Military

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) released its “703 report” this week, detailing the agency’s recommendations for changes to military treatment facilities across the nation. Following pressure from U.S. Senator Josh Hawley and other members of the Missouri delegation, DHA’s recommendations make sure that the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital (GLWACH) will be able to continue providing beneficiaries with the health care they need. The pressure from Senator Hawley and others came in response to reports that DHA planned to cut the services available at GLWACH.

“This bill puts our armed forces in a better position to confront the growing threat posed by China and provides crucial support to our military men and women. I am pleased that the Conference Report included several priorities for Missouri’s military bases and the defense-focused businesses that call Missouri home.”

Last night the Pentagon told Senator Hawley the “U.S is not considering sending 14,000 additional troops to the Middle East.” Today Under Secretary Rood told Senator Hawley that the Pentagon is considering sending additional troops to the Middle East. In response to these contradictory statements, Senator Hawley asked Secretary of Defense Mark Esper for clarification. Senator Hawley also pressed Under Secretary Rood on what “stability” looks like in the Middle East and what our goals are in the region.

Today, U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (Mo.) and Roy Blunt (Mo.) commended Senate passage of their legislation permanently designating May 1 as Silver Star Service Banner Day. The measure honors our nation’s wounded and ill service members and veterans, and their families. The amendment was included in the National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the Senate yesterday. “What truly makes America great are the brave men, women and their families who answered the call to serve and allow us...

“This bill is an important step toward getting our military men and women the training, the world-class equipment, and the support they deserve. I am pleased that the legislation includes crucial priorities for Missouri’s military bases, the surrounding communities, and the defense-focused businesses that call Missouri home. I want to thank Chairman Inhofe for his partnership and I hope the full Senate will act swiftly to move this bill forward.”

“The Army Corps of Engineers is an agency in search of a plan. After my meeting with the Corps, I am even more alarmed at the agency’s lack of clear priorities: agency leadership detailed eight different priorities, many in tension with one another, none of them integrated into a clear operating plan. The Corps is hamstrung on the one hand by radical environmentalist lobbyists that are forcing the agency to prioritize wildlife over farmers. This is made worse by the fact that Congress has failed to give the Corps a clear ranking of priorities or clear orders on how to achieve them. What is abundantly apparent is that we can’t go on like this. We need to consider serious reforms. These might include an overhaul of the Corps’ master manual or perhaps placing the Corps in another agency altogether.”

“With heavy hearts, my wife Erin and I extend our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Scott Wirtz and the St. Louis community. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. As we honor Scott’s life and memory, may we never forget his courage and exemplary service to our nation.”