At a pen and pad session with the media, Turner stressed the need for continued bipartisanship in pursuing robust missile defense capabilities, modernizing our nuclear weapons, and finding measured solutions for cost efficiencies and savings in our defense budget.
Today, Congressman Mike Turner outlined his priorities as Chairman of the House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee. At a pen and pad session with the media, Turner stressed the need for continued bipartisanship in pursuing robust missile defense capabilities, modernizing our nuclear weapons, and finding measured solutions for cost efficiencies and savings in our defense budget.“It’s an honor to lead the House Armed Service’s Strategic Forces Subcommittee,” said Turner. “I look forward to working with Ranking Member Loretta Sanchez, as well as all of the subcommittee members, in pursuing initiatives which put the defense of our nation first.”
In his remarks, Chairman Turner covered a number of issues which relate to the Subcommittee’s areas of jurisdiction:
Turner on Missile Defense
“We have a responsibility to the American people to ensure that our country remains protected from a missile attack. Any plans for U.S.-funded missile defenses in Europe must also include a concrete hedging strategy for further defense of our nation. Furthermore, the House Armed Services Committee will be pushing forward on ‘quantitative and qualitative’ missile defense improvements that we believe are in the national interest to protect the American people, our troops and our allies.”
Turner on Nuclear Modernization
“Modernizing our aging nuclear stockpile, infrastructure, and triad of delivery systems is integral to fully supporting the nuclear mission. Likewise, with our intellectual workforce aging, investment is needed to sustain the personnel that perform the important research behind our nuclear weapon programs. During consideration of the New START treaty, the administration promised that we would move toward a modern and sustainable deterrent. We will work to see that those promises are kept.”
Turner on Cost Efficiencies and Savings
“In a time of tightening budgets, we’ll be working to identify ways to efficiently and effectively pursue our national security goals. This includes modernizing and streamlining programs to ensure taxpayer’s dollars are being spent appropriately.”