National Security

Here’s a headline we never thought we’d see: “House GOP: Pentagon crying ‘wolf’ on sequester.”

Despite warnings from our national security advisors, POLITICO notes “some Republicans have responded with skepticism, and different wings of the party remain deeply conflicted about whether to allow the looming cuts to take effect.”

The sequester was designed as an irrational and harmful policy that would force lawmakers to reach a balanced and bipartisan solution. Unfortunately, as more Republicans have supported the policy, we can’t help but begin to wonder: are Republicans more irrational than the sequester itself?

The latest Republican to embrace these devastating cuts:

“Today’s announcement by the Department of Defense that certain benefits are being extended to same-sex partners of military personnel is an important step in the right direction.

“I’m pleased by Secretary Panetta's announcement, in conjunction with the Joint Chiefs' decision, that women will be allowed to serve in combat roles. This is a long awaited change in policy, and reflects the fact that women have courageously served in our armed forces for years. As I said when the discriminatory ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy was repealed, our military is made stronger when it welcomes the service of all brave Americans willing to fight for their country. This is another step toward a fully inclusive military, and our nation will be better for it.”

John Kerry has served his country throughout his life, from Vietnam to the United States Senate, and now as our next Secretary of State.  He will bring his experience and knowledge from his time as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to his new role, and I look forward to his swift confirmation. 

I thank my friend, Mr. Smith, the Ranking Member [of the House Armed Services Committee]. I thank Mr. McKeon for the work they've done. I want to thank my friend [Congressman] Barney Frank for the thoughtful perspective he brings to the consideration of this bill.

“On this solemn anniversary, we must never forget those who lost their lives in the most heinous terrorist attack in our country’s history. To the families of those who were killed on that tragic day in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania, we will always remember the victims and recount the stories of heroism that will be their legacy. To those who have served in our Armed Forces since 9/11, we remain grateful for their sacrifices. To all who have worked as first responders and kept our communities safe here at home, we offer our thanks for their steadfastness. 

“I applaud President Obama for continuing to make a strong U.S.-Israel relationship a cornerstone of his foreign policy.  Today’s signing of the U.S.-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act into law, which I was proud to cosponsor, reaffirms the bipartisan nature of support for Israel in our country and in Congress.