Issue Position: Defense

Issue Position

As a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and a former member of the House Armed Services Committee, I believe a strong national defense is needed to protect our citizens from harm and to preserve the rights and liberties we cherish. Our brave men and women in uniform are the backbone of our armed forces, and I have been working in Congress to provide them with the necessary resources to continue their record of excellent service. I have also fought to promote responsible national security policies that will keep our country safe and protect the rights we enjoy as Americans.

Supporting Our Troops

Men and women in uniform demonstrate great commitment to the country, and we must ensure that they and their families do not encounter financial hardship because of their service. Consequently, I have consistently supported pay increases and other important benefits for our nation's service men and women. I fought successfully against proposed reductions in combat pay and family separation allowances for those serving abroad. I have also advocated for improved health care benefits for National Guard and Reservists and their families.

Maintaining a Capable Military

For our military to be effective, it must have up-to-date equipment and state-of-the-art technology. I voted to provide funds for more armored vehicles and bulletproof vests to improve the safety of our men and women in Afghanistan and Iraq. Furthermore, I have strongly supported the development of weapons programs that will provide U.S. military superiority now and into the future. I successfully advocated for a multi-year purchase agreement for Virginia-class submarines, which offer the capability and flexibility needed to protect our nation from a wide array of threats. Quonset Point is an important production facility for Virginia-class subs, and I was proud to obtain Congressional approval of a plan that will not only create jobs in Rhode Island, but also strengthen our nation's defense.

I am deeply concerned about the effect that ongoing operations in Iraq have had on our military readiness. Our troops have experienced numerous deployments to the region, while harsh desert conditions have taken their toll on our equipment. As a result, our National Guard units lack the resources needed to respond to domestic emergencies such as natural disasters. Without a significant investment in reconstituting our military's capabilities, we could find ourselves ill-prepared to address other possible threats to our nation and our allies.

Promoting Responsible National Security Policies

I believe that our foreign policy must reflect our principles as Americans and demonstrate our commitment to being an active participant in the global community. We must also recognize that the military is only one component of our national security apparatus and that we must employ all assets of government when deciding how best to achieve our goals. I have introduced legislation that would promote a more comprehensive approach to national security decision-making by emphasizing the importance of diplomacy, foreign assistance programs, intelligence assets, and "soft power" efforts such as educational and cultural exchanges. My bill to establish a Quadrennial National Security Review would require the President to develop a comprehensive plan to ensure that all components of federal government are properly coordinated to achieve our national security objectives.

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