Defense Readiness Survey

Do you agree that America must take immediate steps to stop the "hollowing out" of our nation's defenses which has occurred because the money needed to keep our forces safe and in top fighting shape is being siphoned off for some Congressman's or Senator's pet pork-barrel projects after years of under-funding of the Armed Forces?

Do you think most Americans you know are aware that in the eight years before President Bush took office the size of our nation's Armed Forces was cut in half?

Were you aware that right now Air Force units on the front lines are not 100% mission capable and that they are having to cannibalize working aircraft to keep others in the air?

Were you aware that tens of thousands of families of service men and women are now on or eligible for Food Stamps because military pay is inadequate?

Do you think it is irresponsible of Congress to use $14.9 billion in Defense Budget funds for items like the Waterfree Urinal Conservation Initiative while our military forces are deployed in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan and the federal deficit is at a whopping $248 billion?

Do you think most Americans would be shocked to learn that currently the average age of Naval aircraft is 18 years and Air Force jets is more than 20 years?

Do you worry that Congressional pork-barrel spending, which robs dollars from vitally needed weapons systems, armor to protect our troops, and benefits designed to retain the most skilled members of our military, may in the years ahead pose a threat to the safety of your children or grandchildren?

The Clinton Administration slashed defense spending far beyond the post-Cold War minimums that were recommended during the George Herbert Walker Bush Administration to keep America safe. Do you believe this under-funding of our nation's defenses invites further aggression and terrorism?

Do you think that most Americans are aware of the extent to which the Defense Budget is being loaded up with pork-barrel projects designed to win a particular Congressman or Senator favor back home?

Which of the following expenditures would you remove from the Defense Budget and instead channel the money to training, manpower and weapons systems?

Please give us your e-mail address and zip code so we can notify you of important tax and spending battles at the federal level and in your state or region. (*Indicates a required field. CAGW requires registration for participation in our Surveys.)