Defense and National Security
"Providing for the common defense is one of the fundamental duties of the Congress spelled out in the Constitution. I’m proud to represent two distinguished military installations in Maxwell Air Force Base and Fort Rucker. During our work on this year’s NDAA, I have been mindful of the important role these and other installations around the world play in ensuring the security of this great nation.” - Rep. Roby after the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act on June 14, 2013.
“Very few Americans have a clue about what happens here (on Fort Rucker). ... There’s a lot of detailed things that they learn here and when we talk about (cuts for) the military, those are the types of things that we have to make sure we protect. …,” – the Dothan Eagle quotes House Armed Services (HASC) Chairman “Buck” McKeon before he boarded an aircraft for Mobile after his visit to Ft. Rucker, October 17, 2011. Fort Rucker officials said McKeon is the first chairman of the House Armed Services Committee to visit the installation. McKeon said his visit came after an invitation from Rep. Roby.
“Every day and every night, 365 days a year, military men and women are on the front lines, waging a vigilant and dangerous war against terrorists that seek to kill innocent Americans. Whether they fight on a battlefield in the Middle East or behind the scenes around the world, we owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude. They rarely ask for thanks, and even more rarely get it. Perhaps the best way for many of us to celebrate their amazing achievements is to simply never forget what they are fighting for.” – Rep. Roby remembers 9-11, September 11, 2011.
“As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, military and veterans’ issues are a top priority. I represent numerous military installations, military families and veterans’ communities in Congress. These individuals who have volunteered their time to serve on the panel are an invaluable reference to best serve those I represent. They will help ensure that I understand the needs and priorities for both our active and retired military here in the second district, as well as, protecting and expanding our military instillations.” – Rep. Roby speaking about the volunteers serving on her Military and Veterans’ Affairs Advisory Panels, August 19, 2011.
“Under the budget control act, failure to reduce future deficits by $1.5 trillion will trigger an automatic process that will disproportionately harm our military. We all agree - finding savings at the pentagon is possible, and my colleagues and I have already voted to cut defense spending by more than $400 billion. However, the degree of cuts that will be caused by this automatic trigger goes much too far and will result in a hollowed out U.S. military. We cannot accept that outcome.” – Rep. Roby on the failure of the Joint Select Committee, November 22, 2011.
“What the people in the 2nd Congressional District need to know is that you local leaders, as well as the Alabama delegation, are communicating with the commanders here as well at the Pentagon to make sure the mission at each of our installations is not only accomplished, but expanded in ways that make sense.” – Rep. Roby quoted in a Dothan Eagle article, April 6, 2012.