National Security

Everyday our brave men and women put their lives on the line to protect our country.  Whether fighting on the front lines in Iraq or Afghanistan or elsewhere around the world against the constant threat of terrorism, America’s military men and women are making the sacrifices necessary to keep us safe. Their service to our country represents the very best America has to offer, and we owe them our deepest respect and gratitude.

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have the unique opportunity to serve those who protect us. That is why I am committed to ensuring that our brave men and women receive the tools and resources they need to complete their missions, as well as the support necessary to provide for their families. To fulfill these promises, I have worked to increase funding for readiness training so that our troops are prepared to successfully perform their missions. And it is why I voted to give our military men and women a pay increase and to compensate service members for time served under stop-loss orders since 2001.

I also recognize that our security is linked to our relationships within the global community.  While I strongly believe America must be prepared to respond decisively to any potential threat, we must also work together with our allies to share resources, and more effectively confront those who wish to do us harm. That is why I support efforts to strengthen our diplomacy and explore efforts to work with like-minded democracies to share the intelligence necessary to keep us safe.   

I am also keenly aware that our national security begins at home. The security of our families depends on the ability of our neighbors to respond to unexpected threats, whether it is the police, firefighters or first responders.  I am committed to working to provide our local first responders with the training and equipment necessary to respond to local emergencies.

As New Yorkers, we know firsthand the importance of security in our communities – both at the national and local level. Our National Guard continues to make every New Yorker proud with their continued efforts at home and abroad.  As your congressman, I pledge to continue to protect our nation and  maintain our security both at home and abroad as one of my top priorities.