National Security

Everyday our brave men and women put their lives on the line to protect our country.  Whether fighting on the front lines in Iraq or Afghanistan or around the world against the constant threat of terrorism, America’s military men and women are making the sacrifices necessary to keep us safe. Their service to our country represents the very best America has to offer, and we owe them our deepest respect, gratitude and commitment.

Assisting Our Troops and Military Families

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I had the opportunity to travel to Afghanistan to see the on-the-ground situation and talk to the troops.  It’s my obligation, both to those troops on the ground and their families back home, to do everything I can to make informed decisions.  Going to Afghanistan gave me new insights into the conditions in the field and the needs of our troops.  That is why I am committed to ensuring that they receive the tools and resources necessary to complete their missions.  To fulfill these promises, I have worked to increase funding for readiness training so that our troops are prepared to successfully perform their missions. And it is also why I voted to give our military men and women a pay increase and to compensate service members for time served under stop-loss orders since 2001.
 
I also recognize that the burdens of defending our freedoms are not only felt just by our troops serving in the military, but also by their families here at home.  In my conversations with troops at home and abroad, it is apparent that providing for their families at home allows them to focus on the mission at hand.  That is why I helped introduce The Support Military Families Act, which establishes the National Military Family Relief Fund to make grants to Armed Forces members who are serving, or have served, in Iraq or Afghanistan to assist their families.

Keeping Us Safe At Home and Abroad

I believe that our security is linked to our relationships within the global community.  While I strongly believe America must be prepared to respond quickly and decisively to any potential threat or attack, we must also work together with our allies to share resources, and more effectively confront those who wish to do us harm. That is why I support efforts to strengthen our diplomatic outreach to other nations and explore efforts to work with like-minded democracies to share intelligence necessary to keep us safe.  
 
I am also keenly aware that our national security begins at home. The security of our families depends on the ability of our neighbors to respond to unexpected threats, whether it is police, firefighters or other first responders.  I am committed to working to provide our local first responders with the training, equipment and facilities necessary to respond to local emergencies quickly and effectively.
 
As New Yorkers, we know firsthand the importance of security in our communities – both at the national and local level. Our National Guard continues to make every New Yorker proud with their continued efforts at home and abroad.  As your Congressman, I pledge to continue to protect our nation and maintain our security both at home and abroad as one of my top priorities.