Defense

"National defense is one of the cardinal duties of a statesman." John Adams, January 1815

From the beginning, the United States military has protected us and defended America's ideals at home and abroad. It's a history and tradition that we are justifiably proud of. Today, now more than ever, a strong national defense is critical to our continued well-being. That means giving the men and women in our armed forces the equipment and training that they need to do their jobs, wherever those jobs may take them.

It also means supporting them once they return home and beyond. When a person puts on the uniform for the United States military, they're making a lifelong commitment. That commitment runs both ways.

A silhouetted air-to-air view of an AC-130 Hercules from the 16th Special Operations Squadron.

I believe that there are few things more important than supporting the troops who are defending our nation today and tomorrow. We have a responsibility to those who came before them just as we'll have a responsibility to those who follow.

Important Legislation

H.R. 1538, Wounded Warrior Assistance Act of 2007: This bill works to make the military’s medical and disability systems easier to use for injured combat veterans and their families. The bill would affect more than 25,000 U.S. service members wounded in hostile action since military operations began in Iraq and Afghanistan. I supported this legislation and it passed the House by a unanimous vote of 426-0.

H.R. 4, Dealing with a National Missile Defense: I was an original co-sponsor of this bill that stated Congress' intent to establish a national missile defense to protect the nation from attack. Since it became law in 1999, I've worked to ensure that this remains a national priority and that it is funded as such.