National Security

National security is paramount and we must be capable of proactively protecting ourselves. America must continue to invest in a strong, viable and effective national defense including intelligence operations, backed by a strong and credible foreign policy. The prospect of a Nuclear Iran must never come to reality.

The New York Times reported that thanks in large part to "big budget deficits," the Defense Department is under "intensifying political and economic pressures to restrain its budget, setting up the first serious debate since the terrorist attacks of 2001 about the size and cost of the armed services." The House and Senate are considering cuts, but I feel weakening our defenses in the face of increased terrorist strength is unacceptable.

I support a focused approach to our defense spending. We must focus all spending on the war in the middle east without imperilling the safety of troops in harms way, and reduce our presence in areas of the world at peace. We must insist upon accountability by our defense contractors, reduce so-called "peace parts" to avoid unnecessary equipping of troops where there is minimal need and no risk, shift responsibility to our friends and allies to step up, and consider charging countries for services provided by our military for their protection.

Regarding Iran, I fully support the portions of the NDAA passed just before January 1, 2012, calling for sanctions on doing any business with Iran or their Central Bank, except I am concerned that President Obama watered down the provisions prior to signing. We need need to immediately sanction Iran and cease doing business with them unless and until they cooperate fully with regard to investigating their nuclear capability.

The Dignity of Our Military

Those who serve and have served in our military are heroes and each deserves our collective respect and support. I will never allow politics to jeopardize their safety. If they are in harm’s way, we owe them all the tools needed to come home safely. Once home, they are entitled to priority in health care and jobs to rapidly assimilate back into society. In similar vein, I support those who protect us on our soil. This includes the U.S. Coast Guard, National Guard, Homeland Security, police, fire fighters, and other first responders who risk their lives every day.

We must keep our promises to our Veterans and their families. We must protect Tri-Care for Life, and generously provide for the families of our fallen heroes, and wounded heroes. For returning service men and women, I strongly support an expanded GI Bill that would allow for full tuitions at Community Colleges, public and private universities, and extensive job training and/or retraining for those entering the workforce upon separation.