Defense and Foreign Affairs

A strong national defense is vital to the security of the United States. I am working to ensure that our military is well-equipped to confront the challenges of the 21st century. I am committed to the well-being of our men and women in uniform and will make certain they have the necessary resources both to defend our nation and take care of their families.

I believe that in order for the U.S. to maintain its position in the world as a military and economic powerhouse we must have foreign policies premised on respect for the rule of law, religious freedom and individual liberty.  We must continue to forge relationships built on trust, common goals and understanding with nations across the globe. Our country must continue to keep markets open and open new markets overseas for American manufacturers and innovators, while also being mindful of the positive and sometimes negatives impact on local communities. I strongly believe we must preserve the safety and security of Israel as a cornerstone toward peace in the Middle East. 

I supported H.R. 1960, National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 14 because national defense is a core responsibility of government. Proper funding of our military is vital to the security of the country. One of the most important functions of the NDAA is to ensure that our servicemen and women and their families are taken care of at home and abroad. The well-being of our men and women in uniform should always be our first concern.  The FY14 NDAA provides a pay increase to all active duty service members and ensures that health care benefits are protected without increasing fees. Additionally, the FY 14 NDAA takes meaningful steps to address sexual assault in our military and confronts the security challenges we are facing in Afghanistan and Syria. Learn more about my support for our veterans and their families.