Standing Strong for Freedom

Recent events on sea near the Korean Peninsula and the Gaza Strip, as well as Iran’s continued nuclear development and the long-term situations in Iraq and Afghanistan demonstrate how volatile the world remains. Rogue states such as North Korea and Iran continue to be a threat to both the United States and other democracies.

I want to take a quick opportunity to re-state my commitment to those serving in our military and a strong defense of our nation and its allies in democracy.

The War on Terror is not over and it is a very complex challenge both militarily and diplomatically.  However, we cannot let the Taliban and Al-Qaeda win in Afghanistan (or intimidate Pakistan) and we have to protect the fragile democracy in Iraq. Every day of young democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan is a long-term blow to Iran, the Taliban and Al-Qaeda.

We owe our brave men and women a debt of gratitude for their service.  I cannot imagine voting against arming our troops as they defend liberty both at home and around the globe.  I will always support adequate supply and support for our fighting troops.

While I am not a supporter of nation-building per se, I will always support the doctrine that the United States is the one power which has the responsibility to stand with democracies world-wide.  This is one of the few responsibilities the national government has and is a legitimate function and use of taxpayer funds. I will never vote to undermine our ability to defend the United States or our allies in democracy in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, or the Pacific.

I will always support our troops and allies with my vote.  However, I will call out those who use defense appropriations and supplemental funding bills for political purposes.  Attaching non-related, controversial issues to defense bills is an ugly practice that is unfortunately all-too-common in Washington.  We will shine a bright light on those who abuse the funding process in this purely political manner.