On the recordJuly 7, 2011
Since 1958, the strategic seaport program has facilitated the movement of military forces securely through U.S. ports. Each strategic seaport has individual capabilities that provide the Department of Defense with the port facilities and services that are critical in maintaining the operational flexibility and redundancy needed to meet a wide range of national security missions and time lines. However, the existing infrastructure at many of the strategic ports may no longer be adequate to meet the needs of our military. I think the time has come to address these needs in both our authorization and appropriations process. That is why I worked with Chairman McKeon to include language in the defense authorization bill that will require a study of the infrastructure needs of these strategic ports. Once that study has been conducted, I believe it is of vital importance that this committee provide the necessary funding to address the needs of these ports.
