Legislative Report by Will Zimmerman

The Legislative Agenda for the 111th Congress, put forward by the Navy League of the U. S. says, "It is vital that the 313-ship plan proposed by the CNO and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff receive stable funding for it to be realized." The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the plan requires $27 billion annually (in FY09) dollars.

Marine Corps Major General Robert E. Schmidle, the Assistant Deputy Commandant for Programs and Resources, in his rationale for the Marine Corps requirement for a minimum of 38 amphibious ships to support a minimum or two Marine Expeditionary Brigades, emphasized the importance of maritime supremacy in today’s volatile environment.

*70% of the world’s surface is covered by water
*80% of the world’s population lives near the ocean
*23,000 ships are underway every day carrying 90% of the world’s commerce
*49% of the world’s oil supply travels through 6 major maritime choke points
*25% of the world’s oil and gas are drilled at sea

Representative Barney Frank is and has long been an advocate of reducing the military budget by 25%.

Representative Ike Skelton (D-MO), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee said on March 3rd, "The debate about the future Navy needs to end this year…. We need to fund the construction program at the level necessary to restore the fleet. Whether that number is 313 ships or 340 ships, we need to get there"

The Navy currently numbers 284 ships, well below the force structure necessary to satisfy our mission requirements. The majority of Marine equipment currently deployed in the middle East will have to be replaced. Many voices have spoken and continue to speak to these issues. As the budget process for this fiscal year moves forward, our current economic problems overshadow every conversation.

As Navy League members, we have an opportunity, and an obligation, to make our voices heard. Whether we are talking about "resetting" the Navy or Marines, the recapitalization of the Coast Guard cutters and aircraft, or enhancing the sealift capability of our Merchant Marine, we can make a difference.

SPEAK UP!