National Security

Lone wolf attacks.  ISIS brutality.  A nuclear-armed Iran with ballistic missiles.  Cyberattacks targeting our personal information and critical infrastructure.

Our world is increasingly complex and dangerous, and many of the threats we face today are far different from the evils defeated by the Greatest Generation.   
 

• Sleeper cells and lone wolf attacks:  FBI Director James Comey and Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson both warn of current threats posed by sleeper cells.  Hundreds of Americans and Europeans have traveled to the Middle East to join ISIS, and they possess valid passports to easily return home for jihad.
• The terrorist next door:  ISIS and other jihadists are effectively using social media to seduce and radicalize Americans.  A teenager from York County was arrested for plotting to join ISIS, while a teenager from Morganton was arrested for plotting to kill 1000 Americans in the name of ISIS.
• Cyberattacks:  China and possibly other countries have the ability to shut down the entire U.S. electric grid through cyberattack, according to November testimony by NSA Director Admiral Mike Rogers.
• Nuclear proliferation in the Middle East:  Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt are all expected to pursue nuclear weapons in response to the Iran nuclear deal, which also lifts restrictions on Iran obtaining ballistic missiles.  Under the agreement, Iran will receive billions in sanctions relief, which will help fund Iran’s terrorist surrogates in the Middle East and Latin America.

As Chairman of the Congressional Task Force on Terrorism and Unconventional Warfare, I am working to strengthen America’s relationship with allies in the Middle East and Europe to combat the rising tide of extremism.  This includes organizing two major forums where Members of Parliament from across Europe met with Congressional leadership to discuss cooperation on Intelligence, Security, and Terrorism issues.  A third forum is planned this fall.

To help families and small businesses prepare for terrorist attacks, I produced PrepareNow.com, an easy-to-use preparedness manual with common sense suggestions to mitigate the impact of potential terrorist attacks.  We must not live in fear, but we are wise to be prepared. 

As Vice Chairman of the Bipartisan Task Force to Investigate Terrorism Financing, I am working with both government and private organizations to better track the illicit flow of money used to finance terrorism, and to find ways to cut it off.  Just like a business, terrorists need money to operate.  By targeting their illicit funding in the global financial system, we can deal an important blow to ISIS and similar organizations.

As your Congressman, I’ve supported important national security legislation, including co-sponsoring legislation to restrict travel to Syria and other terrorist hot spots.

We must also maintain a robust defense against military actions, which is why I helped pass legislation to fully fund our military, modernize the military retirement system, and provide our brave troops with a pay raise.  Those who risk their lives in defense of our freedom deserve modern equipment, adequate pay, and the certainty that America will care for our veterans.

America is a beacon of freedom and liberty to the world.  We must maintain constant vigilance and always be prepared to adapt to new threats.