Issue Position: Defend and Advance America

Issue Position

One of the core roles the U.S. Constitution gives the federal government is to protect and defend the people and territory of the United States. Defense is also critical to ensure our liberties, freedoms, commerce, and way of life are preserved.

I will do all I can to ensure our military remains strong: Well-trained; fully equipped; and ready to protect and defend our country. I will also push to end the budgetary gridlock that so often entangles our military. We need a steady spending stream in our defense to ensure the military can plan around procurement, construction, and training that are the backbone of readiness should a crisis occur or should we need to deploy for a longer period of time to protect our interests abroad.

This is important in part, because our constitution gives Congress -- specifically, the House of Representatives -- with the power over "war and peace." I oppose nation-building and excessively long engagements that lack a definition and strategy to win. The job of the military is to fight and win wars, defending our homeland and our interests only. I also oppose any military operation that is not approved and supported by a proper act of the Congress and led by the U.S. military.

Foreign policy is also an area the U.S. Constitution bestows a responsibility onto the federal government. Diplomacy, trade and economic relations, and various foreign support programs, can help to advance American interests and deter conflict. However, any action or program must be approved and supported by a proper act of the Congress, and led by American government entities. I believe the United States must act within its own interests and that this must be the guidepost of any actions we take abroad.

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