Rev. 05-22-2023
Federal Agenda 2023 HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER, ALABAMA TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ALABAMA CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION AND THEIR STAFF: We are grateful to the members of the Alabama Congressional delegation for their leadership on the issues that are critical to our continued exploration of space and the Nation’s defense, especially those affecting the Huntsville/Madison County region. With your support, our region continues to prosper as a science and technology powerhouse. GAO and DoD IG reviews confirmed that the Air Force decision to locate the permanent U.S. Space Command HQ at Redstone was based on a sound evaluation of the merits of the potential sites. Continued vigilance is required to maintain the integrity of the site selection process. Our federally focused business community functions best with predictable and dependable funding for federal programs. We request that our members vigorously support efforts to pass appropriations bills in a timely manner, thus avoiding the prospect of continuing resolutions which drive up program costs and adversely impact schedule delivery. We encourage Congress to support full funding for our Nation’s space exploration programs and defense programs, especially U.S. Army modernization programs. We urge Congress to continue its efforts to increase, across the board, overall funding for science and technology and advanced research and development for defense, justice, and aerospace programs. Implementing a responsible and transparent method of Congressionally directed appropriations (earmarks) would restore the Constitutional “power of the purse,” bring more lawmakers to the negotiating table, and make federal spending more responsive to the taxpayers’ needs. During the COVID crisis, federal contractors have had limited access to federal facilities. Rather than idle this critical workforce, Congress incorporated Section 3610 into the CARES Act, allowing for federal agencies to use their funds to reimburse contractors’ employees who are unable to access the worksites and unable to telework during the pandemic. We urge Congress to extend this authorization until such time that all contractors have full access restored to federal facilities. The Chamber requests the Delegation to indefinitely extend authorities granted by Section 1109 of the 2016 NDAA entitled “Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratory (STRL) Pilot Program on Dynamic Shaping of the Workforce” that are currently set to expire at the end of 2023. These authorities provide STRLs, such as AvMC, with the ability to continually shape their personnel systems to meet their needs in attracting and retaining exceptional talent in today’s competitive economy. Consistent with the Army’s Modernization Strategy and the Secretary of the Army’s priorities, the Congress should stay the course in FY24 funding and supporting the Army’s planned Aviation Modernization programs including Future Armed Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA), Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), Launched Effects (formerly Air Launched Effects), and Future Tactical UAS. The continued growth of Huntsville and Madison County necessitates significant investments in our road infrastructure. While the area’s issues with traffic remain far below the levels experienced by other growing cities in the southeastern region, major upgrades to federal routes in the area will be necessary to keep the flow of traffic manageable for local commuters, including the many thousands of workers who drive to Redstone Arsenal each day. Local leaders are entering into an agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation to expedite the construction of seven major projects, all of which involve or connect to federal highways and interstates. Every effort made by our congressional delegation to help procure funds for these projects will improve the lives of citizens across north Alabama. This Agenda summarizes the most critical federal issues facing our region. Additional information regarding these issues and a number of other important federal programs and issues that have significant local and national impact is included in an accompanying Issues Book.
THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO ON OUR BEHALF, THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER