Defense

Since I first came to Congress in 1997, I have worked tirelessly to strengthen our nation’s military.  Through my seat on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I will continue to strengthen the 12th District’s contribution to the defense of the country by supporting critical weapons programs such as the F-22, H-1, V-22, and Joint Strike Fighter.  These programs play a vital role in our military’s offensive and defensive postures and are integral to our national security.

In my years in Congress, I have voted consistently to increase funding for our military and intelligence infrastructure and operations.  I have also worked to increase the quality of life for our men and women in uniform and their families, as well as our nation’s veterans.  I will continue to support legislation that promotes the welfare and fair treatment of our service men and women.  I encourage all Americans to keep in their thoughts and prayers those service members who are deployed in the defense of our nation and its way of life.
 
To find specific ways you can support the members of our Armed Forces, I encourage you to visit the Department of Defense’s “America Supports You” website at www.americasupportsyou.mil.

Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (H.R. 1182)

Currently, service members are able to maintain the same state of residence throughout their military career.  This saves them from the headache of having to change car registration, driver’s license, and other information every time their duty requires them to move.  Unfortunately, military spouses don’t enjoy that same benefit.  The Military Spouses Residency Relief Act would give the spouses of our military personnel the same ability as the service member to maintain the same state residence for the purposes of voting and taxation, regardless of where military orders may require them to relocate during their military career.  This is a great piece of legislation that recognizes the sacrifices made by military spouses supporting their service member as military orders move them throughout the country. 

It is critical that we provide our service members and their families a sense of stability and help them to simplify their lives.  This bill will afford them the same basic residency rights and privileges as the many people they contribute to defending.