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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More on National Security
WASHINGTON – Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today introduced an amendment to permit the Old Hickory Dam and Cordell Hull Dam, both upstream of Nashville, to include flood risk management as one of their authorized purposes.
“Nashville was hit hard by a devastating flood a decade ago,” Rep. Jim Cooper said. “By allowing the Old Hickory and Cordell Hull dams to be used for flood risk management we mitigate the chance of future flooding.”
NASHVILLE – At a press conference this morning, Rep. Jim Cooper announced how CARES Act funds were allocated in Davidson, Dickson, and Cheatham Counties. The $2.5 trillion CARES Act is the largest relief bill in U.S. history. It was signed into law in March but there has been little transparency on how funds were distributed within congressional districts despite congressional efforts to monitor the funds.
NASHVILLE – Rep. Jim Cooper, Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, and Rep. Adam Smith, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee today issued the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s plans to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty:
NASHVILLE – U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) released the following statement about the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act, H.R. 6800, which is expected to pass the House tonight:
NASHVILLE – U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) released the following statement following the Secretary of the Air Force’s announcement of new criteria and nation-wide competition for the U.S. Space Command Headquarters.
NASHVILLE – U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) released the following statement after he voted for the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, H.R. 266, which passed the House today:
NASHVILLE – U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today announced new resources related to the COVID-19 pandemic are now available on his website here.
U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today announced he is introducing legislation to give more independence to Inspectors General and allow them to do their jobs without fear of political retribution.
The bill, named the Inspectors General Independence Act, establishes seven-year terms for Inspectors General and protects them from politically-motivated firings by only allowing for removal for cause. This comes on the heels of President Trump’s removal of seven Inspectors General—including the one tasked with oversight of the $2 trillion COVID-19 relief funds.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) made the following statement after H.R. 748, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed the House by voice vote:
“Coronavirus is an unprecedented pandemic, and this is an unprecedented bill. It is the largest economic relief bill passed in America’s history, Rep. Cooper said. “It is important that Congress acted quickly so we can help people and businesses who are struggling. Now the administration needs to get the money out the door fast to help everyone through this crisis.”