National Security
New Democrats are committed to a tough and smart national security strategy that secures our homeland and protects our values. Our first responsibility as Members of Congress is to keep America safe. We need to invest in a 21st century military force and in national security agencies that adapt to modern challenges and eliminate terrorist threats without reckless interventions. We cannot ignore the indispensible role diplomacy and development play in meeting our most pressing security challenges and demonstrating American leadership in global affairs. We must advance a comprehensive national security policy that focuses on what really keeps Americans safe.
See more:
- New Democrat Coalition’s Cybersecurity Plan: Safeguarding Our Economy and Our Future
- New Democrat Coalition’s Principles for a Tough and Smart National Security Strategy
- New Democrat Coalition’s Cybersecurity Task Force
More on National Security
Members of the New Democrat Coalition and the Republican Tuesday Group, led by Reps. Kathleen Rice and Elise Stefanik, urged President Trump to immediately appoint an Election Security Coordinator within the Executive Office of the President (EOP) to oversee and organize election security efforts across the federal government.
Today, New Democrat Coalition Chair Jim Himes (CT-04) and Vice Chair Derek Kilmer (WA-06), an Appropriator and Member of the Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reform, released the following statement on the omnibus that was signed into law:
Yesterday, the New Democrat Coalition, through the leadership of New Democrat Coalition Cybersecurity Task Force Co-Chairs Reps. Derek Kilmer, Kathleen Rice, Josh Gottheimer, unveiled a robust cyber policy plan. Recent high-profile cyber incidents and the rise of Ransomware have shown the very real consequences of cyber threats. Cyber threats have evolved alongside new innovations so Congress must do more to secure our nation, families and businesses.
Today the New Democrat Coalition, through the leadership of New Democrat Coalition Cybersecurity Task Force Co-Chairs Reps. Derek Kilmer, Kathleen Rice, Josh Gottheimer, unveiled a robust cyber policy plan. Recent high-profile cyber incidents and the rise of Ransomware have shown the very real consequences of cyber threats. Cyber threats have evolved alongside new innovations so Congress must do more to secure our nation, families and businesses.
The New Democrat Coalition Chair Jim Himes (CT-04) released the following statement on President Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement:
"Pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement is a terrible decision that leads us down a path to rising sea levels and destructive weather that will wreak havoc on our planet. Drought, climate refugees and competition over dwindling resources will destabilize global security. Without a coordinated global effort to combat climate change, the future looks bleak.
This week Co-Chairs of the New Democrat Coalition Cybersecurity Task Force sent a letter to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) inquiring about the federal cybersecurity hiring and training process. Currently our country faces unprecedented cybersecurity challenges, yet the federal government struggles to recruit and retain qualified cyber professionals. New Dems encourage OPM to explore ways to adjust their requirements and streamline the hiring process for federal cybersecurity jobs, including looking to the private sector for ideas.
New Democrat Coalition Members sent a letter to President Trump urging him to prioritize cybersecurity issues in the budget, including building the cyber workforce, strengthening public-private partnerships, and investing in cyber infrastructure. New Democrat Coalition Cybersecurity Task Force Co-Chairs Derek Kilmer, Kathleen Rice and Josh Gottheimer led the letter to President Trump which includes over 30 signatories.
The New Democrat Coalition Chair Jim Himes (CT-04) released the following statement on President Trump’s updated National Security Executive Order:
Co-Chairs: Representatives Derek Kilmer, Kathleen Rice, and Josh Gottheimer
The Cybersecurity Task Force will build on New Dem Members’ work drafting and passing the Cybersecurity Act by promoting additional policies (both domestic and international), public-private sector cooperation, and innovation that protects more individuals, businesses, and governments from cyber-attacks.
View more on the New Democrat Coalition's work on cybersecurity.
New Democrat Coalition Principles for a Tough and Smart National Security Strategy