Issue Position: National Defense

Issue Position

Providing for our national defense is one of the few authorized responsibilities of the federal government. Indeed, as former Congressman Jim Talent wrote, "National defense is the only mandatory function of the national government" as outlined in Article 4, Section 4 of the United States Constitution.
As such, I am fully committed to rebuilding our military, which was severely weakened during the eight years of the Obama administration. As President Reagan put it, we must always be prepared so that we'll always be free.
In addition…

I believe Defense Secretary Jim Mattis' loosening of the "rules of engagement," which has allowed our troops to more quickly and effectively combat and defeat ISIS and other terrorists groups in the Middle East and elsewhere, is wise and correct.
I believe we should not be using our military for "nation building" purposes.
I believe our allies, who enjoy the protections we provide them, should help pay for that protection as agreed and appropriate.
I believe that appeasement efforts towards the brutal North Korean dictatorship have failed and a stronger U.S. strategy in dealing with them is both necessary and appropriate.
I believe we should never underestimate the dangers posed by Russia, but agree with President Trump that if we can find peaceful means to co-exist, it's in both nations' best interest to do so.
I believe border security and national security go hand-in-hand and support building the wall on our southern border, as well as President Trump's limited travel ban and ending the visa lottery program.
I oppose calls to reinstate the draft, as well as oppose requiring women to register for the draft.
I oppose using our military for social experimentation.

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