Newsletter: Dave's Weekly Wrap

Statement

It was great to be back in Northeast Ohio for the whole week, as Congress was in "Recess." These recess weeks are my favorite because I get to traverse the district, meeting with constituents and attending events to hear what's on their mind.

Honoring Our Heroes

On Tuesday, the United States Marine Corps celebrated it's 240th birthday and on Wednesday our nation celebrated Veterans Day. As the son of a World War II veteran, I want to again just simply say this to all of the men and woman who have served our nation: Thank You.

Last week in Washington, I was honored to be present for the annual cake cutting in a ceremony to celebrate the 240th birthday of the USMC. I didn't try a piece but it sure looked good!

Vista Springs Assisted Living

I had the chance to attend, make remarks and participate in a ribbon cutting at Vista Springs Assisted Living home in Macedonia. It is an impressive facility and it is great for the city Macedonia, and Ohio's 14th Congressional District, that they decided to build their new facility there.

New Elected Officials

I had a chance to sit down with Pat Ward, Mayor-elect of Lyndhurst and discuss ways that we, and our offices, can work together to improve Lyndhurst.

Dating back to my 25 years as Geauga County Prosecuting Attorney, I always make an effort to reach out and meet with new elected officials. Democrat or Republican does not, and should not, matter when it comes to doing what is right for the communities in Northeast Ohio. As I like to say, "OK, it's time to take off our red jerseys or blue jerseys and put on our red, white, and blue jerseys to get things done."

I look forward to traveling throughout the district and getting a chance to meet with more newly elected officials to develop, or strengthen, our relationships.

The Tragedy in Paris

Our thoughts and prayers go out to France this weekend after the horrific terrorist attacks.

I know there will be more time in the coming days and weeks to discuss what has recently occurred in France, Lebanon and with the bombing of a Russian airliner. I understand the American people are tired of fighting, what appears to be, a long and continuing war.

Unfortunately, the reality of this conflict is the evolution of terrorism - from Al Qaeda to ISIS. They are expanding in numbers and reach.

We need a coherent offensive strategy and we need leadership to execute it.

The good news is that the region, and the world, is becoming more united against this barbaric behavior. We need real leadership to rally countries around the globe and effectuate our shared strategy against our common enemy.

I believe this is truly a global fight. It is radical Islam versus mankind. I just don't know how the world can respond without American leadership, because we still are the most effective voice and force for good.

The defense of our nation is our top duty in Congress. It is one of the reasons we are going to have to rebuild our military to deal not only with ISIS, but a potential nuclear Iran as well as the expansion of Chinese and Russian influence.

In the coming days and weeks I am hopeful we will have that conversation about how we can rebuild our military, protect our homeland and come up with a coherent strategy where America once again leads.

That means giving our military commanders the resources they need to fight this war and protect our homeland. That means letting our brave heroes who are out on the front lines know we will provide all the necessary tools to them and care for their families in their absence.

I am hopeful that these evolving tragic events make us, as a country, reconsider the nuclear deal with Iran. The horror we have witnessed to date has been through violence inflicted by radicalized individuals with weapons and bombs.

If the technology being developed by the Iranians were to fall into the hands of such radical Islamists, it could permanently alter the landscape of the Middle East - and potentially find its way to our soil.
Thank you for reading,

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