Press Releases
Wenstrup Discusses National Security Issues, America’s Role in the World at the Atlantic Council
Washington,
March 16, 2017
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Hailey Sadler
(202-225-3164)
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) joined the Atlantic Council for a wide-ranging discussion about Congress’s role in shaping how the United States addresses emerging global threats and approaches its leadership role on the international stage. Joining him for the bipartisan panel discussion was Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA). The panel was moderated by the Washington Post’s Global Opinions Editor, Karen Attiah. A full video recording of the event is available, here. Key excerpts from Congressman Wenstrup’s statements are available below: On U.S. leadership… “Since World War II, it’s been well established that the world looks to America to lead and create stability in the world…. Our role is still to provide assurance to our allies and ensure our foes know that we are there. That role has diminished in recent years, and we have to gain that back. But that role is not just with guns and weapons, it also includes what we are doing diplomatically, how we share intelligence, and what we’re doing economically around the world to help our friends and hinder our enemies.” On the public’s perception of national security issues and foreign policy ... “People want to see, in essence, are we winning? And by that they mean, are we keeping the world and our country safe? It comes down to that… they want to see that our efforts are making a difference in the world.” On waste at the DOD… “We need to audit the Pentagon and look where we are wasting money… For example, when we look at acquisitions, the process is so complex. [We need to be asking ourselves] is it really the best way to be doing things? Or are we making it too bureaucratic and therefore hurting the warfighter?” On cutting State Department funding… “I agree with what [Secretary of Defense] Mattis had to say: If you’re going to cut State, then you’re going to have to increase the bullets -- and that does translate into body bags. If we as a nation don’t start addressing mandatory spending, then we’re going to be in bigger and bigger trouble. Because what is getting squeezed is our defense.” On diplomacy... “The lessons of war have been – even going back to Charlie Wilson’s War -- you don’t walk away from what you have gained… This is how you win overall, this is how you win the big picture. So when the guns stop, you’re not finished.” Currently, Congressman Wenstrup serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and as Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee.
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