Issue Position: Securing our Nation

Issue Position

The great challenge of securing our homeland against enemies foreign and domestic has long been the primary responsibility of the federal government. In the wake of the attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Congress, the American people and the President rose to action to defend our country and provide aid to those in need abroad. Following the events of September 11, 2001, Congress, the American people, and the President rose once again to defend our soil. As the terrorists' methods of attack change so must our efforts to combat and defeat them.

Fighting an Unconventional War
The days of fighting a known enemy who marched in formation and used standard weaponry are long gone. Today, the men and women of our Armed Forces are engaged in battle with an enemy who prefers indiscriminant violence, such as detonating human bombs in open air markets, designed to cause chaos, fear, and submission. Our ability to successfully achieve victory hinges on fighting the enemy abroad and not at home; preventing state-sponsored terrorism and sanctuary; denying terrorists access to weapons of mass destruction; and spreading tolerance through democracy.

Protecting Americans
Balance must be maintained between information gathering and protecting civil liberties. Congress has an important oversight role in securing our liberties while paying heed to the dangerous threats our enemies pose. In the post 9/11 world, Congress has taken necessary steps to secure our nation by giving our law enforcement and intelligence communities the tools they need to prevent future attacks.

* Our surveillance laws have been modernized to collect foreign intelligence on foreign targets outside the United States. Terror plots against our country and our interests are repeatedly uncovered because of these changes.

* We have strengthened security and improved interagency communications and information sharing to ensure that our agencies are talking to each other.

* We have strengthened standards for driver's licenses and identification cards issued by states, helping to ensure that those presented at airports and border check points are verifiable. We know that the 9/11 hijackers had multiple driver's licenses in their possession.

* We are working with our allies to ensure that money laundering schemes are not financing terror activities.

As Americans we possess a legacy of democracy and freedom; gifts that were bought at a high price by the sacrifice of many brave Americans. In many parts of the world, there is no tolerance for different religious practices or beliefs; women have no voice; and respect for human life is non-existent. It is our duty to protect and defend our country, and also preserve those liberties that make us free. We know there are enemies willing to kill themselves in order to destroy the freedoms and democracy we enjoy. This fight is between extremism and tolerance. While there has not been another attack on this country since 9/11, in part due to these measures, we must remain vigilant and prepared to thwart the desires of those who wish our destruction. We must never become complacent.

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