National Security

National Security

As a member of the Senate Armed Services, Budget and Foreign Relations Committees, I am committed to strengthening America’s national security through a balance of our military, economic and diplomatic tools.  As we adapt to a dynamic and interconnected world, we must use all measures available to ensure stability and security, while maintaining a commitment to our values of freedom, democracy and human rights.

The demands of a complex world also require us to maintain our military readiness, technological capability and flexibility to meet our national security challenges. As Virginians, we are a proud home to every service branch, including the largest naval station in the world, premier Army, Marine Corps and Air Force installations and a robust Coast Guard presence. I understand the importance of strong and smart national security decisions, which is why I will carefully consider all options before making any decision to send our troops into harm’s way.

Our national security directly affects every American citizen.  I am committed to providing the best quality resources to our military and their families, developing the long-term health of our economy, enhancing relationships with international partners and staying true to our nation’s core values.

Since taking office, I have focused closely on the need to expand the role of Congress on matters of foreign policy, as well as improve the way Congress and the President consult on matters of war and the initiation of U.S. military action. I have introduced bipartisan legislation to revise the War Powers Resolution of 1973, as well as pushed for a debate and vote on a new authorization for ongoing U.S. military action against ISIL – a mission I believe goes well beyond the intent of existing Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMF). I also advocated for Congress to have the chance to weigh in on the Iran Nuclear Agreement and coauthored the terms under which the deal was ultimately considered in 2015. 

In light of the tragic 2012 attack on our diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, I have been committed to ensuring the safety of Americans in the Foreign Service and oppose attempts to delay construction of the Foreign Affairs Security Training Center (FASTC) at Fort Pickett. After numerous analyses reaffirming the practicality of constructing such a center in Virginia, groundbreaking for the new facility has finally begun in Blackstone, and the brave men and women who serve in our embassies around the world will finally have a dedicated facility to receive the best possible security training before they embark on assignments in high threat countries across the globe.


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