National Security

Keeping America safe is Congress’ most important duty. Democrats are focused on strengthening U.S. national security, defending democracy, and restoring America’s leadership in the world.

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.

National Security Related
Hoyer Statement on the Defense Authorization Act
Democrats in Congress have worked closely with President Obama to fight our enemies, promote our interests and support our troops and their families—compiling a record of securing our nation in stronger and smarter ways.
House Considers Defense Authorization Act
Today, the House began consideration of the Defense Authorization Act, including a proposal passed by the House to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
FACT CHECK: Repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell" Is Not a "Social Experiment"

The bicameral proposal the House will vote on today puts the decision-making power back where it belongs – in the hands of military leaders, who are in the best position to craft personnel policies that protect our nation and maintain the primacy of our fighting force.

Mullen: Proposed Legislation on "Don't Ask Don't Tell" Retains Prerogative
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said yesterday that he's comfortable with proposed legislation that seeks to repeal the law that bans gay men and lesbians from serving openly in the military because it includes
Maj. Gen. Dennis Laich: Kill Off 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
Today [May 27], leaders in Congress are expected to finally move to repeal the
Americans, Military Leaders Support Repeal Of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”

This week, the House will consider a proposal to the National Defense Authorization Act on “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,” which would call for its repeal contingent on the Department of Defense completing its review and the President, Secretary of Defense, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs certifying that the repeal would not impact military readiness.

Hoyer: Defense Authorization Act to Build on Democrats’ Strong Defense Record
We will soon bring to the floor a Defense Authorization bill that invests in our most important security needs: disrupting terrorist networks, countering nuclear proliferation, strengthening international cooperation to defeat the Taliban, preparing the Iraqi government to stand on its own, and investing in the needs of our troops and their families.
Hoyer Statement on Committee Passage of the Defense Authorization Act
I congratulate the House Armed Services Committee for unanimously passing the Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011, legislation that provides for investments in America’s most important national security needs.
Hoyer Statement on Nuclear Deal Between Iran, Turkey, and Brazil
Today, Iran, Turkey, and Brazil announced an agreement in which a portion of Iran's low-enriched uranium would be exported to Turkey for further enrichment.
Senate panel readies war funding bill, flood aid
A top Senate Democrat is fashioning a nearly $60 billion measure mixing war funding with U.S. disaster funds and aid for Haiti in hopes of jump-starting the long-delayed measure and clearing it through a nasty legislative thicket by Memorial Day.