America Must Lead

Statement

The world was rocked by a terrorist attack in Brussels, Belgium early Tuesday morning, reminding us just how vulnerable we still remain. This was a horrific act of terrorism that has resulted in a senseless loss of life. As a wife, a mother, and a grandmother, I cannot imagine the pain and grief the people of Belgium must be feeling. Mark and I join people from across the state of Maryland and throughout the entire country in praying for the people of Belgium and for the people who lost loved ones.

This latest attack demonstrates our need to redouble our efforts against radical Islamic terrorism. Whether it's ISIS, al-Qaeda, or one of the other terrorist cells across the world, radical Islamic terrorism is the biggest threat to our safety and security. And it must be defeated. But the only way we can succeed in the fight against terrorism is if America takes a leading role -- and right now we are not. Instead we have turned our backs on our allies like Israel and failed hold our adversaries accountable for their actions.

If we truly want to stop the spread of terrorism, we must start working with our allies around the world, including those allies in the Middle East that are already fighting ISIS. Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait have asked for our assistance -- and we should give it to them. On the home front, we must provide our local law enforcement officials with the resources they need to stop these terrible acts of violence before they start.

We are facing an enemy that knows no borders and has no moral compass. They kill blindly and recklessly for the sole purpose of causing fear and chaos. And as their influence spreads, so does their capabilities to reach American shores. The attacks in San Bernardino and Boston are proof that America is not exempt from devastating terrorist attacks.

Ronald Reagan said it best, "When America is leading, the world is safer." Now is the time to get America back in the leadership business again.

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