Issue Position: National Security

Issue Position

America needs a national security strategy capable of countering the threats we face. This means preventing foreign fighters from entering the country and giving our military leaders the resources and support they need to thwart terrorist groups abroad.

As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I worked to give our warfighters the resources necessary to properly equip a 21st century military. While on Armed Services, I helped write and pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which establishes defense policy and priorities. I offered and passed amendments to increase the number of high-tech tools available to our warfighters, to continue the military's efforts to diversify its fuel supply, and to reduce reliance on foreign oil. In addition, I voted to expand the missile defense cooperation we currently have with Israel to other allies in the Middle East. A previous year's NDAA included provisions I fought for to authorize the building of new training facilities for Navy SEALs on Coronado and new hangars at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar to house F-35 jets -- fulfilling important priorities for San Diego's military leaders. And during this session of Congress, I voted to pass the bipartisan defense spending bill for the 2019 fiscal year, which includes funding for additional San Diego priorities: $22 billion for shipbuilding, a boost in aircraft procurement funding, and a 2.6% pay raise for our troops.

Protecting the integrity of our electoral process is also a matter of national security. American democracy is built on the promise of free and fair elections. Our intelligence agencies unanimously concluded that during the 2016 elections, Russia, directed by Vladimir Putin, sought to undermine the legitimacy of our electoral process by tipping the scales in favor of Mr. Putin's preferred candidate. In the face of President Trump's shocking refusal to clearly acknowledge Russian interference in our elections, it is up to Congress to pass legislation that repairs the vulnerabilities in our elections and punishes foreign aggressors who seek to threaten American democracy. During this session of Congress, I voted to pass legislation that directed the president to impose new sanctions on Russia for meddling in our elections.

Source