[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 79 (Monday, June 2, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1090]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. FRANK A. LoBIONDO

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2003

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 1588) to 
     authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2004 for military 
     activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe 
     military personnel strengths for fiscal year 2004, and for 
     other purposes,

  Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Chairman, I wish to thank Chairman Hunter, for 
yielding me this time and thank you for including my language in your 
en-bloc amendment.
  Mr. Chairman, the horrific events of September 11th reminded us all 
of the importance of protecting our Nation and its people. 
Unfortunately, these emerging terrorist threats will continue to be an 
issue for many years to come.
  National homeland defense must be our highest priority. We must 
utilize the unique capabilities and expertise of all agencies in this 
effort, including the Department of Defense.
  The military's mission has been fundamentally changed by the new 
homeland defense requirements. This mission change has been significant 
enough to warrant the creation of another major combatant command--
Northern Command--to be responsible for national homeland defense.
  We must identify exactly what the Department of Defense needs to 
execute this vital mission. Major steps are already being taken in this 
area. However, it is essential that we continue to closely examine what 
is needed to protect America during this dangerous time. Military 
construction to support the homeland defense mission is an integral 
part of the picture.
  Homeland defense has not been traditionally used as a determining 
factor in the funding of MILCON projects. I remain concerned that we do 
not evaluate our military construction needs in light of the new 
homeland defense mission. This amendment will ensure that all MILCON 
projects, regardless of when submitted, be evaluated in part for their 
contribution to the homeland defense mission.
  Postponing needed military construction required for homeland defense 
is something we cannot afford to do.
  We need to make homeland defense one of the principle criteria for 
all future military construction programs. For example, in my district, 
the 177th Fighter Wing has been worldwide-deployable, but is now 
focused on homeland defense.
  NORAD and NORTHCOM have given this wing responsibility for 24-hour 
alert and combat air patrol along the mid-Atlantic, including 
responsibility for cap missions over New York City and Washington, DC.
  Because of this new 24-hour alert site status, the wing's needs have 
changed. Their military construction requirements have changed and this 
amendment will ensure the MILCON process recognizes this trend 
nationwide.
  I encourage you to vote for this amendment to help preserve our 
homeland defense. Finally, I join with you to commend the men and women 
of our Nation's Armed Forces for service and thank them for securing 
the freedom we all enjoy.

                          ____________________