National Security

While Republicans took our eye off the real fight in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Democrats have stepped up the fight against terrorists and are getting real results that make Americans safer. The Obama administration has killed or captured hundreds of al Qaeda and Taliban leaders, including the world’s most notorious terrorist and mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, Osama bin Laden. We are disrupting their ability to attack and plot against the U.S. and the recent killing of bin Laden further limits the ability of al Qaeda to organize.

"Nearly ten years after the horrific attacks of September 11, the United States has killed the mastermind behind that attack that took thousands of lives. That terrible day has been seared into our memory, and I hope Osama bin Laden's death brings some measure of comfort to the families of those killed on 9/11 - and to everyone across America who wanted to see him brought to justice...

President Obama has nominated four experienced, capable individuals to serve on his national security team and I strongly support his choices. Secretary Bob Gates has led the Department of Defense with distinction, and we will miss his leadership, courage and professionalism. I am confident that Leon Panetta will do an excellent job as his successor. I have known and worked with Leon for over 30 years in a number of capacities. During his service in Congress, as Director of the Office of Management and Budget, as the White House Chief of Staff, and as CIA Director, Leon has served our nation proudly, and I know that he will work tirelessly to strengthen our national security and support our troops.

Tonight, President Obama spoke to the American people about the ongoing international military effort to prevent the Gadhafi regime’s brutal attacks on Libyan civilians. I support this lifesaving effort, which has been authorized by the United Nations and backed by our European allies and the Arab League. I also applaud the service and courage of the American troops who are helping to carry it out. It is essential, however, that the president continue to inform and consult with Congress as long as American troops remain part of this mission. Finally, I am pleased that NATO is set to take over leadership of this mission on Wednesday; as I have urged the president, our European allies and the members of the Arab League must assume the leading role.

Now it’s time to write a new generation of stories. They will be written by young men and women, like the young man who wrote me last fall. They will serve openly and proudly. They will be leaders in the civil rights movement of our time. They will endure sacrifice and separation from their loved ones—so that the rest of us don’t have to. Some of them will die for their country—so that the rest of us don’t have to. Let’s recognize their service—and every American’s service—for the precious gift it is. Let us give every American’s service the honor it deserves.

I am pleased the UN Security Council has taken action in the face of broad and lethal attacks on civilians by Gadhafi. The UN has rightfully authorized international action to preclude further bloodshed, and the Arab League has also called for action in light of Gadhafi’s threats and actions. The President has indicated that the U.S. will assist international efforts to protect civilians and end the violence. I support this action and have urged the Administration to take a supportive role in this effort. I firmly believe that our European allies and the members of the Arab League must take the leading role.

Today the House will consider a short term continuing resolution to fund the government for the next three weeks. Democrats continue to call on Republicans to cut and compromise on a measure that funds the government for the full year so that we prevent a shutdown and stop funding the government in week-by-week increments, which is inefficient and disruptive to the private and public sector.

I believe this hearing would have been more useful had it taken a broader look at domestic terror and radicalization. As currently structured, however, I believe it sends the wrong message to the Muslim-American community. We need them to work with law enforcement to identify terrorist threats, not be afraid of them. We all need to work together to keep our nation and Americans safe, and we need everyone’s cooperation to do so. Targeting one segment of our population is not helpful to that objective.