WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) issued the following statement today regarding the U.S. Senate’s bipartisan passage of the Department of Defense FY2012 Authorization Bill:

“Defending our country is Congress’s most important constitutional responsibility.  That’s why I am pleased that the Senate passed this bill in order to give our men and women in uniform the tools they need to protect America in an increasingly dangerous world.

“While this legislation is only about next year’s defense programs, we should not lose sight of the fact that our budget environment is getting worse. Whether the automatic budget cuts to future defense funds occur or not, there’s no doubt that we must invest these defense dollars wisely. It’s Congress’s responsibility to make those difficult decisions, and I appreciate the work that my friends Senators Levin and McCain have done in getting this bill passed by a bipartisan vote today.

“I’m glad that several of my amendments were included in the final version of this legislation.  One amendment will ensure that National Guard soldiers mobilized for domestic emergency operations are entitled to the same employment rights when they return from active duty as those who are activated for service overseas.  And another amendment accepted by the Senate requires the Secretary of Defense to perform a study and seek recommendations to evaluate how Naval vessels are named, after several controversial names were given to U.S. Navy ships.

“I’m also pleased this bill authorizes the development of the next generation long range strike bomber, and contains funding for modifications to the B-2 Bomber’s mixed load capability, as most of our nation’s stealth bombers operate out of Whiteman Air Force Base.  This bill also funds a vehicle maintenance facility at Fort Leonard Wood, and weapons storage at Whiteman. These represent spending priorities that are important for both our national defense and for Missouri.

“I’m proud to represent a state that understands what it means to defend the country.  Missouri has 17,184 active duty soldiers, Marines, and airmen, and 34,050 Guard and Reservists. Since the beginning of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, 134 Missourians have made the ultimate sacrifice defending America, and another 1,072 have been wounded in the line of duty.

“Our servicemen and women deserve the best training, the best supplies and equipment, the best leadership, and a long-term commitment to those who serve, their families, and their survivors.”

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