Issue Position: Defense & Military

Issue Position

We need to support our troops with sufficient funding so that they have access to adequate equipment and receive necessary training. In 2007 and 2008, I voted with the 110th Congress to provide more funding for military personnel and veterans than the administration requested.

I believe that the best way to protect our troops is to bring them home. My votes for strict timelines for withdrawal from Iraq corresponded with the hundreds of responses I heard from the people in the 9th Congressional District. I opposed the war supplemental in May 2009 because it did not include timelines for withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The National Guard has been stretched too thin by extended tours overseas. Their primary function is to respond to emergencies within the United States. I believe they should be readily available to respond when needed during catastrophes like Hurricane Katrina.

I'm pleased that H.R. 1633, the Honor the Written Intent of our Soldier Heroes Act (Honor the WISH Act), which would allow our servicemembers to designate any person to direct disposition of their remains, was included in legislation that President Obama signed into law. Currently, they are limited to spouses and blood relatives. With the complexities of families today, I believe a servicemember who is willing to sacrifice their life should be trusted with the decision of who can oversee something as simple, meaningful, and final as making their funeral arrangements.

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