Frankly Speaking - Homeland Security and Defense
Confirmation of Petraeus by Full Senate Must Be Quick
Jun 29, 2010Today, the Senate Armed Services Committee held the confirmation hearing of General David Petraeus to serve as commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan. General Petraeus was nominated for this post after the ouster of General Stanley McChrystal by President Obama following a very public disagreement between the president and the general on future plans for Afghanistan.
Filed under: Homeland Security and DefenseImplementing a Successful Strategy in Afghanistan
Oct 9, 2009Last March, President Obama, stating that the fight in Afghanistan was the front-line in the war on terror, appointed General Stanley McChrystal to evaluate the situation in that country and draft a successful plan of attack. Seven months later, General McChrystal has done just that. While the exact report has not yet been released, some details have been leaked to the public. And the information is distressing.
Filed under: Homeland Security and DefenseWho Is Misleading Who?
Jun 3, 2009Since the birth of our nation over 220 years ago, the principle of civilian government oversight of our armed services and intelligence agencies has been the backbone of our national defense. For example, the Joint Chiefs of Staff report to a civilian: the Secretary of Defense. In addition, each branch of Congress has a Select Committee on Intelligence. American intelligence agencies are required to report their activities to these committees on a regular basis. The required civilian oversight is a safeguard put in place to ensure there are not rouge intelligence officials making improp
Filed under: Homeland Security and DefenseKeep America Safe
May 21, 2009In one of his first acts in office, President Barack Obama signed an executive order demanding the closure of the terrorist detention facility at Guantanamo Bay by the end of the year. However, he failed to explain any type of plan as to how the base would be closed, including what would be done with the prisoners within. There was immediate backlash from both sides of the aisle after the announcement. Many members introduced legislation barring detainees from facilities in their home state, and I joined every member of my Oklahoma colleagues in the House of Representatives to support H.
Filed under: Homeland Security and DefenseNational Security Requires Solid Planning
Jan 27, 2009Last week, President Obama issued an executive order closing the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, which houses thousands of suspected terrorists and enemy combatants. I was shocked by this announcement, but even more concerned by the fact that the President had no plans as to what would happen next.
Filed under: Homeland Security and Defense
