View from the Hill: Funding Missile Defense the Best Stimulus
Written by Rep. Parker Griffith
America is confronting one of the toughest economic times we have ever seen. Talk of bailouts and stimulus packages have dominated the airwaves everywhere from C-SPAN to daytime talk shows that are usually reserved for softer entertainment topics. In times of economic crisis, equally important issues often get pushed to the back burner. There is one issue, however, that our country relies upon for both economic and national security, and that issue is missile defense.
It is critical that missile defense always stays on the front burner. In today’s ever-changing world, missile defense will always be a constant force when it comes to our nation’s economy and national security. An obvious benefit of healthy, robust missile defense and space programs is strong national security that will safeguard our nation during uncertain times. Every time a foreign adversary tests a missile, these programs become more vital to the well-being of the United States. With the recent news of North Korea re-emerging as an international threat with continued ICBM tests, defense against this type of intercontinental warfare has never been more important.
Along these same lines, ground-based military research and technology have never been more important to our country. A strong and well-maintained system operates as a deterrent to foreign hostility, ensuring that such force will never have to be used. It also serves as a way to drastically cut into unnecessary casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan and improves our ability to defend ourselves. Our nation has always excelled at developing the best equipment and training, and now is no time to blink or slow down.
Just as important as missile defense is remembering the space race did not begin and end with Sputnik. It is a constant battle with many more opponents than Russia, and in a continuous competition for space supremacy we must ensure that we maintain a solid lead in front of all other countries. This lead means that we can travel anywhere on the planet and beyond with the best technology without having to depend on Russia, China or any other country to get us there. Independent American space travel also enables us to continue important research that results in new inventions, cutting-edge technology and cures to diseases.
Another advantage to a well-funded space and missile defense program that we do not usually think about is the shot in the arm it provides our local economy. NASA and Marshall Space Flight Center is a key to the success that north Alabama enjoys. This installation and others in Florida, Louisiana, Maryland and Texas provide jobs and opportunity to areas from Huntsville to Huntington Beach and across the United States. Small businesses depend on the demand for parts production for their survival, and we depend on small businesses for the jobs that keep our economy running. From parts suppliers and operators to testing and research and development, this branch of our military creates a chain of employment that directly impacts our financial stability. In these economically challenging times our number-one priority is getting Americans back to work.
Alabama’s Fifth District is also home to Redstone Arsenal and a base realignment program that has diversified our region’s economy with jobs in fields that range from engineering to education. A continuously growing population keeps north Alabama on the map for federal dollars sent to road and public works projects that are increasingly necessary with each passing day. In return, our area is able to give back to the nation through research, development and training of the next wave of technology. All of this comes from fully funded missile defense and space programs.
There is an array of benefits that come from full attention being paid to these programs just as there are unwanted consequences that would result if America shifted funding elsewhere. There will be a gap between the planned shutdown of the shuttle and the onset of Constellation programs. It is in our nation’s best interest to make sure this gap is eliminated and does not cause job losses or a failure to collect on the returns of all we have invested in NASA and missile defense throughout the decades. The American people deserve nothing less.
During this Congress and the new administration, I will be working closely with my colleagues in Washington to ensure adequate funding is allocated during this critical time in our nation’s history. I will also be working with my colleagues on the Committee on Science and Technology and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to safeguard these vital programs. Missile defense and space funding must be a top priority for America to ensure future national security and economic security.
Editor’s note: Rep. Parker Griffith (D-Ala.) is serving his first term as representative for Alabama’s fifth district. ♦