Defense

Protecting Our Nation and Supporting Our Troops

Idaho National Guard:
Idaho is proud to support the men and women of our Idaho National Guard, many of whom are called on to serve across the state, country and around the world on a frequent basis.  Members of the Idaho National Guard’s 116th Cavalry Brigade have been called to active duty to serve in Iraq.  The Idaho Army National Guard is headquartered at Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho.  Idaho National Guard units are dispersed throughout the state in 27 communities. The 116th Cavalry Brigade is the state’s largest unit.   The 116th Cavalry Brigade includes around 1,800 Idahoans as well as soldiers from Oregon and Montana.  The troops are scheduled to participate in the Operation New Dawn mission in Iraq, where they will provide convoy and base security, logistical support for military operations and assist civilian agencies and delegations.  They are scheduled to remain in Iraq until the end of 2011, in accordance with the Department of Defense withdrawal schedule.

During peacetime, each state National Guard answers to the governor of its respective state or territory. During national emergencies, however, the President reserves the right to mobilize the National Guard, putting them in federal duty status.  While federalized, the units answer to the Combatant Commander of the theater in which they are operating and, ultimately, to the President.  The Army National Guard is a partner with the Active Army and the Army Reserves in fulfilling the country's military needs.  In recent years, Army Guard soldiers have served in more than 80 countries in a wide variety of operations including peacekeeping, stabilization, security, and nation building. 

The 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team is home to some of the nation’s finest, and they are trained and prepared for their upcoming mission. I have always been a strong supporter of our nation’s military men and women.  As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to support measures that enhance and improve the quality of life for service members, particularly our National Guard and Reserve troops.  U.S. service members make tremendous sacrifices to preserve our way of life, and the American people are indebted to the men and women who serve our nation.  I would encourage you and our fellow Idahoans to do their part in supporting our troops and their families during this very difficult time just as I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to fully support our troops as they serve our country.  I wish them success and look forward to welcoming them home.

Global War on Terror:
On September 11, 2001, extremists committed to the destruction of the United States and our way of life brought their violent ideology to American soil with attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and a failed attack on the U.S. Capitol.  These fanatics have not only struck the United States, but also Spain, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, and, most recently, India.  As a result, the battlefield of this global conflict stretches from Iraq and Afghanistan, across Europe, and to the United States. 

This conflict is unlike previous wars our nation has fought.  We face an enemy without borders, who adheres to no international laws and who refuses to negotiate.  If we lose our determination now and ignore the pervasiveness of this threat, we will only pass on an even deadlier threat to future generations.  We must vigilantly avoid subscribing to the same intolerance and hatred which consumes our enemies, but aggressively pursuing and thoroughly eliminating the terrorist threat is our nation’s only option to preserve our way of life. 

I fully support the efforts of our military personnel to carry out the difficult task of eliminating the terrorist threat and helping the Iraqi and Afghani people secure and rebuild their countries.  I remain concerned about the impact that long deployments and dangerous conditions are having on American soldiers.  I will continue working with my colleagues in Congress to ensure the United States military is provided with the resources it needs for protection and to improve the living conditions of military troops. 

Afghanistan:
I am greatly concerned by the situation in Afghanistan.  First and foremost, I believe that we must support our troops and provide our troops with the resources they need to be successful and win the fight against the Taliban and terrorist insurgents, build up the Afghan army and police force and implement anti-corruption and government reforms.  I remain concerned that President Obama has established an artificial timeline for Afghanistan which may embolden our enemies, thus making victory in Afghanistan more difficult.  I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress and the Administration to ensure that our troops have everything they need to be successful and win this critical battle in the War on Terror.

Iraq:
In Iraq, I believe that United States troops and Allied forces have made significant progress in a number of vitally important areas.  Idaho is proud of our National Guard men and women heading to Iraq and we support the important work they will be doing there in service to our great country.  After visiting Iraq in 2004 and 2008, I remain convinced that our nation and military must finish the work we started there, but I believe it is time for the Iraqi government to take control and lead the fight for its country’s freedom.  It is imperative that we provide our troops with the resources and equipment they need and deserve while continuing to provide them with the flexibility they require to react to events on the ground, avoiding arbitrary timelines and limitations that would tie the hands of our generals and our troops on the ground.

At the same time, as we move forward in the War on Terrorism, Congress must dutifully serve its oversight role.  I remain ever mindful of the need to protect our Constitution and the freedoms that it guarantees.  We must not allow any event, tragic and horrible as it may be, to erode the very freedoms that generations of Americans have given their lives to protect.