Mac Thornberry RSS Articles

Funding for Projects at Pantex, Bell Helicopter in Defense Bill

Thu, 10 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon), the Vice Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today announced that the Committee approved the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (H.R. 4310) by a vote of 56 to 5. The bill authorizes $642 billion in total spending for the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy, including funding for programs at Amarillo’s Bell Helicopter plant and for operations at Pantex.

“Clearly, we are operating in a time of declining resources. Our debt and deficit mean we have to make difficult choices,” said Rep. Thornberry. “Already, defense has taken half a trillion dollars in cuts. And while this bill also makes significant savings, it keeps our promises to our troops and veterans and ensures that our military can continue to defend the country effectively. In fact, the Committee adopted an amendment that prevents DoD from doing any planning or preparations for a new round of base closures this year,” he continued.

Locally, the annual defense policy bill authorizes funding for programs at Bell Helicopter and Pantex. Bell Helicopter projects funded include a total of $2.109 billion for the V-22 Osprey program, $851.5 million for Huey (UH-1Y) and Cobra (AH-1Z) helicopters, and $346.348 million for the Kiowa Warrior helicopter. These amounts include the purchase of new aircraft, upgrades and modifications to existing ones, and research and development. Bell Helicopter's Amarillo plant is the primary location for work conducted on the Osprey and Huey/Cobra programs. The facility also performs work on the Kiowa Warrior helicopters.

In addition, the defense bill also authorizes a new, multi-year contract to purchase 98 V-22 aircraft over the next five years for the Marine Corps, the Department of the Air Force, and U.S. Special Operations Command.

The legislation also provides approximately $690 million for Pantex for weapons assembly and disassembly, weapons evaluation, research and development, and other funding for staff and support. This represents a nearly 17 percent increase, or approximately $100 million dollars, over the President’s most recent budget request.

"Our part of Texas plays an important role in our nation’s defense and this bill continues that tradition. Even while we are cutting programs and spending, this latest defense bill shows sustained and strong support for local assets like Pantex and Bell. It really is a testament to their fine work and solid reputations," said Thornberry.

Overall, the legislation authorizes $536 billion for the Department of Defense’s base budget, $88 billion for operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and $18 billion for the Department of Energy’s atomic energy defense programs.

Included in the legislation is a 1.7 percent across-the-board pay raise for all members of the Armed Forces in 2013. The bill rejects the proposed increases by the Obama Administration for higher fees for current military personnel and retirees under Tricare. Additionally, it puts limits on future increases in pharmacy co-payments for the first time.

In response to the Obama Administration’s request to cut the end-strength of the Armed Forces, the legislation seeks to preserve military readiness by slowing the pace of personnel reductions. It places an annual cap on any reductions in the size of the ground force, including limiting reductions of Army personnel to no more than 15,000 annually in fiscal years 2014 through 2017. The bill would allow personnel who may be forced to leave military service as a result of reductions in manpower to have full access to military family housing for six months.

Thornberry said he was hopeful the House Leadership would bring H.R. 4310 to a vote by the full House before Memorial Day.

Annual defense bill headed for the House floor

Thu, 10 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon), the Vice Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today announced that the committee approved the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (H.R. 4310) by a vote of 56 to 5. The bill authorizes $642 billion in total spending for the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy. It includes funding for programs at Sheppard Air Force Base.

“Clearly, we are operating in a time of declining resources. Our debt and deficit mean we have to make difficult choices,” said Rep. Thornberry. “Already, defense has taken half a trillion dollars in cuts. And while this bill also makes significant savings, it keeps our promises to our troops and veterans and ensures that our military can continue to defend the country effectively. In fact, the Committee adopted an amendment that prevents DoD from doing any planning or preparations for a new round of base closures this year,” he continued.

Overall, the legislation would authorize $536 billion for the Department of Defense’s base budget, $88 billion for operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and $18 billion for the Department of Energy’s atomic energy defense programs.

Included in the legislation is a 1.7 percent across-the-board pay raise for all members of the Armed Forces in 2013. The bill rejects the proposed increases by the Obama Administration for higher fees for current military personnel and retirees under Tricare. Additionally, it puts limits on future increases in pharmacy co-payments for the first time.

In response to the Obama Administration’s request to cut the end-strength of the Armed Forces, the legislation seeks to preserve military readiness by slowing the pace of personnel reductions. It places an annual cap on any reductions in the size of the ground force, including limiting reductions of Army personnel to no more than 15,000 annually in fiscal years 2014 through 2017. The bill would allow personnel who may be forced to leave military service as a result of reductions in manpower to have full access to military family housing for six months.

Thornberry said he was hopeful the House Leadership would bring H.R. 4310 to a vote by the full House before Memorial Day.

