Issue Position: National Security

Issue Position

v.04.Sep'12

Protecting Our National Security

Ensuring the safety of our citizens is the most important task of government. The Central Coast is a full partner in that effort with Vandenberg Air Force Base, Naval Base Ventura County, Camp San Luis Obispo, Camp Roberts and other key California National Guard units in our communities.

Since 9/11 in particular, our men and women in uniform - and their families - have been asked to carry the burden of our national security seemingly alone. We must do more to support their efforts and sacrifice. That's why I have long supported efforts to ensure they have the resources they need to complete their missions, not just on the battlefield but also on the home front.

For example, I have successfully pushed for the construction of important quality of life improvements at Vandenberg like new energy efficient base housing, an updated Physical Fitness Center and the newly opened Child Development Center. I was also a strong supporter of establishing the special military families' bureau in the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. I also voted for legislation that ensures fair treatment of military service members and their families in times of financial hardship, like foreclosures.

As critical as our military strength is to protecting American interests abroad, the use of military force should always be our final option, not our first. We must always have an aggressive, proactive diplomatic presence in areas of potential conflict and seek to use our influence to avert conflict. Putting our men and women in uniform in harm's way should never be taken lightly or undertaken for the wrong reasons.

That's one of the main reasons why I voted against the war in Iraq. I did not believe the Bush Administration made the case for war and, sadly, my concerns were borne out. The high costs of military action, both in blood and treasure, are also why I have been pushing the current Administration to speed up our withdrawal from Afghanistan. It is time to turn over responsibility for Afghanistan's future to the Afghans.

As a strong supporter of Israel, I have also worked hard to promote peace in the Middle East and ensure Israel's lasting security. I know that achieving a lasting peace in the Middle East, one that guarantees Israel's security and the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, is in both peoples' interests as well as America's. That is also why I have supported the Administration's aggressive efforts to keep Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Iran cannot be allowed to threaten its neighbors with such a terrible weapon.

Finally, I am a founding member of the bipartisan House Democracy Partnership which helps fledgling democracies build representative governments in countries such as Indonesia, Lebanon, Georgia, and Timor Leste. Supporting the development of new and strong democracies around the world is critical to safeguarding our national security.

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