Ehrlich on Washington column, November 20, 2000

NEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 21093 3 1 5 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 EHRLICH ON WASHINGTON Week of November 20, 2000 By Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Rebuilding our National Defense As our domestic Presidential Election season ends and our attention turns to world affairs, let us remember the many men and women serving overseas in the military. These soldiers have dedicated their lives to protecting America, and it seems almost fitting that they helped play a decisive role in the election. Their courage and action have allowed our nation to become the world’s sole superpower which, in turn, has prevented aggression from foreign nations and preserved American peace and prosperity. Unfortunately, sustained budget cuts to our military by the Clinton Administration endanger our deterrence abilities and national security. In order to maintain U.S. military dominance and to support our soldiers, my Congressional colleagues and I began authorizing the rebuilding and modernization of the U.S. military this year. Military commanders have reported the United States would have difficulty duplicating the Middle East force deployment of Desert Storm, which took place only a decade ago. Moreover, lack of Presidential leadership and a comprehensive energy policy have left the U.S. more dependent on foreign oil and the oil-rich Persian Gulf region surrounded by rogue states. This dangerous combination is a recipe for conflict with these rogue states since our perceived weakness can lead to increased aggression by these "nations of opportunity." In our desire to secure our future, the most important investment we can ever make is in our soldiers. There should be no question that our military is 100% combat ready. To that end, my colleagues and I approved a $3 10 billion defense budget for the next fiscal year establishing a solid foundation for the troop strength we may need for future missions. Specifically, the defense bill improves the quality of life for our soldiers and their families by increasing salaries for service men and women, and improving their childcare and the quality of health care. In addition, it dedicates funds for replacing aging weapons systems, some dating to the Korean and Vietnam Wars, such as the B-52 Strategic bombers. While America needs new weapons systems, it also must protect itself from possible missile attacks from rogue nations, such as Russia, China, North Korea, and Pakistan. These nations already possess nuclear weapons technology, and America is defenseless to protect its citizens