National Security and Defense

Our all-volunteer military is the greatest fighting force the world has ever known and is the envy of the globe. In Congress, we have a responsibility to provide our defense agencies and soldiers with the resources they need to protect our country and support our allies.  Supporting our nation’s military also means that ensuring that the brave men and women of our armed forced receive the support they deserve.

In the 21st century, threats to our nation’s security come in a variety of forms and we must continue to be vigilant against terrorism. In addition to traditional defense measures, cyber-security and bio-defense, including the important work done in Maryland at facilities like Fort Detrick is absolutely essential.

I voted to provide critical funding for defense operations and included a much-deserved 1.8% pay increase for military personnel in the 2014 Defense Appropriations Bill, which also included new initiatives to prevent sexual assault in the military.

During debate of the Defense Appropriations Bill, I offered an amendment to increase funding for Fisher House, which provides free lodging near hospitals for military families when servicemen and veterans are receiving care. My amendment increased funding from $4 million to $20 million and will allow four new Fisher Houses to be built across the country. These new houses are owned and operated by the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and will allow approximately 2,000 additional military families per year to stay with their heroes in their time of need at the hospital.