Providing for the common defense was a key component to the creation of our federal government. I am committed to keeping America safe and will continue to focus my efforts on:
Providing Ample Resources While Making Smart Choices
Our troops are committed to defending and sacrificing for the American people. When they go into battle, they deserve the best training, equipment, and resources to accomplish their mission to uphold the foundational principles of America. In June 2016, I voted in support of legislation, which includes a 2.1 percent pay raise for the military and meets critical base readiness needs.
While ensuring our troops have the necessary tools, we must also make smart choices that reduce wasteful and unnecessary spending. During the House’s consideration of H.R.5293, the Fiscal Year 2017 Department of Defense Appropriations Act, I successfully offered a bipartisan amendment to cut off taxpayer dollars from going toward wasteful infrastructure projects in Afghanistan, which the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction has found to be wrought with waste, susceptible to fraud, and unsustainable over the long term.
Fighting Terrorism
As American military forces continue their missions in Afghanistan and around the world, we must remain vigilant in our cause to defend freedom abroad when necessary. The advances made by ISIL not only destabilize the Middle East, but threaten our national security. The United States must have a robust and comprehensive strategy to degrade and defeat ISIL and keep them from committing more heinous acts of terrorism.
Monitoring Rogue Nations
Congress must stand firm against provocations that threaten the security of our citizens and our allies around the world. On July 14, 2016, I voted in support of H.R.5631, the Iran Accountability Act, which would impose sanctions on the Iranian regime for its egregious human rights abuses, its illegal ballistic missile program, and support for terrorism. In addition, in December 2015, I voted in support of H.Res.348, which supports the right of the people of Ukraine to hold free elections and condemns Russia for its interference in Ukraine.
Securing the Homeland
In light of the terrorist attacks that have taken place across the country, it is clear that protecting our nation from threats is a multi-front mission. Thwarting future terrorist attacks requires that we secure our borders, share intelligence effectively and efficiently, protect our critical infrastructure and key resources, enforce our immigration laws, and safeguard our cyberspace. In December 2015, I supported and Congress passed H.R.2029, a fiscal year 2016 budget deal which included language to strengthen our Visa Waiver Program and help prevent foreign terrorists from entering the United States.
LEGISLATION
6/15/2016 – Sponsor: H.Amdt.1210 to prohibit funds from being used on Afghanistan Infrastructure Fund projects
7/27/2015 – Co-sponsor: H.Res.383 Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the appropriate award of the Purple Heart to the Marines and Sailors killed or wounded in the recent attack at the Navy Operational Support Center and Marine Corps Reserve Center and the Armed Forces Career Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
4/14/2015 – Co-sponsor: H.R.1654 to authorize the direct provision of defense articles, defense services, and related training to the Kurdistan Regional Government.
6/11/2015 – Co-sponsor: H.Con.Res.56 Expressing the sense of Congress that all trade agreements the United States enters into, should provide reasonable access and collaboration of each nation involved in such an agreement, for the purpose of search and recovery activities relating to members of the United States Armed Forces missing in action from prior wars or military conflicts.
VIDEOS
Walberg Amendment Prevent Wasteful Afghanistan Infrastructure Spending
Walberg Questions White House Narrative on the Iran Nuclear Deal
Oversight Hearing on Infrastructure Spending in Afghanistan
REPORTS
Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction
