U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy of Winter Park, Fla., has secured placement on two influential subcommittees that she says will allow her to use her prior experience at the Pentagon to help keep our nation safe and to help grow the central Florida economy. Murphy, who previously worked as a national security specialist at the U.S. Department of Defense, has been assigned to the Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee and the Readiness Subcommittee, two of seven subcommittees within the House Armed Services Committee (HASC).
“The security of the American people must be our top priority, and I will use my experience at the Pentagon and my roles on the Armed Services Committee to ensure our men and women in uniform have the training, resources, and support they need to keep us safe,” said Murphy. “Florida is home to numerous active-duty, reserve and National Guard installations and plays a strategic role in our nation’s defenses, so it is important that Florida has a strong voice in Congress as we set defense and military policy. We must also ensure that we are taking care of our veterans and military families who deserve our full support.”
The Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee is responsible for overseeing counter-terrorism programs and initiatives and counter proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Additionally, this subcommittee oversees U.S. Special Operations Forces, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), information technology and programs, force protection policy and oversight, and related intelligence support. It makes sure that our nation is protected against terror attacks and unconventional threats.
The Readiness Subcommittee oversees military readiness and training, logistics and maintenance issues and programs, military construction, installations and family housing issues, and the BRAC process. It also oversees civilian personnel, energy security, and environmental issues that affect DOD. The Readiness Subcommittee makes sure that our troops are properly trained and their equipment is properly maintained so they can succeed in their missions, and that they have the facilities and services they deserve when they return home.
Florida’s Seventh Congressional District is home to “Team Orlando”— a collection of government, private industry and academic organizations, many of which specialize in high-tech research and development, including modeling and simulation, that are essential to providing realistic and effective training to our service members. The Readiness Subcommittee has jurisdiction over modeling and simulation programs.
“Central Florida is home to renowned – and growing – modeling, simulation, and innovation industries and research institutions that are preparing our military for emerging threats and new global challenges, and I want to strengthen our region’s role in that process. In doing so, we not only help protect our homeland, but we also create and attract well-paying jobs for families in central Florida.”
Murphy also serves on the House Small Business Committee, where she has pledged to support central Florida entrepreneurs and small businesses.
