Defense & National Security

Our district is rich in military families and veterans. Article One, Section Eight of the Constitution grants Congress the authority to declare war, raise and support armies, provide for a navy, and establish the rules for the operation of American military forces. As a retired Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, and a combat veteran, providing for the common defense is a responsibility I take very seriously. I was honored to have previously served on the House Armed Services Committee, the committee with jurisdiction over the U.S. military and national security.

We must ensure that our troops have the resources they need to fulfill their mission and defend the homeland. Misguided spending cuts have the real potential to reduce the readiness of our forces, lead to training deaths, and leave us unprepared to defeat future threats.