Issue Position: Defense

Issue Position

f there is one critical responsibility of our federal government, it is to provide a national defense second to none, something central to the Republican platform. Without a persuasive, well-equipped, and properly deployed military we cannot maintain our sovereignty and affect diplomacy.

In this troubled time, it is crucial that we not shrink from this obligation. Our world is becoming increasingly complex. In addition to our ongoing travails with Islamic extremists, we must also remain vigilant about threats emerging elsewhere from places like China, North Korea, and Venezuela.

I believe in a strong national defense that is properly deployed throughout the world. With that as a foundation, we need to have the best equipped, best rested and rotated military. We need to grow the armed forces to support the high operational tempo of current military operations. I am in favor of the addition of Special Forces, soldiers and Marines to meet the security challenges of the 21st Century.

As a member of Congress, I will look to my military leaders on the ground for their assessments of the situation and not second guess their tactical decisions, and I will respect the Congress' Constitutional duty.

I stand behind the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. These Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen, and Marines are our nation's best and brightest and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their service. Furthermore, we must have as strong a commitment to active duty men and women as we do to our veterans. I will work to provide our soldiers the resources they need.

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