Sam Johnson

National Security

As a fighter pilot, I spent nearly seven years as a Prisoner of War (POW) in Vietnam, more than half of that time in solitary confinement.  In addition, I studied at the National War College – and learned a thing or two about national security – during my 29-year career in the United States Air Force.

Believe it or not, there are only a handful of combat veterans in Congress.   Make no mistake - wearing the uniform for 29 years has given me a unique insight to best help those currently serving in harm’s way. 

In Washington, I continue to stand up and be counted for our men and women in uniform.  I’m constantly working to ensure that our guys have the best armored trucks they can drive, the best weapons they can fire, and the best ammunition they can use.  It’s the least we can do when our troops volunteer to protect our freedom.

We must win the war against terrorism, wherever it takes us.  Thankfully, the troop Surge in Iraq produced dramatically positive results and our men and women are returning home.  Hopefully, by sending more troops to Afghanistan we can quell the Taliban and Al Qaeda once and for all. 

Make no mistake, because of the tireless and selfless work our dedicated armed forces, America will continue to be “the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

“Don’t send terrorists to Texas.  We don’t want them.”

Earlier this year, President Barack Obama demanded that the government will shut down Guantanamo Bay Naval Base detention center within a year.  Shortly after that I joined fellow Lone Star State lawmakers and sent a letter to the President insisting that we will band together to ensure that suspected terrorists presently residing in “Gitmo” don’t end up in Texas.

The January 22, 2009 Executive Order insists that the facility will close no later than one year later.  The order also states that people covered by this order will “be returned to their home country, released, transferred to a third country, or transferred to another United States detention facility in a manner consistent with law.”

Don’t send terrorists to Texas.  We don’t want them.