Congressman Randy Forbes listens to a question at the October General Membership Luncheon
Congressman J. Randy Forbes addressed VSRA members at the General Membership Luncheon held on October 21, 2014. Congressman Forbes has served on the House Armed Services Committee for the past 13 years and is currently Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. As Chairman, he is responsible for the research, development, acquisition, and sustainment of Navy and Marine Corps programs, as well as the Air Force's bomber and tanker fleets. Prior to the 113th Congress, he served as Chairman and Ranking Member of the Readiness Subcommittee from 2009-2012.
During his speech, Congressman Forbes addressed concerns that the size of the US Naval Fleet has decreased, and the remaining vessels are aging. He expressed his support for expansion and modernization of the fleet, saying "we cannot fight tomorrow's battles using yesterday's strategies." In response to a question about how VSRA members can make sure their voices are heard in Congress while expressing the need to maintain and increase funding for our Navy and national defense, Forbes recommended reaching out to Representatives from all states, rather than just focusing on Virginia. He explained that Virginia's Representatives understand the importance of maintaining a strong national defense, but need help showing Representatives from other districts just how much their constituents can benefit from increased defense funding in terms of strengthening their economy, adding jobs, and increasing national security. While remaining hopeful that the damage done by budget cuts and sequestration can be reversed, Forbes warned of the dangerous consequences of allowing those trends to continue, reminding our membership that "America is the backstop for freedom" across the globe.
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