Ike Puzon posted on June 24, 2011 10:19
AUSN Capitol Hill News – 24Jun2011
Take Action on Pending Legislation
On 22 June, AUSN Testified before Senate Committee on Appropriations --Executive Director Casey Coane spoke about vital need for Aircraft and Equipment. Additionally, Dir of Government Affairs, Ike Puzon testified on behalf Associations for America's Defense, www.a4ad.us, a 13 member alliance. RADM Casey W. Coane USN (Ret), said that equipment is vital to the war effort, military training, readiness, and directly support the thousands of Navy (and other services) men and women serving worldwide. Admiral Coane asked the committee to support the Navy's 30 year shipbuilding plan & to support the Tactical Aviation plan with increased funding in order to reach the Navy's goal. In written testimony, Coane asked for a moratorium on Navy end-strength cuts that appear to be budget driven.
Discussing one aspect of the Naval Aviation Plan 2030, Coane also testified that some current C-9 aircraft and C-20G aircraft have "turned the maintenance expense curve to the extent that prudent business practices dictate replacement now." He added that some of those aircraft are scheduled to be decommissioned in FY 2012-2014 because of extensive use, and that the Navy needs 5-6 more C-40s to finish the program and it needs some of them this year. He urged the Committee to properly fund equipment in line with the Naval Aviation Plan.
Testifying on behalf of the Associations for America's Defense, Captain Puzon called for reversal of current budgeting policies that are focused only on near term budgeting constraints and near term readiness only. Puzon warned that such policies would lead to a hollow force. All services need to recapitalize now to remain fully trained and ready for overseas contingency operations, while conducting many OCOs.
Meeting on Veterans Issues
On 15 June – AUSN testified at a special meeting with Democratic Leader Pelosi and other key Ranking Members of crucial House committees on Veterans issues. RADM Coane, included in that testimony; Veteran Status Bills – HR 1025 and S 491, the need for more healthcare support for rural veterans and RC veterans after mobilization, and finally RADM Coane brought to the leader’s attention an increasing practices of health care providers to back away from supporting TRICARE beneficiaries due to increased paperwork requirements and new federal law standards.
Take Action on Issues
As Congress is stalled on budgetary compromises, and more debate is building for cutting defense spending, we ask our members, Friends of the Navy, and family members to take action on some pending legislation and to let your Congressional delegation know you support the military and members of the military, and not cuts to America’s defense.
We have heard from many members and friends why Congress has not addressed some issues of importance. Without your direct involvement, Congress may ignore issues of importance to you and our National Defense.
Send the attached letters to your Congressional delegation now, or you can alter the letter to your wishes. www.ausn.org