U.S. Rep. Candice Miller (R-MI) applauded the strategic plan to protect and grow Michigan’s defense industry on Friday.
Miller will join Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel and other Michigan officials in the state’s protect and grow strategic plan, which will be led by the Michigan Defense Center in an effort to grow the defense industry in the state.
“Earning the proud moniker of America’s Arsenal of Democracy during WWII, Michigan’s multibillion-dollar defense industry, with the support of our domestic auto industry, has transitioned to the Arsenal of American Innovation,” Miller said. “Home to TARDEC, TACOM, seven military installations, and many other critical military facilities, Michigan’s defense industry plays a critical role in our national defense, Homeland security, and Michigan’s economic vitality.”
Miller touted her protection of the Selfridge Air National Guard Base as one of her principal advocacies during her tenure as a member of the House of Representatives. She also noted her own efforts to stave off plans to retire the A-10 fighter platform at the base.
“I applaud the Michigan Defense Center for putting together this strategic plan to bolster Michigan’s entire defense industry,” Miller said. “This plan points out an obvious fact that advancing and protecting Michigan’s defense capabilities and defense industries requires a bipartisan approach. It also correctly emphasizes the importance of addressing our aging Soo Locks and supporting our efforts to advance autonomous vehicle technologies.”