Issue Position: Defending America

Issue Position

National Defense

My family members have served our country in the military. As far back as Great,...Great Grandfather Caleb Baldwin who swore his oath of loyalty to the Continental Army to George Washington, himself, at Valley Forge, my family has a proud record of service during wartime. My father was a Captain in the Army Air Corps in WWII. My Uncles Lou and Bill were met on the battlefield at Iwo Jima. My Cousin Geoff is a Vietnam Veteran. And my son-in-law Ret. Army Captain Ron Raybon, a veteran of the Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom, who now is fighting and winning a different battle, this time over Cancer.

The first responsibility of the Federal government is to defend the nation from foreign aggressors. In this time of war and threats of war, we must ensure our military has the right focus for engagement, the best strategy for victory, the needed equipment and training, and the nation's support for our military men and women on the front line and for their families here at home. And upon their return, we must ensure those injured always receive the best care possible, and that all who have served are honored for their service and sacrifice.

The War On Terror and Radical Islamist Threats

We must never forget the attacks of 9/11 and that the threat from radical Islamists continues. The war on terror must be fought through vigorous intelligence, decisive military action. If captured, those who attack America or plan to should be considered enemy combatants, not criminal defendants.

With unstable regimes like North Korea and Iran possessing or seeking both nuclear and long-range missile capabilities, it is vital to continue the development and deployment of missile-shield technology both here at home and for our valued allies, especially Israel and South Korea.

The United States and Israel

Maintaining our unique and special relationship with Israel is a moral obligation for the United States. Israel is the most stable government in the region. Israel's military and intelligence forces have served as a buffer against threats to U.S. and international security. The ties between our two countries are many -- a shared worldview, value of freedom, a democratic heritage and we both stand firmly against terrorism. I am steadfast in my support of Israel's survival as a free nation and a loyal ally of the United States. I will not support any effort in Congress to further diminish the land area of Israel -- not by one inch.

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