Congressman Lamborn on the Military
Summary
Congressman Lamborn considers it a privilege to serve our brave men and women in uniform by being named to the highly sought after House Armed Services Committee. He worked hard to obtain this appointment, and is the only Republican freshman to be on this committee. It is also a great position from which to protect and expand the military missions at the five major military installations within the Fifth Congressional District.
A major boost to the military missions at Fort Carson and Pinon Canon Maneuver Site was announced by the Army in December. The first of six new Brigade Combat Teams will be stationed at Fort Carson by 2011. Congressman Lamborn showed leadership and worked hard, along with Colorado's two U.S. Senators, to promote Fort Carson as the site chosen. This will bring almost 5,000 soldiers and support personnel, plus their families, plus up to half a billion dollars in construction over 10 years to the local and state economy.
Congressman Lamborn is a strong proponent of a vigorous national defense, believing that defense of its citizens is the highest priority of a government. He supports full funding for defense budgets, including better pay and benefits for military personnel and their families, and acquisition of more and better supplies and major weapons systems. He is a co-founder of the Missile Defense Caucus, knowing that missile defense against rogue nations or accidental launches would prevent untold catastrophes to our homeland.
While in the state legislature Lamborn served many years on the Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee, including as chairman. He successfully introduced legislation to prevent encroachment on military bases, and tried multiple times to exempt duty military and National Guard from the state income tax.
The Global War on Jihadist Terror must also be fought vigorously. Although we all want our troops home from Iraq and Afghanistan as soon as possible, the surge devised by General Petraeus has worked so far. Both countries need to be stabilized as quickly as possible so they can maintain their own security, allowing us to bring our troops home.
Legislative Action in Congress:
- H.R. 22- Co-sponsored a bill to make appropriations for military construction and family housing projects for the Department of Defense for Fiscal Year 2007, and for other purposes
- H.R. 511 – Co-sponsored a bill to pledge the faithful support of Congress to members of the United States Armed Forces serving in harm's way
- H.R. 1085 – Co-sponsored the Armed Forces Tax Relief Act of 2007
- H.R. 1213 – Co-sponsored the Ready Employers Willing to Assist Reservists Deployment Act of 2007
Legislation Action in State Legislature:
- HB 03-1151 – Successfully sponsored legislation that would have exempted active-duty military personnel and members of the Colorado National Guard from state income tax
- SB 05-80 – Successfully sponsored legislation that would require local governments to notify the military of proposed changes in land uses around bases to prevent encroachment upon military bases such as Ft. Carson
- SB 06-28 – Successfully sponsored legislation to honor Bronze Star recipients with Bronze Star license plates
- Senate sponsor of successful legislation to raise the pension exclusion from $20,000 to $24,000. Attempted another time to raise it to $30,000
Caucuses Joined:
- Co-founder of the Missile Defense Caucus
- Army Caucus
- Air Force Caucus
- Modeling and Simulation Caucus
- Space Power Caucus