Senator Sinema on cuts to military projects
Members of the U.S. Senate debated Thursday on the impact of military cuts from the Administration’s emergency declaration.
Senator Sinema entered this statement into the Congressional Record:
” Mr. President, I join my colleagues in opposition to cutting congressionally-mandated support from critical military construction projects in Arizona, the United States, and around the world. This misguided effort takes $30 million away from Ft. Huachuca , home to the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, where all Army Intelligence professionals train at least once in their careers.
” The $30 million was set to fund construction of a long-needed, new facility to protect and maintain equipment used to replicate the communications networks and threat displays of our adversaries. This investment is critical to ensuring our Army Intelligence professionals receive the training they need to keep our country safe. Back filling these cuts will likely delay several other needed projects at Ft. Huachuca , and may lead to wasted taxpayer dollars as the cost of construction goes up over time.
” I recently saw firsthand how the training our Soldiers receive at Ft. Huachuca is essential in preparing our country to respond to threats from Russia, China, and other bad actors around the globe. As we continue to counter terrorism, we must consider threats our adversaries pose across multiple domains, notably disinformation campaigns, cyber warfare, and conventional military operations. Our intelligence training mission at Ft. Huachuca is critical to our national security, and our intelligence Soldiers deserve our full support.
” Ft. Huachuca is the largest employer in Cochise County, and the residents of Sierra Vista and the surrounding communities remain steadfast supporters of our brave service members and America’s intelligence mission. They know personally that taking $30 million from the base risks military readiness and our security.
” This misguided plan weakens our national security and will likely cost American taxpayers more money in the long-run, which is why I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who have rejected taking money away from these important military projects. We all support the men and women of our Armed Forces and must work together to ensure they have the resources and support to do their jobs and keep us safe. I yield back. ”
