AOC ADVOCACY UPDATE: Bacon Introduces JEMSO Legislation
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This week, Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02), co-chair of the congressional Electronic Warfare Working Group (EWWG) introduced H.R. 5522, the Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (JEMSO) Readiness Act, or JEMSORA. Original cosponsors of the bill include Rep. Austin Scott (GA-08), also a co-chair of the EWWG, and Reps. Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) and Salud Carbajal (CA-24). The AOC strongly endorses this legislation as it represents a tremendous opportunity to advance innovative EMSO capability that is a prerequisite for successful military operations in the twenty-first century.
Click here for a copy and summary of the bill from the Library of Congress.
The Department of Defense (DoD) and the military services are making strides in this area, but as the bill states, we must “accelerate” this effort and provide for “the unified governance framework necessary to optimize” every aspect of JEMSO - from concept to integrated fielded systems to warfighter training to a fully interoperable capability. The bill calls for Joint Campaign Modeling, a thorough assessment of JEMSO capabilities and capacity, and a meaningful, sustainable and resourced governance enterprise that will go a long way toward addressing persistent gaps and align DoD and Congress on reforms necessary to our technology acquisition, tactics, techniques, and procedures. Click here for a copy of the bill.
According to a statement from Rep. Bacon, “As a career electronic warfare officer in the Air Force, I understand the critical importance of dominating the electromagnetic spectrum in combat,” said Rep. Bacon. “This legislation will ensure the Department of Defense remains focused on this goal by requiring that it develop an advanced simulation capability, ensure better joint integration, and provide regular updates to Congress. We have lost our edge in this critical domain and need to quickly restore readiness in the electromagnetic spectrum to ensure we can execute the National Defense Strategy.”
JEMSORA puts warfighter readiness first. It will help ensure the United States has a decisive advantage over adversaries and peer competitors when it comes to controlling the EMS. It is imperative we find new ways to work together to accelerate development of EW systems and technologies, balance investment to serve both near-term requirements and long-term vision, and strengthen leadership at every level in DoD and our military services.
