Strengthening America's Military
As Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I have used my position in Congress to ensure that our men and women in uniform continue receiving the support they need to accomplish their mission.
Congressman Bill Young has always been a staunch supporter of our brave men and women in uniform who are fighting daily in defense of freedom. He has visited our troops in the Middle East and throughout the world, as well as those stationed closer to home. As the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, which is responsible for funding our national defense, he regularly meets with the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and most often with enlisted soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen and Coast Guardsmen to determine funding priorities for the U.S. Armed Forces and improve the quality of life for military families. Read more about Congressman Young's work as Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.
Representing Florida’s 10th District for over 40 years, Congressman Young has worked diligently to see that our men and women in uniform are provided with the best equipment available to perform their vital tasks. Not only have his efforts ensured that the military has access to necessary equipment, many of the awarded defense contracts have benefited the workers and economy of Pinellas County. The defense programs Congressman Young has brought to Pinellas County have created thousands of new jobs here, and have helped create a world-class research and technology sector in the Tampa Bay area.
Congressman Young and his wife, Beverly, have long been active in caring for our wounded service personnel. Several times a week the Young family pays tribute to the sacrifices of our service men and women by visiting the wounded at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC, the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD and our local V.A. hospitals. In addition, Congressman Young assists wounded soldiers and their families however possible to show his appreciation for the bravery and sacrifice of those service members.
Congressman Young proudly stands by all of our service personnel and will continue to support them as they protect our liberty by eliminating terrorism and its sponsors worldwide.
Congressman Young has also been the recipient of various awards throughout his years of public service. In 2009-2010 alone he received the following honors:
- Suncoast Center of St. Petersburg honored Congressman and Mrs. Young as their Family of the Year;
- The American Legion Distinguished Public Service Award
- 11th Theater Aviation Command honored Congressman Young for his efforts to bring a new Army Reserve MEDEVAC unit at the Clearwater Airport.
Finally, while in office Congressman Young has worked tirelessly to enact key legislation to protect and assist our military. Some of these measures from the 112th Congress include:
- H.R. 181, the National Guardsmen and Reservists Parity for Patriots Act;
- H.R. 238, the Military Retiree Health Care Relief Act;
- H.R. 303, the Retired Pay Restoration Act;
- H.R. 687, the Military Spouses Employment Act.
