National Security and Veterans
I emphasize the need to maintain peace and security at home and abroad, through diplomacy whenever possible. I opposed both the war in Afghanistan and the war in Iraq in the Wisconsin State Legislature, and I support the continued withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan. The use of chemical weapons in Syria was reprehensible and it deserved a united global response. We must continue to work with the international community to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria.
I believe our country must maintain a proper balance between security and liberty. I am committed to protecting the privacy rights of all Americans; as such, I am an original co-sponsor of the bipartisan and bicameral USA FREEDOM Act that would rein in the National Security Agency’s (NSA) blanket surveillance policies.
I remain committed to ensuring Wisconsin’s 400,000 veterans get the benefits they have earned. When our brave men and women return from foreign conflicts and retire from the military, the U.S. has a duty to provide them the support and care they deserve. I am committed to ending the VA backlog and am a co-sponsor of the Veterans Claims Efficiency Through Automation Act, which would allow the VA to streamline its services and serve veterans most in need.
More on National Security and Veterans
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) today issued the following statement on the McKeon Amendment to provide $500 million in funding to Syrian rebels to fight the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL):
“There is no debate ISIL is a terrorist organization responsible for appalling acts of violence. But there is debate about what this will actually do for the region and whether it will lead to war. This $500 million dollar down payment will only further entangle us in a part of the world most Americans want us out of.
MADISON – U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI–02) today toured the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison and held a listening session with hospital officials. The tour and listening session gave Rep. Pocan a chance to hear firsthand the challenges facing VA hospitals and reinforced the need to fully fund efforts to provide veterans with health care.
Madison, WI — U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) today released the following statement in honor of Memorial Day, Monday, May 26:
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) released the following statement today in support of “The Day We Fight Back” day of activism against National Security Agency (NSA) surveillance:
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Representatives Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Charlie Rangel (NY-13), lead sponsors of the bipartisan “Restore Honor to Service Members Act,” today applauded the introduction of this bill in the U.S. Senate by Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).
MADISON, WI--U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) today released the following statement honoring Veterans Day.
“On Veterans Day in Wisconsin, we honor the 400,000 veterans who call our state home, as well as the millions more across the nation who have served and sacrificed to protect our nation,” Pocan said. “Our brave servicemen and women have risked their lives to secure our freedoms in the line of duty, and now it is our duty to ensure they receive the support and care they deserve.
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) today became an original co-sponsor of the bipartisan and bicameral USA FREEDOM Act that would rein in the National Security Agency’s (NSA) blanket surveillance policies and protect the privacy rights of all Americans. The legislation, which is sponsored in the House by fellow Wisconsinite and Patriot Act author Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (WI-05), would reform the Patriot Act by ensuring greater transparency and oversight over domestic surveillance programs and increasing the safeguards meant to protect the privacy of U.S. citizens.
WASHINGTON, D.C.--U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) released the following statement after President Obama's speech to the nation on the situation in Syria. Pocan had previously said he would oppose the President's request for an authorization to conduct a military strike in Syria.
WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) released the following statement after he returned to Washington, D.C., for today’s classified briefing for members of Congress on the situation in Syria:
MADISON, WI—U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) today released the following statement on the reported use of chemical weapons in Syria and the rumors of a military strike by the United States:
“The use of chemical weapons is a reprehensible action. However, before any military action is taken by the United States, Congress should have a robust and thorough debate on the nation’s appropriate response. Any decision to engage in a military response must be done in consultation with and approval of Congress.