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.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the Gentleman for yielding, and I rise in opposition to this rule, as it fails to make in order several important amendments, including ones from Representatives Speier and Gabbard that would have continued a critical debate on the urgent problem of sexual assault in the military.
“Mr. Speaker, as the sequester's effects continue to place our economy and national security at risk, the news that 650,000 civilian defense workers will be forced to take unpaid leave ought to alarm all Americans who are concerned about our military readiness and national security.
"Because of Congress's failure to reach a balanced agreement on deficits, hundreds of thousands of our nation's civilian defense employees will be furloughed for up to eleven days this year, resulting in an unmerited pay cut to those who are hard at work keeping our country safe and making sure our troops have the tools they need to carry out their missions.
"Over the past few days, and particularly the last several hours, Americans saw once again why our law enforcement and first responders are the best in the world. The Boston Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, FBI, and many other law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation and operations in the aftermath of Monday's attack have a nation's gratitude. So too do the resilient people of Boston...
MESSAGE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC WHIP
This week, I join with Americans across the country to mourn the victims of the devastating bombings in Boston. My thoughts and prayers are with all impacted by the tragedy, and I thank our nation’s brave first responders, police, and medical personnel for their courageous response to this horrific attack.
“The cybersecurity legislation the House passed today addresses a critical national security challenge and represents a significant improvement from what was passed last year.
"We gather this afternoon to pay tribute to a group of Americans whose dedication to public service knew no earthly bounds
In case we didn’t have enough to worry about with the Republican Budget, the rising impact of the irrational and avoidable sequester continues to threaten our economy and national security, including our intelligence operations.
“I think the senators that went obviously wanted to talk to the President about whether or not they could reach common ground on a lot of very important issues including most importantly a compromise that we could get this country on a fiscally sustainable path and have what we call a big deal
Despite warnings from our nation’s defense and military leaders, House Republicans refused to avoid the irrational and reckless across-the-board spending cuts known as the sequester.