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National Security

At this time in American history, our national security has become on of the most important issues facing our nation. I am committed to the brave men and women, who risked their lives to defend freedom, and making certain that they can continue to receive benefits which they have earned through their service. I am also committed to supporting the President's efforts to make our nation stronger and safer. Important military issues are being addressed and resources are being provided to overcome the challenges before us.

We must never let our military deteriorate as we have seen over the past decade, because, as recent events have demonstrated, we will never know when our nation's security will be challenged.  Fielding a military like no other has a tremendous cost, one that American can and should willingly pay, which is why I am a cosponsor of H. J. Res 67, which would commit to spending no less than 4% of America’s Gross National Product on our national security needs, America is spending historic lows with it comes to our national defense, that is unacceptable and must be reversed.

The 19th District is the proud home of Dyess Air Force Base and the B-1B Lancer of the 7th Bomb Wing and the C-130 Hercules of the 317th Airlift Group.  The men and women of Dyess AFB are making invaluable contributions to the War on Terrorism, taking the fight to the enemy abroad.  West Texas is proud of our airmen and honors their service in defense of freedom and democracy.

Caring for our men and women in uniform also means caring for their loved ones while they are deployed, which is why I support H.R. 5229, the Montgomery G.I. Bill Transferability Act, allowing service members to transfer a portion of unused educational benefits to their spouses.  In addition, I support H.R. 2682, the Military Spouses Employment Act, which would help facilitate employment opportunities for spouses of our nation’s military by extending the work opportunity tax credit to business owners that hire military spouses.

Our nation’s military is asked to do a job that few would do, today’s All-Volunteer Force is the most capable fighting force in the world.  A force that requires our unwavering support and vigilant advocacy as a reminder to us all that freedom is not free.