National Security
Democrats are committed to enhancing our national security and advancing key American interests, while supporting human rights and democratic values at home and abroad.
In the 117th Congress, Democrats passed a bipartisan defense authorization bill that strengthened our national security, ensured our military personnel have the resources they need to defend our country, and bolstered our allies and international interests. In the 118th Congress, Democrats will build on these gains by continuing to help President Biden keep Americans safe.
We will continue to work with the Administration to provide our diplomats and our troops with the tools needed to carry out their missions abroad safely and effectively. This will include continuing to work with our allies to ensure Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine ends in defeat for Putin, that America maintains its competitiveness against China’s authoritarian challenges, and that the world is free from threats posed by Iran.
Today the President laid out new steps to protect the privacy and civil liberties of Americans and increase transparency of surveillance programs, while upholding his responsibility to keep Americans safe from threats emanating from abroad.
House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on the implementation of the First Step Agreement on Iran's nuclear program:
“The National Defense Authorization Act passed by the House this evening is an important piece of legislation that supports our troops and all those who work to defend and keep our nation secure, and I was proud to support it.
"The United States and its allies are committed to ensuring that Iran neither develops nor has nuclear arms.
"Today, we salute the men and women of the Armed Forces and recognize the tremendous sacrifices their spouses and children endure with frequent moves and long deployments.
“By nominating Jeh Johnson to be our next Secretary of Homeland Security, President Obama has selected an outstanding public servant with significant experience in protecting our nation and supporting the work of law enforcement
In case you missed it earlier this week, Army Chief of Staff Ray Odierno warned that the Republican government shutdown would have a detrimental impact on our military operations:
“I was pleased to assist with the final passage of a temporary extension of the Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa program, and I want to thank Rep. Blumenauer for his hard work on this issue. With House action last night and Senate passage today, I hope the President will quickly sign this important bill into law.”
Passing along a few more impacts of the government shutdown that Republicans caused over the Affordable Care Act: risking military aid to Israel, and ability to enforce sanctions on Iran. Nothing else has compelled Republicans to reopen government, but maybe this will.
Secretary Hagel had some choice words today for Republicans on their irresponsible strategy, according to the New York Times: