Defense & Foreign Affairs
Strengthening Our Military and Helping Rhode Island Contribute to Our National Defense
As a graduate of West Point and a former infantry officer, Senator Reed knows the risks our Armed Forces face every day. Reed voted against the Iraq war and offered a plan to responsibly bring our troops home and refocus our efforts on the threats coming from Afghanistan and Pakistan. Through his work on the Armed Services and Appropriations Committees, he works tirelessly to ensure that America’s fighting men and women have the equipment they need and the benefits they deserve.
Senator Reed believes that the United States should also be engaged in diplomacy to support our allies and build stronger relationships with emerging nations. He has focused on arms control and non-proliferation efforts to keep weapons of mass destruction out of the hands of terrorists and continues to support expanding our development programs, which contribute to global security.
Reed has also secured hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding to bolster Rhode Island’s defense industry, create more high-paying jobs, and expand opportunities for local businesses. Rhode Island’s 16,000 defense workers make a valuable contribution to our national security and generate more than $1.75 billion in local economic activity each year. Reed has worked hard not only to maintain the U.S. Navy’s presence in Rhode Island, but to expand it by bringing additional commands, institutions, and projects to Naval Station Newport, such as the Navy Supply Corps School, which was previously located in Athens, Georgia.
Read More »Key Priorities & Accomplishments
- Senator Reed was one of the first to call for better body armor and up-armored vehicles for our troops in the field.
- As the Chairman of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower, Reed helped secure $1.2-billion for the construction of the two second new Virginia-class submarines per year. The Virginia class submarine is a critical component of our national defense capabilities, and Rhode Island plays a vital role in its construction.
- Reed helped ratify the New START Treaty, an important agreement between the U.S. and Russia that reduces the number of strategic nuclear weapons, builds on previous treaties, and contributes to countering nuclear proliferation throughout the world.
- To ensure our troops have the best equipment, Senator Reed worked for over a decade to secure eight state-of-the-art C-130J cargo airplanes for the Rhode Island Air National Guard to replace the Guard’s aging fleet. These planes help the 143rd Airlift Wing transport troops, equipment, and supplies to combat and humanitarian missions around the world. Over the years, Senator Reed secured $37 million for the construction of a new maintenance hangar for the planes at Quonset Point.
The Latest
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Reed Backs Action to Help Clear VA Claims Backlog
In an effort to eliminate bureaucratic delays and deliver benefits to veterans more quickly and efficiently, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a former Army Ranger and a member of the Armed Services and Appropriations Committees, today joined with Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Ba...
Posted on 5/22/2013 | -
Reed Statement on Explosions at Boston Marathon
U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today issued the following statement: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and our heartfelt thanks go out to those first responders, medical personnel, volunteers, and citizens who were on the scene to help those in need. ...
Posted on 4/15/2013 | -
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Reed: Congress Passes Bill Restoring Second Submarine in 2014
U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that the spending bill keeping the federal government running through September 30 preserves critical submarine construction work in Rhode Island. The fiscal year 2013 stopgap Appropriations bill includes a total of $4.9 billion to...
Posted on 3/22/2013 | -
Reed Tours Nimitz Hall
Senator Reed celebrates the opening of the new Nimitz Hall Replacement Barracks. The $48.5 million project, which supported about 260 Rhode Island jobs, was funded through the 2010 Military Construction Appropriations Act, which Reed supported. ...
Posted on 3/13/2013 | -
Reed Discusses Impact of Sequester
Posted on 2/27/2013 | -
Reed Speaks on Impact of Sequester
Madam President, I rise as chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee to highlight the urgency and importance of addressing sequestration. These imminent cuts will have real impacts on the environment and on thousands of jobs related to infrastructure investment and environmental protection....
Posted on 2/27/2013 |
