National Defense Act Includes Energy Focus and Projects in Oklahoma

Oklahoma Senators Jim Inhofe and James Lankford voted this week in support of advancing the National Defense Authorization Act, a measure that includes several aspects of energy.

“The National Defense Authorization Act is the most important bill we consider each year and upholds our constitutional responsibility of providing for the common defense,” said Sen. Inhofe.

The measure will have direct impact on military operations in Oklahoma including the E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System planes located at Tinker Air Force Base. The fleet is to be upgraded due to a push by Sen. Inhofe.

It also includes nearly $29 million in military construction in Oklahoma.

One part of the act calls for advancements in directed energy weapon system prototyping and demonstration.

“Recent tests and demonstrations, including counter-UAS live fire events at Fort Sill, have shown the promise of this emerging technology,” explained the senator who called for increased funding of research.

The Senator also took credit for authorizing language directing the Secretary of Defense to briefing a briefing to the Senate Armed Services committee on the military findings and recommendations of the Electromagnetic Pulse Commission. It was created 16 years ago to assess the nature and magnitude of potential high-altitude EMP threats to the U.S.