As a combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, I am deeply concerned that the Obama Administration has compromised our national security objectives by holding the defense budget hostage to coerce Congress into spending more on social welfare programs and government agencies.
Congress’s number one job is to protect the country. The Constitution invests the Federal government with the responsibility to “provide for the common defense.” Article I, Section 8 gives Congress the enumerated power to fund our military. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), my objective is to ensure our military has the necessary resources to deter enemies and prevail in conflict. My experience in uniform gives me unique insight and appreciation for our troops and the sacrifices they make along with their families.
The world has become more dangerous during the Obama Administration. ISIS and Al Qaeda terrorists endanger Americans, while Chinese and Russian power grabs undermine global order and threaten America’s world leadership. In the face of these threats, President Obama has downsized our military, made a terrible deal with Iran, and lacks a strategy to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
I support a robust defense to keep Americans safe and promote our values and interests. During the 114th Congress, I have supported numerous defense and national security bills to keep our citizens safe. These bills include:
H.R. 1735, the FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act, funds our military and programs of the Department of Defense. The defense authorization bill also gives our troops a well-deserved pay raise and continues special, bonus, and incentive compensation such as hazardous duty pay. I voted in favor of the bill.
H.R. 955, would authorize assistance and sustainment to the military and national security forces of Ukraine to secure sovereign territory against foreign aggressors and protect the Ukrainian people from attacks posed by Russian-backed separatists. I am a co-sponsor of the bill.
H.R. 1915, the David’s Sling Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016, would authorize the Secretary of Defense to carry out research, development, test, evaluation, and procurement of the David’s Sling weapons program to protect Israel. I am an original co-sponsor of the bill.
H.R. 2262, the SPACE Act (Became Public Law No. 114-90 on November 25, 2015) facilitates a pro-growth environment for developing commercial space industry critical for national security and foreign policy objectives. I am an original co-sponsor of the bill.
I voted no on H.R. 3461, to approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan relating to the nuclear program of Iran. Itstates that Congress favors the Iran Nuclear Agreement.
A strong military and sound national security policy protect American freedom and economic prosperity. I will continue my efforts to secure our homeland and protect all Americans.
