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As a Member of the influential House Armed Services Committee, I have the opportunity to work on a variety of issues important to the Hampton Roads region. The 2nd Congressional District of Virginia is home to the Atlantic Fleet, the 1st Fighter Wing and a host of other major military commands, as well as defense-related private industry and manufacturing. I believe it is important that the private sector and the military work hand-in-hand to provide our fighting men and women with the most up-to-date technology and I am working to ensure that our all-volunteer military has the tools it needs to keep our country safe during these turbulent times of increased terrorism and assaults against democracy. Keeping our country safe is my #1 priority.
We are at a critical point in our nation’s history. The vicious attacks of September 11th changed our nation forever, forcing us into a Global War on Terror. I am confident that our efforts to take the fight to the enemy, disrupting their networks and creating confusion and fear amongst the terrorists, have made us safer here at home. However, we will never escape the threat of terrorism, and I believe we must remain eternally vigilant of our key access points, primarily our borders and our ports.
The proudest moments I have spent on the Armed Services Committee have been with the young men and women that make up our Armed Forces. I have been on four separate Congressional delegation trips to Iraq, and each time, I have gained a deeper understanding of the sacrifices that they endure in defense of our nation. Before 9/11, I worried that if America ever needed our young people, they would not go. Well, I was proven wrong. Today, we cannot talk about the Global War on Terror without mentioning the 922,000 heroes who have voluntarily served our Nation, going to a land that most have never been to, to liberate a people most have never met. I am constantly astounded by the dedication, professionalism and heart of the young men and women who make up our military.
My position on the Armed Services Committee also affords me the opportunity to closely work on another issue that is vital to the Hampton Roads region: shipbuilding. Many of my constituents are concerned about the rising cost of naval ships and I share those concerns. It is vital that American shipbuilders remain competitive in today’s emerging global marketplace and I intend to pursue legislative efforts to ensure that we maintain those jobs in the 2nd District.
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