A strong defense is America’s best tool in the war on terrorism. I applaud the men and women serving in our armed forces, and pledge that I will do all that is necessary to support them in their mission. I am particularly proud of the outstanding service of so many men and women from Minnesota.
Training and technology will help our troops win battles. Our troops deserve the very best of both. I support a robust defense budget that will make sure American troops always maintain a qualitative edge. Advances in training and technology also help ensure American troops will be able to come home safely.
Morale is equally important. With this in mind, I successfully included an amendment in the fiscal year 2004 Iraq Supplemental to ensure that the Department of Defense will cover all travel costs associated with a service member’s visit home for R&R.; Long deployments are painful enough for families to endure without having to scramble to pay for a same-day plane ticket from Baltimore to Minnesota. I have also shared my concerns about inadequate housing at some bases, unacceptable payroll issues, and other difficulties our troops face that can get lost in our bureaucracy.
Never before have the National Guard and Reserve been called upon in such numbers to serve their country overseas. I am proud of the way America’s citizen soldiers have answered that call. Now I believe it is up to the Congress to make sure that those who we ask to serve alongside regular troops do not get a raw deal. I have championed issues that our reservists care about – from healthcare benefits equal to those enjoyed by regular forces, to fair retirement policies, to better advance notice about deployments, to finding ways to make up for income lost after being called to active duty. I will continue to fight for all these sensible goals.
Modern threats require modern responses. I believe we must transform the military to give it the mobility and flexibility to respond quickly to 21st century threats. We must make smart use of our Special Forces, and think carefully about where best to position our forces around the world.
For me, this is personal. My father earned a purple heart in the Battle of the Bulge, and my grandfather received his purple heart in World War I. I have always believed that the best way to honor their sacrifices, and the sacrifices made by so many others for this great country, is to maintain a strong commitment to the men and women in uniform today.
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