New Democrat Coalition Releases National Security Principles
Washington, DC – Today, the New Democrat Coalition released National Security Principles for a tough and smart national security strategy that secures our homeland and protects our values. The principles represent a set of collective priorities that address modern national security challenges and how to defeat terrorist threats like ISIS without reckless interventions. This plan advances a comprehensive national security policy to help make America safer and strengthen our standing globally.
“As New Democrats, our top priority is always the safety and security of the American people. These National Security Principles lay out our foundational beliefs about winning the war on terror, updating our defense capabilities for the 21st Century, and growing our global alliances. A strong America is one that has economic growth and opportunity as well as a strong and thoughtful stance on foreign policy and national security. Keeping our homeland safe and creating a more stable world are complicated tasks that require dedication and commitment. New Democrats are committed to putting in that work, maintaining our armed forces and using diplomacy when appropriate.” Said Taskforce Co-Chair Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04)
"New Dems are committed to keeping our nation safe while protecting the values of tolerance and inclusiveness that make America a world leader,” said Kilmer. “In order to strengthen U.S. leadership and address emerging threats, we need to maintain the best-trained, best-equipped and most capable fighting force and use all of the tools in our foreign policy toolbox." Said Taskforce Co-Chair Congressman Derek Kilmer (WA-02)
“Congress must keep America safe and ensure our military remains the strongest in the world – by a wide margin,” Taskforce Co-Chair Congressman Jim Cooper (TN-05) said. “When we do both while honoring our values, America prospers and the world benefits.”
New Dem Members are already leaders within the party on national security issues with approximately half of the New Dem Coalition members serving on one of the national security committees and New Dem Members serving as the top Democrat on Armed Services, Intelligence, and Foreign Affairs. New Dem Reps. Himes, Kilmer, and Cooper co-chair the National Security Taskforce, and a full list of the taskforce members is below.
National Security Taskforce Members
Cheri Bustos (IL-07), John Carney (DE-AL), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Susan Davis (CA-53), Bill Foster (IL-11), Denny Heck (WA-10), Jim Himes (CT-04), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Scott Peters (CA-52), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Kathleen Rice (NY-04), Adam Schiff (CA-28), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Krysten Sinema (AZ-09), Adam Smith (WA-09)