It really is a small world! While at the Surface Navy Association's National Symposium today, I ran into Coast Guard Commander Phillip Crigler. He is a Mobile native and graduate of Baker High School. It is always fun to run into people from Southwest Alabama in our nation's capital.

As the debate over health care continues, let us not forget the most important fact: Obamacare has failed. Costs have skyrocketed, including an average increase of 22% this year. Approximately 4.7 million Americans were kicked off their health plans. Fewer health care options exist, including only one health insurance provider in five states. We can't just keep doing the same thing and expect something to change. We must repeal Obamacare and replace it with something that actually works.

This morning, I had the opportunity to speak at the Surface Navy Association's 29th Annual Symposium. I explained why there is no greater responsibility of the federal government than providing for our national defense, and that includes a strong and fully capable Navy. In fact, Article One of our Constitution grants Congress the power to “raise” an Army when needed, but directs Congress to “provide and maintain a Navy.”

I wrote in my column this week about the recent bipartisan vote to stand with Israel against flawed actions taken by the United Nations. Now is the time to stand up for Israel, not turn away from them. It is my sincere hope and belief, that under President-elect Trump, the United States will once again stand arm-in-arm with Israel.