National Security
From our active-duty troops to our members of the National Guard and the Reserves to our veterans who have served America, my job is to keep our military strong. It's an honor to serve on the House Armed Services Committee, where we work on issues involving our national security. I'm the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces which oversees the country’s strategic weapons, ballistic missile defense, space programs and Department of Energy national security efforts.
I believe that a world without nuclear weapons is safer for everyone. However, we cannot underestimate the importance of the nuclear triad in preventing conflicts. Nuclear deterrence has been and will continue to be critical to securing the U.S. from a nuclear attack. While upgrading our aging nuclear arsenal with safer technologies will ensure better accuracy and reliability, the endeavor will not be cheap. Congress must prioritize and plan for an affordable, yet strong and effective nuclear deterrent.
We must ensure that our Armed Forces remain the finest in the world. It's important to keep in mind that the Pentagon already faces more cuts than any other federal agency or program. If Congress will not replace these cuts, we must at least give the Pentagon the flexibility to manage these cuts responsibly and lessen the impact on our national security. That's why I joined with then-House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan (WI-1) to introduce the Defense Flexibility Act.
The military tradition in the Volunteer State is strong, and I have the utmost respect for our brave, all-volunteer force. Providing for our servicemembers and their families is extremely important, and I will continue to support legislation that maintains their readiness and health. Rooted in a constitutional oath of service, our military’s traditions, ideals and values have built a diverse American institution. I will do my best to ensure that it remains adaptable for the 21st century.
"Our military deserves better."
Overview
From our active duty troops and Members of the Guard and Reserve to the veterans who have served our nation, my job is to support our Armed Services and keep our military strong. It's an honor to serve on the House Armed Services Committee and work on issues involving our national security. I'm currently the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces which oversees our nation's strategic weapons, ballistic missile defense, space programs, and Department of Energy national security programs.
We must ensure that our Armed Forces remain one of the finest militaries in the world, while making strategic reductions in defense spending that will not jeopardize our nation's security. I've worked on defense acquisition reform for years and even authored a report in 2009 about this issue. I have voted to strip funding for projects like the F-35 alternate jet engine and the V-22 Osprey that the Defense Department didn't want.
It's important to keep in mind that the Pentagon already faces more cuts than any other federal agency or program. It must shoulder half of the entire cuts from sequestration, plus another $500 billion in already scheduled cuts. If Congress does not replace these cuts, we must at least give the Pentagon the flexibilty to manage these cuts responsibly and lessen the impact on national security. That's why I joined with House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan (WI-1) to introduce the Defense Flexibility Act.
Links & Additional Information
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House Armed Services Committee
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The National Security Council
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More on National Security
NASHVILLE – The office of U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) is hosting an information session tomorrow morning for area middle and high school students interested in America’s service academies.
Rep. Cooper’s annual Academy Day event is designed to connect prospective students and their families with educational opportunities at the service academies.
Representatives from the following will be in attendance:
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today released the following statement after the mass shooting in Orlando:
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today spoke out against remarks made by several Tennessee state legislators regarding refugees.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) this week cosponsored a resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the victims of the Chattanooga attacks deserve to be awarded the Purple Heart.
On July 16, four Marines – Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan; Staff Sgt. David Wyatt; Sgt. Carson A. Holmquist; and Lance Cpl. Squire Wells – and Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall Smith were killed by a gunman in Chattanooga.
“These heroes made the ultimate sacrifice,” Cooper said. “It’s important we honor them.”
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today announced his appointment to three subcommittees within the House Armed Services Committee (HASC).
“America has the finest military in the history of the world, and it’s the first duty of government to keep it that way,” Cooper said. “It’s an honor to work on the Armed Services committee and focus on issues involving strategic weapons, counterterrorism and oversight.”
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper today voted against legislation that would extend resources to forces in Syria. A member of the House Armed Services Committee, Cooper entered a statement into the Congressional Record.
In the statement, Cooper outlined seven reasons for his vote.
Mr. Chairman, I rise to oppose the Amendment to H.J. Res. 124, the Continuing Resolution, that supports training and equipping the so-called Syrian Opposition.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper announced this week that a major provision of his NSA Internal Watchdog Act is set to become law.
The provision corrects a longtime problem with the National Security Agency’s bureaucracy. It replaces the agency’s weak, staff-level inspector general with an independent, Senate-confirmed watchdog.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper on Wednesday hailed the news that a celebrated Nashville-based health care leader was appointed as a Senior Advisor to U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Acting Secretary Sloan Gibson.
Dr. Jonathan Perlin is Chief Medical Officer and President of Clinical Services for Hospital Corporation of America (HCA). He provides leadership for clinical services and improving performance at the company’s 162 hospitals, as well as more than 800 outpatient centers and physician practices.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper spoke at a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee on the transfer of five senior Taliban detainees.
In his remarks at the hearing, Cooper called on his colleagues to act civilly and allow justice to take its course.
COOPER:
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
And thanks to our distinguished witnesses.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the bipartisan Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2014 and 2015. This authorizes funding for the 16 components of the Intelligence Community and for national security programs. The Intelligence Authorization Act includes a provision authored by Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-5). Cooper worked to include a version of his NSA Internal Watchdog Act in the bill.