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.
“Two years ago today, our nation fully opened the doors of military service to LGBT Americans wishing to serve their country openly. The end of the discriminatory 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell' policy reflected the great American tradition of breaking down barriers and expanding equal opportunity, and I was proud to have played a part in Democrats’ effort to repeal it.
“I'm sure that it will renew the discussions about access to weapons that can be used to kill a lot of people quickly. … what we have seen in so many of these instances are that the perpetrators have given previous indication of instability, even inclinations to use weapons, and to talk about violence. So there was no doubt this was somebody who had a record of instability and certainly should have been, I think, subject to closer scrutiny, particularly in access to a facility such as the Navy Yard, or any facility that has large numbers of people in it, that has security concerns in the United States.”
“My thoughts are with the victims and the families who lost loved-ones in today’s tragic shooting at the Washington Navy Yard. Many of those who serve there in military and civilian roles live in my district, and while we do not yet know all the details about who carried out this terrible shooting, there is no doubt that it has shaken the Navy, the greater Washington D.C. community, and our nation as a whole.
“As you saw we had the 41st vote on the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, Obamacare, today. Notwithstanding that, we didn't do anything else. That bill won't have any future. And we did not do what we need to do, and that is ensure that the government doesn't shut down on October 1st.
“Though twelve years have now passed since that tragic day on which we were attacked, the pain and heartbreak of September 11, 2001, will never be forgotten. For the loved ones of victims and for those who survived, this anniversary marks a solemn moment to remember the lives lost and lives changed forever.
"I believe that the President tonight made a compelling case to respond militarily to the use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime. He also made clear that Assad must take immediate steps in order to demonstrate his sincerity about verifiable disarmament. I support the President’s efforts to achieve a diplomatic solution that provides confidence to the world that Syria’s chemical weapons arsenal will be swiftly moved to international safekeeping with a view toward its eventual destruction.
“Thank you very much, Leader. I join the Leader in supporting the President’s posture. I believe that the President is right to suggest the use of military force in order to prevent, constrain, prohibit the use of chemical weapons which for over 100 years has been perceived by the international community at large as unacceptable to be used in any form of warfare. I am for giving the President the authority and will vote to do so in an appropriate resolution.
“I support the President’s call for authorizing limited but decisive military action in response to the Assad regime’s use of chemical weapons in Syria. While recognizing that the details of the authorization language have yet to be finalized, the use of chemical weapons, including against innocent children, is intolerable and cannot go unanswered.
"I welcome the President’s announcement this afternoon of new steps to strengthen the oversight, transparency, and due process safeguards of our intelligence surveillance programs.
“Mr. Speaker, as the Speaker has said, later today members and staff from both parties will come together to remember the tragic shooting that occurred 15 years ago in this Capitol.