Issue Position: The War On Terror
Issue Position
Issue Position: The War On Terror
"Like so many Americans, I was at home preparing for work on September 11th, 2001, when I heard the terrible news and saw those horrible images, the clouds of flame that ripped a hole in the bright blue sky. I will never forget that sight - none of us should ever forget it. I am committed to fighting terror at home and abroad, ensuring that the tragedies of September 11th will never be repeated."
-- Senator John Cornyn
* We must always remember that our government's primary responsibility is to protect and defend the American people and advance the interests of the United States.
* Around the world, we must continue to support our allies, promote stability, foster democracy, and encourage economic liberalization.
* The recent rise in international terrorism has threatened not only the United States' national security, but also the stability of many of our allies. Effectively combating this surge of terrorism requires us to partner with other countries, aggressively pursuing terrorists and terror-supporting states.
* As we look toward the future we must continue to work with allies against challenges to peace and prosperity.
A Leader in Strengthening our National Security:
* As a Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Cornyn plays a key role each year in drafting the National Defense Authorization Act. This important legislation authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense and military operations in support of the global war on terror.
* Senator Cornyn's position on this Committee is particularly important for Texas which averages over $30 billion per year in defense contracts and is home to 15 major military installations: Fort Hood, Fort Bliss, Fort Sam Houston, Red River Army Depot, Corpus Christi Army Depot, Randolph Air Force Base, Lackland Air Force Base, Sheppard Air Force Base, Dyess Air Force Base, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Laughlin Air Force Base, Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Ellington Field, Corpus Christi Naval Air Station, and Kingsville Naval Air Station.
* As Chairman of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities during the 109th Congress, Senator Cornyn held a number of oversight hearings, including:
o U.S. non-proliferation efforts
o The DOD's science and technology budget
o U.S. Special Operations
o The DOD's chemical demilitarization program.
* In 2006, Senator Cornyn played a key role in passage of the Military Commissions Act of 2006. This legislation established the procedures to prosecute al Qaeda terrorists and provided legal clarity to allow continuation of the CIA's High Value Terrorist Detention program.
* In 2007, Senator Cornyn played an important role in championing sufficient and timely Supplemental funding for our Service members deployed and fighting the War Against Terror. This funding provided for critical force protection items to include body armor and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs) for our Soldiers in harm's way. This funding also provided critical military construction for the Base Alignment and Closure(BRAC) effort that is so vital for military facilities and communities across Texas.
A Strong Supporter of Texas Military Programs:
* Appointed as Ranking Member of the Armed Services' Airland Subcommittee for the 110th Congress, Senator Cornyn is in a key position to continue supporting critical air weapons programs that are built in part in Texas, including the F-22A Raptor, the Joint Strike Fighter, the V-22 Osprey, and the Army's Future Combat System.
* Over the last four years, Senator Cornyn has worked to authorize $45 billion for these three Texas-based military weapons systems. He has also worked to authorize almost $4 billion for the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV), built in Sealy, Texas, which are currently used to re-supply and carry troops in combat zones.
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