Local Student Wins National Art Contest

Wed, 09 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

A local Wichita Falls high school student has been selected to represent the 13th Congressional District of Texas in the nationwide 2012 Congressional Art Contest. A photograph submitted by Lily McCarthy, daughter of Barry and Lisa McCarthy of Wichita Falls, will be displayed in the hallways of the United States Capitol for an entire year.

Lily’s photograph, entitled “Street Vendor,” was selected by an independent panel of educators and art professionals from across the district as the winning entry from the 13th District of Texas. Steve Hilton, a professor of art at Midwestern State University and one of the contest judges, said the winning entry was “not only a well done photograph technically, but it speaks to issues that are relevant to all of us here in the United States every day.”

Julie Talley, another one of this year’s judges and the Curator of Education at the Amarillo Museum of Art, praised the contest as an opportunity for young artists to display their talent alongside their peers from across the country. She noted that visitors to the exhibition at the Capitol “will gain a perspective of the diverse backgrounds and cultures” that make up the United States.

The Congressional Art Contest is a national competition that selects one piece of artwork from all 435 U.S. congressional districts and territories for a year-long exhibit in Washington, D.C. The annual contest for high school students has taken place since 1982. Winners of the competition are invited to Washington, D.C., for a special reception to honor the winners. Lily and her mother, Lisa, plan to attend the event this year and visit with area Congressman Mac Thornberry (TX-13) while they are in town.

Lily’s art teacher, Chris Mayfield, said, “I am very proud of Lily.” He continued, “this has been a big year for her.” Lily is a senior at Wichita Falls High School and plans to attend the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) in Savannah, Georgia this fall.

House passes bills to improve nation's cybersecurity

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

In an effort to begin addressing the nation’s cybersecurity vulnerabilities, the U.S. House

of Representatives today passed a number of bills to help protect private and public computer networks. Passage of the bills follows nearly a year of work on the issue in the House, led in part by area Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon).

“Together, these bills begin to close the expanding gap between cyber threats and technological changes and the outdated laws and policies that cannot keep up with them,” said Rep. Thornberry. “These bills are the product of many months of work, an effort that I have been privileged to help lead in the House. Now I hope the Senate will follow suit,” he continued.

The legislation includes an update to the Federal Information Security Act of 2002 -- to push the government to do a better job of protecting its networks, requiring continuous monitoring and defense in depth. Additionally, there are two bills that will focus more federal research and development efforts on cyber, complementing the massive private sector investment in this area.

The four bills also include legislation to help with information sharing. The federal government now has a great deal of information about threats, which it uses to help defend military and intelligence networks. But much of that capability is sidelined when it comes to defending the rest of the country -- particularly critical infrastructure, which includes things like electrical power systems, gas and oil storage, financial systems, and water supply. The new House bill would allow government information to be shared with the private sector, private sector information to be shared – voluntarily – with the government, and private entities to share with each other. There are also strong safeguards to ensure that information is not misused and privacy of individual Americans is protected.

House leaders are pleased with passage of the bills.

“Protecting American jobs and security from the threat of cyber attacks is critical, and the House has now taken some common-sense steps to do that,” said Speaker of the House John Boehner. “Many people played a role in making these bills a reality, and in particular I would like to commend Mac Thornberry for his leadership on this issue in the House, his efforts in leading the Cyber Task Force, and his commitment to helping assure these bills’ passage,” he said.

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor said, “As Chairman of the House Cybersecurity Task Force, Representative Thornberry’s leadership paved the way for the passage of four significant, bipartisan measures to update our nation’s cyber laws. I thank Mac for his hard work to promote economic growth, innovation and protect our national security interests.”

In early 2011, Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) stated that Congress could not go another session without beginning to reduce the nation’s vulnerability in cyberspace. They created a Cybersecurity Task Force to make recommendations and coordinate among the nine House committees with significant jurisdiction on this issue. They asked Thornberry to lead the effort.

Since the task force issued recommendations last fall, the various committees have been devising legislation. The bills that passed the House today incorporate some of the Thornberry Task Force recommendations.

The bills will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

Thornberry: Decision to drop youth ag rule 'small victory for common sense'

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon) made the following comments after the Department of Labor announced the agency will no longer pursue the proposed rule dealing with children who work in agriculture:

“I am pleased the Obama Administration has finally decided to withdraw its misguided rule that would have prevented youth from working on area farms and ranches as they have for generations. It is a small but important victory for common sense and a bit of relief for rural areas from the onslaught of regulations that this Administration has continued to push in order to further its reach into our everyday lives.”

NOTE:

The Department of Labor first published the proposed rule on September 2, 2011, and after receiving numerous comments, announced on April 26, 2012 that the rule is being withdrawn and will no longer be pursued for the duration of this Administration. Congressman Thornberry contacted Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis multiple times asking to immediately suspend the proposed changes. He is also currently a cosponsor of legislation to prevent the rule from going into effect.

