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's attack is a tragic reminder of the threat of terrorism Israelis face at home and abroad. Those who planned, carried out, and sponsored this attack will surely be identified and face justice for their actions and involvement.
We’ve been saying it all along: Republicans should work with us on a deficit reduction plan that prevents sequestration from occurring through a balanced mix of spending cuts and revenues. And today, defense firm Pratt & Whitney President David Hess agreed, urging Republicans to put everything – including revenues – on the table.
“Again, as I do repeatedly when I rise to speak on issues related to our closest ally in the Middle East, Israel, and the relationship between our two countries to congratulate the Chairman of the Committee, the Gentlelady from Florida, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, for her leadership on this issue and focus on the importance not only of the relationship but on the importance of making sure that Israel is strong and able to defend herself. And also to congratulate the Gentleman from California, Mr. Berman.
WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after the House passed the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013:
Each year, Congress has a duty to review and authorize defense programs that keep Americans safe and our troops supplied for their missions. This has traditionally been an area where Democrats and Republicans have come together, and I have consistently supported this important bill. I continue that support today, though I am disappointed that this year’s authorization bill includes several troubling Republican provisions.
I continue to be disappointed at how Republicans are approaching deficit reduction. Every day, we hear Republicans talking about the need for painful cuts to get our deficits in order. However, time and again, Republicans appear unwilling to exercise fiscal discipline when it affects something they like.
I thank my friend from Massachusetts for yielding, the acting Ranking Member of the Rules Committee right now, who is a distinguished member of this body. I rise in deep disappointment at the treatment he was accorded last night. Unworthy of this body, unworthy of the Rules Committee and unworthy of the character and integrity of the Gentleman from Massachusetts. I'm pleased there has been an apology for that. But I did not want it to go unmentioned. This body is better than that, although at times it is not. And we all lament the fact when it is not.
I thank the gentleman from California for yielding and for his leadership on this issue. Rep. Howard Berman has been the leader in Congress when it comes to reminding us how important it is to prevent the rise of a nuclear Iran. He has been instrumental in securing funding for the deployment of the 'Iron Dome' anti-missile system to counter the threat from Iranian-supplied short-range rockets in the hands of terror groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my friend for yielding. I have known Mr. Berman for almost half a century. He has been an extraordinary leader, as a young person, as Chairman of this committee, as Ranking Member on this committee. And I want to thank him for his leadership on this issue. He has been instrumental. I want to thank my dear friend in whose district I used to live so many years ago, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, thank her for her leadership and her commitment. She's been a stalwart.
"Our men and women in uniform continue to carry out their mission in Afghanistan with distinction and courage. Because of their service and sacrifice, Al Qaeda and the Taliban are seriously weakened and on the run, and the Afghan people have been able to take significant steps toward assuming control over their own security...