes to our national defense through technological innovation at Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center in Martin County. Crane's support for the Navy and Army electronic warfare components is essential to our military effectiveness.
The 8th Congressional District can also be proud of the Newport Chemical Agent Disposal Facility and its important work to neutralize VX nerve agent, as well as the Crane Army Ammunition Activity supplying essential weapons for our troops in harms way.
Iraq
Our fighting men and women in Iraq have performed with tactical precision that has brought about real security gains in regions of Iraq. But a lasting peace in Iraq will require the Iraqis to stand up, lay down their arms against each other, and form a functional government. This is, after all, their country. It will require Iraqi politicians, tribal leaders, and everyday citizens choosing reconciliation over violence. I have been extremely disappointed by the lack of progress in this area. Our troops have fought to create the security necessary for reconciliation, but the Iraqi politicians have failed to show urgency or to act.
In Congress, the great challenges present in Iraq require members from both parties and the President to work together to bring this war to a successful conclusion. We all want our fighting men and women to have the best equipment, weapons, and training they need to execute their missions and return home safely as soon as possible.
There's no question, we face big challenges in Iraq. But the bottom line is we are stronger when we face them together.
National Guard Readiness
The 8th Congressional District is home to the brave men and women of the 163rd Field Artillery Regiment based in Evansville, the 152nd Infantry Division in Vincennes, and the 181st Fighter Wing of the Indiana Air Guard at Hulman Field in Terre Haute.
When called upon to serve our country at home or abroad, our National Guard and Reserve have time and time again answered the call with valor. I attended the Indiana National Guard send off on January 2, 2008 at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, and I couldn't be more proud of the 3,400 soldiers of the 76th Infantry Brigade for their service in Iraq.
During the first session of Congress, my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee and I worked hard to address the readiness concerns of our National Guard and Reserve. It is imperative that all of our fighting men and women have everything they need. That's why I was proud to support the National Defense Authorization Act, H.R. 1585, which authorized $980 million for crucial equipment for our National Guard and Reserve units. This bill also fully recognized the vital importance of our National Guard to America's national security by including key provisions of the National Guard Empowerment Act. Specifically, a fourth star for the Chief of the National Guard Bureau was authorized and at least one deputy of Northern Command is required to be a National Guard Officer.
National Guard units across the nation are playing a vital role in the security of our country; not only serving valiantly in Iraq and Afghanistan, but also responding to national crisis and natural disaster at home. However, their ability to respond to tomorrow's crisis depends on the steps we take today. Congress must continue to support our National Guard and Reserve troops by enacting the Defense Authorization bill.
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On The Issues 