Stable supply will reduce pinch on wallets

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

One issue that affects nearly everyone in our area and across the country is gas prices. There is no doubt that high energy prices have placed a real burden on many Americans. And, from small business owners to parents who drive carpool, chances are that the cost of gas is hitting your wallet hard.

Some predict that we will see near or above $5 per gallon at the pump by peak driving time this summer. Many experts believe that the recent turmoil overseas is one of the reasons for rapidly increasing gas prices. And while things happening in the Middle East drive up the world price of oil, the President has only made things worse with the anti-fossil fuel agenda being implemented by this Administration.

Of course, the federal government does not directly control the price you pay at the pump. We do know, however, that this Administration has prevented actions that could promote stable prices through production of more oil and gas here at home. Among other things you have heard by now, the President has limited drilling off our shores and on federal lands. He continues to threaten tax increases on the entire oil and gas industry; he has vetoed the full-length of the Keystone XL pipeline; and he has sent out EPA regulators to harass drillers. The Administration and its allies are also working hard to discredit fracking and other successful technologies like horizontal drilling. And I think, unfortunately, the cost of energy will continue to increase if the President continues along this course.

Just look at what has happened over the last three years. In 2009, the Administration listed carbon dioxide as a hazardous pollutant, opening the door for the regulation of carbon dioxide emissions under the Clean Air Act. The decision, in effect, granted more regulatory control to the EPA and its bureaucrats in Washington to govern through regulation.

In 2010, the President effectively reinstated the ban on offshore drilling, placing the entire Pacific Coast, the entire Atlantic Coast, the Eastern Gulf and parts of Alaska off limits to future production until 2017 at the earliest. In 2011, the President proposed a budget that included over $60 billion in direct tax and fee increases on American energy production. And, already in 2012, the President announced a plan to close over a million acres of public land in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming to oil shale development.

Many officials from the White House have argued that domestic oil and natural gas production is up. It has increased on private lands, but it has decreased on land controlled by the federal government. And the reality is that the increase has been in spite of this Administration, not because of them. Energy production on private lands is up because of improved recovery methods like fracking, not the Administration’s policies.

The more stable the supply of energy, the more stable the price. It is that simple. And people are tired of excuses for tying our own hands and not producing all of the energy we can here at home. My proposal, the “No More Excuses Energy Act of 2011 (H.R. 1023),” is a common sense plan that encourages responsible domestic energy production of all kinds here in the United States. The bill seeks to remove some of the most burdensome regulatory roadblocks that limit our domestic supply of energy. Among other provisions, the bill requires the President to designate at least 10 sites for oil or natural gas refineries on federal lands; it opens up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) for drilling; and it removes carbon dioxide from the list of pollutants amended to the Clean Air Act. Overall, this legislation seeks to increase the production of American energy with American workers.

In fact, a study by the American Petroleum Institute (API) found that changes in federal energy policies could add nearly 1.1 million energy-related jobs over the next decade. The study notes that federal regulation changes, such as expanding drilling permits in the Gulf of Mexico and approving the Keystone XL pipeline, could create jobs from coast to coast, increase domestic oil production, and lead to projected federal revenues of $803 billion by 2030.

As you may know, Texas leads the nation in production of crude oil and natural gas. Texas is also home to at least one-third of the jobs created nationwide since the recession. Data recently released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis highlighted the strength of the Texas economy in a report which found that Texas surpassed nearly $1 trillion in economic output and gained nearly a full percentage point in its share of the U.S. economy during the last decade. A report released in August 2011 highlights how other energy-producing states—North Dakota, Oklahoma, and West Virginia— have ranked among the top job markets for the previous 3½ years. And one of these states, North Dakota, has an unemployment figure of 3.1 percent, currently the lowest in the nation.

We can—and should—create jobs and bring down the cost of energy by implementing commonsense domestic energy policies. It is time to stop making excuses and get the government out of the way when it comes to a whole variety of things, including our energy resources. It is the right thing to do for gas prices, for the American people, and for the economy.

Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX) serves as the Vice Chairman of the Armed Services Committee where he leads the subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities. He also serves as a senior member of the House Intelligence Committee, and recently chaired the House GOP Cybersecurity Task Force.

Thornberry supports passage of House budget

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon) made the following comments after the House passed the fiscal year 2013 budget:

“Today the House passed a budget that lays out a blueprint to get the government’s fiscal house in order. It shrinks the size and scope of government, cuts billions in spending, and makes the government more accountable. It fulfills the first obligation of the federal government – to defend the country – and would begin to reform mandatory spending programs that consume about 2/3 of the budget. And it also begins the process to simplify and reform the tax code.

