Redstone's Pivotal Role in Nation's Technology Must be Protected, says Rep. Robert Aderholt
By Robert B. Aderholt | AL.com | May 06, 2012

North Alabama is home to many diverse industries - like aerospace and defense; research and technology; and manufacturing - industries that have an enormous impact on our state and national economies.

With a broad range of industries, brings a broad range of legislative concerns. Legislative concerns like taxes, health care, burdensome regulations and energy costs that have a direct impact on businesses ability to grow and create jobs.

Individually, navigating each of those issues is difficult enough, but coupled with the uncertainty that comes from today's tough budget environment, means north Alabama businesses are facing enormous challenges.

With our national debt at a staggering $15.6 trillion dollars and increasing as you read this, you'd be hard pressed to find a regulatory issue that's not connected to the economy. And while there is little doubt Washington must get its fiscal house in order, that means Congress must prioritize each and every dollar spent. With that said, Alabama has a reputation of being good stewards of taxpayer dollars and over the years have made significant contributions to our country. And my priority continues to be investing in NASA and defense projects vital to our national security.

Marshall Space Flight Center, and many other commands and agencies at Redstone Arsenal continue to play a pivotal role in our nation's technology and defense sectors, and these sectors continue to set the United States apart from our global competitors. So many of the folks I have the privilege of representing in the 4th District commute to work at Redstone and Marshall Space Flight Center every day. Because of the nature of the work happening in Huntsville, working for the U.S. military, NASA, or one of their contractors is not only just a job, it is a deep commitment to our nation's future.

From systems that protect our troops, to systems that protect our cities, Redstone Arsenal has earned a reputation as a leader in defense and technology innovation. With defense work like small and inexpensive satellites to help our battlefield commanders (SMDC), analysis of foreign weapons threats, offensive and defensive rocket systems of all kinds, missile defense, helicopter maintenance and upgrades, the Prototype Integration Facility, software and cyber work, and many other programs Redstone Arsenal and the entire Huntsville area continue to serve as a key player in our nation's missile defense and national security.

As you know, in addition to missile defense, Huntsville is a primary player in the United States' space program. Marshall Space Flight Center is a world-renowned facility, with a long history of space technology and engineering innovation, as well as being the nation's premier rocket development center. While recent budget cuts and the administration have made it a challenge to fund numerous priorities, I have pushed for development of the SLS rocket, with bill and report language reminding the administration of its obligation to build a 130 metric ton capacity rocket. As a member of the Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) Subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropriations, which funds NASA, I have been able to advocate for other work also done at Marshall.

The work happening at Marshall will keep the United States on pace as the world leader in space exploration and technical development. The private sector and public sector have always worked in partnership on NASA programs. Space continues to be the new frontier and I believe it should be explored for the betterment of the human race. I have joined Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers in directing NASA to propose human exploration plans worthy of our great nation.

While tough economic times mean reprioritizing and tightening our belts across the board, drastic cuts to defense budgets - the federal government's primary Constitutional responsibility - shouldn't be the relief valve for uncontrolled domestic program spending. As part of the Budget Control Act passed last year, $109 billion in annual automatic cuts to defense spending called "sequestration," are set to take effect, unless action is taken by January 2013.

This means the United States will have the smallest ground forces since before World War II and the smallest Navy before World War I, just to name a few. The severity of the cuts in such a short time frame could undermine our nation's ability to meet national security objectives. Currently, the House Armed Services Committee is examining a number of proposals that would halt sequestration and put a new budget reduction plan in place, before the end of the year.

Please know I will continue to be a strong supporter of our nation's military and providing a strong national defense. As Congress evaluates the next steps on this important issue, I'll be looking to your institutional knowledge and feedback as we look to take action.

I can assure you that as your representative in Washington, I am fully committed to supporting North Alabama, promoting the region's many diverse industries and serving the great folks that call North Alabama home. It is truly an honor and a privilege to represent North Alabama and our great state in our nation's capital. I look forward to continuing to have the opportunity to work for you and our area as we continue through the 112th Congress.

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