House Passes FY'03 Defense Authorization Bill
Early this morning the House passed its version of the fiscal 2003 Defense Authorization Bill (HR 4546). The bill totals $383.4 billion, not including the Bush Administration’s request for a $10 billion contingency fund that was placed in a second bill (HR 4547).
Rep. Gene Taylor (D-MS) and other Democrats, upset by limited debate on few amendments protested by delaying proceedings with constant motions for the “committee to rise.”
Democrats challenged the Armed Services Committee’s new emphasis on exploring options for new nuclear weapons, nuclear-tipped interceptors for a National Missile Defense and weapons deployed in space. While they lost on most of the votes, the battles will continue in the Senate.
The Senate Armed Services Committee also completed work on its bill last evening, May 9. It is not clear when the Senate will consider the bill.
Key nuclear- and missile defense- related amendments:
- Markey (D-MA) - to prohibit permanently the use of funds to develop, test or engineer a nuclear earth penetrator weapon and prohibits FY 2003 funds for a feasibility study of a nuclear earth penetrator weapon. Rejected 172 - 243.
- Spratt motion to recommit with instructions to remove provision allowing for development of nuclear tipped missile defense interceptors. Motion failed 193 - 223.
- Tierney (D-MA) - to prohibit funding for space-based national missile defense programs. Rejected 159 - 253.
- Weldon (R-PA) - to pursue greater cooperation, transparency, and confidence with the Russian Federation regarding a variety of nuclear weapons-related matters through engagement. The amendment also specifies the conditions under which the current ban on designing and developing low-yield nuclear weapons is automatically repealed. Adopted 362-53 after reaching an agreement with Democrats to allow for studying low-yield nuclear weapons, but not deploying them.
- Tauscher (D-CA) - to require the Secretary of Energy to report to Congress on options for reaching the level of operationally deployed nuclear warheads at 1,700 to 2, 200 outlined int the Nuclear Posture Review, in 2006, 2008, and 2010. Agreed to by voice vote.
- Spratt (D-SC) - to add funding for two programs needed to meet here-and-now threats and $65 million for PAC-3 and $70 million for the Israeli Arrow system to be offset by cutting three BMD programs. Adopted by voice vote after being amended by Rep. Hunger (R-CA). The amendment does not specify which programs within the Missile Defense Agency budget will be cut.
Other amendments:
- Stump (R-AZ) - en bloc amendments (http//www.house.gov/rules/107rule4546.htm). Adopted by voice vote.
- Paul (R-TX) - to prohibit funds authorized in the bill from being used to assist, cooperate with, or provide any support to the International Criminal Court. Adopted 264 - 152.
- Smith (R-NJ) - to strengthen and expand health care resources sharing between the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs by establishing incentives and pilot programs for health care and graduate medical education. The amendment also establishes an interagency committee to plan, facilitate and improve sharing efforts between the two Departments. Adopted by voice vote.
- Sanchez (D-CA) - to restore equal access to health services at overseas military hospitals to servicemen and women and their dependents stationed overseas, by limiting the restriction of the use of DoD medical facilities to perform abortions to facilities in the U.S. Rejected 202 - 215.
- Goode (I-VA) - to authorize the Secretary of Defense to assign members of the Armed Forces to assist the INS or the U.S. Customs Service at the request of the Attorney General or the Secretary of the Treasury. Adopted 232 - 183.
- Bereuter (R-NE) - to authorize the National Guard to use its appropriated funds to cover the costs of conducting and participating in athletic events relevant to military duties or military physical fitness requirements. 412 - 2