Issue Position: Defense

Issue Position

A strong national defense is central to the security and protection of the American people. I am committed to ensuring that our military remains the most effective and capable military in the world. Recent attempted terrorist attacks within the borders of our country make it very clear that terrorists are still determined to destroy our society. We must maintain a strong national defense.

First and foremost in maintaining a strong national defense are our troops.

- I will continue to fight for the brave men and women who represent the best our country has to offer.

- Our troops must be provided with the resources, medical care and benefits necessary to protect the American people.

- When our soldiers return from overseas duty they must be afforded all of the health care and help that they need to return to a productive life. We owe them nothing less.

I have been proud to support the following legislation on behalf of our military:

- generous annual increases in military pay

- fully funding the TRICARE health system

- expanding military educational benefits, such as the Post 9-11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act.

I will continue to work to make sure that our military has the most effective and technologically-advanced weapons systems and hardware. On this front, I opposed the Administration's decision to cancel the European missile defense program. With rogue nations like Iran and North Korea continuing to develop ballistic missile arsenals and enriching uranium, it is more important than ever that we send a clear message that we will defend our shores and fulfill commitments we have made to allies.

We must continue to push for strong sanctions against countries such as Iran, and for that reason I co-sponsored and voted for the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2009. This act gives state and local governments authority to divest their assets from companies investing in Iranian companies.

The security and safety of the American people must continue to be the number one priority of the federal government. For that reason I oppose the decision to close Guantanamo Bay and will continue to work to keep terrorists out of our country and away from American families, children and communities. Putting these terrorists in American communities and giving them all the rights of a U.S. citizen, including full access to our legal system, is a grave mistake.

The war against terrorism must continue, and be fully funded. It is important that we provide General McChrystal and all of our men and women in uniform with the resources they need to succeed. Abandoning our efforts there would jeopardize the safety and security of the United States. General McChrystal has designed a strategy that will permit our troops to come home and leave Afghanistan ready to defend and secure its own people against the Taliban. We must support these efforts and I will continue to work for our men and women in uniform to get them whatever support and resources they need.

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