Supporting Our Men and Women in Uniform

Senator Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement today after voting to advance the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

“The challenges our nation faces are vast, and it is critical that we provide our men and women in uniform the tools necessary to protect and defend U.S. interests at home and abroad,” said Corker. “This authorization bill begins to rein in excessive and unnecessary spending and invests those savings in a way that will allow us to maintain a strong national defense at a time when U.S. leadership around the world matters more than ever.”

Corker also commented on a provision included in response to the July 16, 2015, deadly attack on military installations in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The legislation would require the Secretary of Defense to establish a process by which the commanders of domestic military installations, reserve centers, recruiting centers, or other defense facilities may authorize a member of the Armed Forces who is assigned to the facility to carry an appropriate firearm on the installation if the commander determines it necessary as a personal or force-protection measure.

“In July, our nation was heartbroken by the loss of five American heroes who were carrying out routine support roles at military installations in my hometown,” added Corker. “As the threat level continues to rise here at home, it is critical we take steps to ensure the men and women who have answered the call of duty to defend our country are able to defend themselves. This legislation puts in place an important process by which commanders on the ground are given the power to determine the best way to protect those who serve.”

Maintaining Spending Restrictions

Senator Corker, a member of the Senate Budget Committee, last week voted for legislation to temporarily fund the government while adhering to the spending constraints put in place by the Budget Control Act.

“The American people expect us to honor the commitments we made to restrict spending when we passed the Budget Control Act in 2011, and this bill maintains that commitment,” said Corker. “Between now and December, I will be pushing back against any efforts that do not continue to honor our spending promises and believe meaningful fiscal reforms should be enacted that will make our country stronger.”

Corker also voted last week to defund Planned Parenthood while redirecting those funds to other health care centers that can provide services for women. By a vote of 47-52, the legislation failed to receive the 60 votes necessary to advance.

“While it is extremely disappointing there were not enough votes for sensible legislation that would have defunded Planned Parenthood and redirected those funds to other federally-qualified health centers and rural clinics, I will continue to work with my colleagues to hold Planned Parenthood accountable," added Corker. "The Senate Judiciary Committee will be thoroughly investigating the deeply disturbing practices of this organization to uncover any violations of our laws.”

Russian Airstrikes Exacerbating Humanitarian Crisis in Syria

After making a request for Secretary of State John Kerry to testify on Syria, Senator Corker issued the following statement on Russia’s airstrikes in Syria that U.S. officials believe did not target ISIS fighters:

“In the absence of leadership from the Obama administration, Putin continues to do what he wishes fearing no pushback from the United States, and now Russia is conducting air strikes that are exacerbating the humanitarian crisis,” said Corker. “The failure to respond effectively to the worst humanitarian crisis since World War II is a blight on us and other western nations.”

“The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has requested Secretary of State John Kerry testify to explain the administration’s Syria strategy to Congress and the American people,” added Corker. “Until we are prepared to take steps to address the root cause of this crisis – the Assad regime – we will continue to see dangerous consequences in the region that will impact our allies and our security interests.”

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is conducting a series of hearings over the next several weeks on the U.S. role and strategy in the Middle East.

Welcoming Our Nation’s Heroes to Washington

Senator Corker last week greeted veterans from The Honor Flight of Middle Tennessee during a one-day trip to Washington, D.C. The veterans visited the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam Wall, and witnessed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider at Arlington National Cemetery.

The Honor Flight of Middle Tennessee is part of the national Honor Flight Network. The trip was made possible through donations by individuals and organizations in the Middle Tennessee area.

Meeting with Tennesseans

On Friday, Senator Corker was in Knoxville and met with students, faculty and staff at the University of Tennessee College of Law.

On Monday, Senator Corker was in Chattanooga and spoke to law enforcement officials from across the Southeast at the Regional Organized Crime Information Center (ROCIC) Homicide Conference.

Obama Administration Tightens Regulations for Ozone Pollution

Senator Corker released the following statement last week regarding the Obama administration tightening regulations for ozone pollution.

“Over the last few months, the administration has proposed a number of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules and standards, and it appears they may be rushing to do so to align with the climate talks in Paris,” said Corker. “I have several questions regarding how the EPA plans to implement these far-reaching and costly executive priorities. I also know firsthand that overly stringent ozone standards can make it very difficult for communities in Tennessee and across our country to attract jobs and grow their local economies."