By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Thursday, January 12, 2017, US Representative Martha Roby (R-Montgomery) will join the US House of Representatives Defense Appropriations Subcommittee for the 115th Congress. This is a significant assignment for Roby, who has emphasized military issues while in the Congress. Both Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery and Fort Rucker in the Wiregrass are in Roby’s Second Congressional District.
Congresswoman Roby was already on the powerful House Appropriations; but the Appropriations Committee is organized into 12 subcommittees, each responsible for crafting an appropriations plan to fund their divisions of government. The Subcommittee on Defense has jurisdiction over the nation’s military budget and writes spending plans to address the needs of the Armed Forces.
Congresswoman Roby said, “I am grateful to continue my service on the Appropriations Committee and eager to join the Defense Subcommittee,” Roby said. “Our military installations are a critical component of Alabama’s 2nd District and our state. I am glad to have a seat at the table for crafting the defense spending policies that impact our military communities and our national security.”
Rep. Roby said, “The next few years will be decisive for the future of our military. From day one of my service in Congress, I have fought to ensure proper funding of our Armed Forces. One of Congress’ most fundamental Constitutional duties is to provide for the common defense. We must ensure that our military remains the world’s most capable while using taxpayers’ money efficiently and responsibly. I take this responsibility very seriously, and I’m ready to get to work.
Roby will keep her seat on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Education, Health and Human Services and Related Agencies as well as the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science. Roby’s office said that he subcommittee assignments for the 115th Congress place her in the position to impact major initiatives, from changes to health care and workforce policy to criminal justice issues and the space program.
Rep. Roby said, “Serving on the Appropriations Committee gives me the opportunity to be an advocate for conservative spending priorities that will put us on a sustainable path for future generations. I’m hopeful that our unified Republican government will help succeed.”
President-elect Donald J. Trump has called for a defense buildup as part of his “Make America Great Again” agenda; so there likely will be more defense spending in the next budget. Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) has proposed raising the Defense budget by $54 million in 2018.
Congresswoman Martha Roby represents Alabama’s Second Congressional District. She is an attorney and was formerly a Montgomery City Council woman.
