The status quo is not an option if we want an immigration system that protects American workers, strengthens America's competitiveness, and ensures the security of our ports, borders and all points in between. Continuing to maintain operational control of our ports of entry and targeting the human trafficking, illicit trade of weapons, drugs and money remains a priority. This is why I supported recent bipartisan legislation, which provides such funding without adding to our debt. The Emergency Border Security Supplemental Appropriations Act (HR.6080/S.3721) will provide targeted funding to hire 1,500 additional Customs and Border Protection agents and supply additional technology and resources to improve interagency response to fight crime at our borders.

While this bill will help ensure we are targeting adequate resources to fight crime at our borders and ports of entry, we still need comprehensive immigration reform that will address the overarching problems of our immigration system. I will continue to work with members of both parties to build support for a comprehensive approach to restore order to our immigration system.

The U.S. military is the single largest consumer of energy in the world - consuming more energy per day than 85 percent of the world's countries. Both at home and abroad, a stable and secure energy supply is a challenge for our military, since the bulk of that energy comes from fossil fuels and is transported on our fragile electric grid. By increasing the Pentagon's consumption of clean energy, we can reduce costs and increase troop safety. My bill has four broad goals: It would reduce the Pentagon's reliance on oil on the battlefield; task the Department of Defense (DOD) to plan better for its energy use; decrease electricity consumption at our military facilities around the world; and increase the self-reliance of our military bases by increasing the development of on-site renewable electricity. It would also require DOD to develop an implementation plan for accomplishing its goal of deriving 25 percent of the military's electricity from renewable sources by 2025. With our military leading the way on new energy technologies and applications, these investments can be catalyzed to support efforts in the civilian clean energy sector, creating new technological breakthroughs and new jobs.

Expanding Health Coverage for Our Military Families:  As part of health insurance reform, which was signed into law March 2010, young adults will soon be eligible to remain on their parents' health insurance policies up to age 26.  Recently, I introduced the TRICARE Dependent Coverage Extension Act (S. 3201), to make certain that families of our armed service members are not left behind when this provision is implemented.   Extending insurance to cover young Americans until age 26 is critical, especially as they make the transition into the tough job market. This important bill would ensure that this same benefit is available to young adults in families who get their coverage through the TRICARE program - the Department of Defense health insurance program for military service members, retirees, and their families.

In May 2009, I traveled to Afghanistan and Pakistan to gain firsthand knowledge of front-line military operations. When I returned, I authored an op-ed for The Denver Post about the future of the region.

In Senate Armed Services Committee hearings and meetings, I have questioned Defense and State Department leaders - including Secretaries Gates and Clinton, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Mullen, General McChrystal, Ambassador Eikenberry, and Special Representative Richard Holbrooke - on how we can implement a tough, smart security strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Through future Senate Armed Services Committee hearings, scrutiny of budget requests and policy proposals, and visits to the region, I will continue to focus on ensuring we are taking the necessary steps to achieve our goals in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

In 2009, I formed a Military Advisory Committee in Colorado to provide greater insight into the issues facing our Armed Forces. The members of my Military Advisory Committee have a wide range of professional backgrounds in varied defense fields and represent different political views. The expertise, advice, and ideas this committee provides will be instrumental in helping me shape smart policies that keep us safe and that keep Colorado's interests in mind.

On Veterans Day in 2009, I was honored to speak at the National Homeland Defense Foundation Symposium in Colorado Springs. In my speech to the group, I highlighted the need for a tough but smart national security policy. As I told this group, we must have a broad approach to our security, whether it is supporting the important roles NORTHCOM and NORAD play in keeping the homeland safe or increasing our focus on the threats presented by cyberterrorism.

From my position on the Senate Armed Services Committee, I have helped secure authorization and robust funding for Colorado's military installations and kept funding on track to accelerate destruction of chemical weapons at the Pueblo Chemical Depot. In 2009, I led the fight for funding to help with the problem of encroachment at military installations, which can jeopardize an installation's mission and the economic well-being of surrounding communities. And I successfully pushed for increased oversight and coordination of efforts across the military services to improve our energy security.

In 2009, I co-sponsored the bipartisan Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 (S.454) - which was signed into law - to reduce fraud and waste in military spending. This ensures our government is a good steward of the public dollar, while freeing up resources to devote to critical security efforts at home and abroad.

I am a strong advocate on the Senate Armed Services Committee for the repeal of the antiquated Don't Ask-Don't Tell policy, which prohibits gays and lesbians from openly serving in the Armed Forces, and hurts our ability to retain troops in a time of war.

In November 2009, Senator John McCain and I led a Congressional delegation to the Halifax International Security Forum. The focus of this inaugural forum was to increase global discussion and cooperation on such issues as Afghanistan, nuclear proliferation, international law, and emerging terrorism threats. I look forward to continuing to work to increase cooperation and bipartisanship on difficult issues through events like the Halifax Forum.

I voted to support the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2010 (P.L.111-83), which included important funding for tactical border security fencing, critical infrastructure, and technology. This legislation also included vital funding for enforcement of immigration and customs laws, detention and removals and investigations, as a part of the overall funding for the department.

Making sure that our veterans and soldiers get access to quality medical care, including behavioral health services, is critical. In October 2009, I pressed Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki to allow greater veterans' access to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) treatment programs by broadening the standards of what constitutes legitimate PTSD claims. PTSD is an increasingly common ailment on today's battlefields, and we must do all we can to ensure America's veterans get the care they have earned.