Issue Position: National Security

Issue Position

Kelly understands that the threats we face in a dangerous world require a strong national defense. As a military spouse - her husband Joe is an A-10 pilot who flew combat missions in Iraq and continues to serve as a member of the Air National Guard - she brings a unique perspective to Senate debate on military policy.

In the Senate, Kelly is honored to serve as a member of the prestigious Armed Services Committee. At the beginning of the 112th Congress, she was selected to serve as the Ranking Member (top Republican) on the Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support. This assignment puts her in a prime position to ensure the resources we provide our men and women in uniform are used wisely and effectively. From this post she will also be able to highlight the value of military facilities and programs that are important to New Hampshire and our nation - especially the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and the 157th Air Refueling Wing at Pease Air National Guard Base.

Shortly after taking office, Kelly traveled to Afghanistan, Pakistan and Kuwait to meet directly with American and foreign military and diplomatic leaders, as well as New Hampshire servicemen and women serving in theater. This trip provided her with an opportunity to gain firsthand perspective on our country's efforts to disrupt terrorist networks and ensure that Afghanistan does not once again become a terrorist launching pad.

Kelly has also quickly established herself as a leading voice in Congress on terrorist detention policies. After top Pentagon leaders confirmed for her that 25 percent of detainees released from Guantanamo Bay had returned to the fight against Americans, she introduced the bipartisan Detaining Terrorists to Secure America Act of 2011. Earlier this year, she also joined with her colleagues to introduce common sense interrogation and detention policies aimed at keeping Americans safe.

Updated July 11, 2011

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