The Senate has not passed a budget in 3 years, and it appears unlikely that it will do so this year. But it is still important for the House to fulfill its responsibilities under the law and to offer the country a roadmap for what could be achieved in the future. This budget is a positive vision for real change in government and for greater opportunity for every hard-working American."

Thornberry: "President’s comments imply he cannot tell the American people before the election what he plans to do after it"

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. –U.S. Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-TX), the Vice Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and a senior member of the House Intelligence Committee, today made the following statement after news reports that President Obama told Russian President Dmitri Medvedev that he will have "more flexibility" to deal with contentious issues like missile defense after the U.S. presidential election:

"President Obama's comments to Russian President Medvedev are very disturbing. By telling the Russians that “This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility,” the clear implication is that he cannot tell the American people before the election what he plans to do after the election.

One of the fears, of course, is that the President intends to bargain away the ability to defend the U.S. and its allies from missile attack and perhaps that he will make further cuts in our already minimal nuclear deterrent.

One of the President’s most serious and solemn constitutional responsibilities is serving as the country’s Commander-in-Chief. National security decisions should not be based on politics or election calendars; they should be based on what will keep Americans safe. And any President must be honest with the American people about actions he believes are needed."

House repeals another key provision of Obama Health Care Law

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Just days before the Supreme Court is set to begin reviewing the constitutionality of the new health care law and on the heels of the two-year anniversary of the bill’s signing, the U.S. House of Representatives today passed legislation to abolish the law’s Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) and to reform medical liability rules. Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon), a co-sponsor of the IPAB repeal, voted in favor of the bill.

“When Republicans took control of the House in January 2011, one of the first things that we did was vote to repeal the new health care law in its entirety,” said Rep. Thornberry. “Since then we have voted 25 times to repeal, dismantle, and defund different parts of the massive, 2000-plus page law,” he continued.

On Thursday, the House voted to abolish the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). Originally, the new law authorized IPAB to “control excessive Medicare cost increases.” Critics say that the panel would have given 15 unelected and unaccountable bureaucrats the authority to make decisions related to what care patients can access and whether insurance would pay for it. Organizations ranging from the American Medical Association, to military and veterans groups, and Easter Seals – more than 390 groups and counting – have expressed support for ending the IPAB.

The House also voted in support of reform to medical malpractice laws. The bill places a $250,000 cap on noneconomic damages, which is similar to limits that Texas has. It also limits attorney’s fees and establishes a statute of limitations for filing health care lawsuits. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that these reforms could reduce medical liability premiums by 10 percent nationally.

Over the past year or so, the House has led the way in ending two separate programs that are part of the law, including the 1099 IRS-mandate and the free choice vouchers. Both measures passed the Senate, and the President has already signed them into law.

The House has also passed a repeal of the long-term care entitlement program known as the CLASS Act. The Administration has ceased implementation of this program. And in spending bills, the House defunded $305 million from the IRS, limiting their ability to implement some of the tax provisions in the health care law.

“I strongly believe that the Obama health care bill was a mistake and it is already adversely affecting health care for many Americans. I support repealing the law or dismantling it piece by piece and then starting over,” said Thornberry. “We need to make improvements to our health care system. Pursuing reform in smaller increments can not only be more successful, but attract the support and trust of the American people as well,” he concluded.

Thornberry holding U.S. Service Academy Forum

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

On March 24^th, U.S. Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon), Vice Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, will hold the 13th district’s Service Academy Forum in Amarillo. The annual event provides information to interested students and their parents about attending the United States Service Academies.

The Amarillo forum will take place on Saturday, March 24, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Amarillo Public Library’s Southwest Branch. These forums are designed for potential nominees in their junior or senior year of high school. However, all local students, parents, and counselors are invited to attend the event.

Representatives from West Point, the Naval Academy, and the Air Force Academy will give presentations and answer questions. Rep. Thornberry and his staff will also be available to explain the application process.

“There is not a day that goes by that I am not impressed and inspired by those who serve in our Armed Forces. Nominating young people to serve as the future leaders in the military is an important part of my job and one that I take seriously,” said Thornberry, who currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.

As a Member of Congress, Rep. Thornberry is allowed to nominate a limited number of students for each service academy.

Applications for nominations must be submitted to the Congressman’s office by December 1 of a student’s senior year. After reviewing Congressional nominations, final selections and offers of acceptance are made by the Service Academies.

Nominees who are accepted by the academies receive a free education. In return, they agree to serve in the military for a minimum of five years after graduation.

You can learn more about this event on Rep. Thornberry's website or Facebook page.

Amarillo Service Academy Forum
Saturday, March 24, 2012
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Amarillo Public Library – Southwest Branch
6801 Southwest 45th Avenue
Amarillo, TX