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
INFORMATION CLEARINGHOUSE ON INTELL. REFORM LEGISLATION
Intelligence Reform - October Clearinghouse
HOYER: REP. CHET EDWARDS LEADS THE FIGHT TO SUPPORT MILITARY FAMILIES
House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer released the following statement in strong support of the effort by Rep. Chet Edwards (D-TX) to end the “military widows tax.” Rep. Edwards led the Democratic fight to force the Republican leadership to reverse the reduction of military survivors’ benefits annuities, which currently begins when the survivor reaches 62. The reversal is included in the Department of Defense Reauthorization Conference Report, which is expected to pass the House today:
HOYER: THE FAILED REPUBLICAN CONGRESS WAVES THE WHITE FLAG
House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer joined Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Caucus Chairman Bob Menendez, and Assistant to the Democratic Leader John Spratt to denounce the failed Republican Congress which is expected to limp out of town today after failing on policy, politics and ethics:
MENENDEZ: HOUSE REPUBLICANS CHOOSE PARTISANSHIP OVER SECURITY
WASHINGTON, DC -- House Democratic Caucus Chairman Bob Menendez (D-NJ) today made the following statement following the defeat of the Menendez Amendment by a vote of 213 to 203. The amendment merged two bi-partisan 9/11 Senate bills (Collins/Lieberman, S. 2845; McCain/Lieberman, S.2774) endorsed by the 9/11 Commission, and supported by a majority of 9/11 families.
SKELTON: Republican Intelligence Reform Omits Bipartisan 9/11 Commission Recommendations
Republicans decline to include key recommendations of the bipartisan 9/11 Commission in their intelligence reform legislation.
HOYER STATEMENT ON INTELLIGENCE REFORM BILL
House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer spoke on the House floor today in support of the bipartisan intelligence reforms recommended by the 9/11 Commission and supported by House Democrats. House Republicans instead have chosen to back an alternative bill which excludes many of the Commission’s recommendations and fails to address serious threats to our nation’s security. The following is Rep. Hoyer’s statement as prepared for delivery:
MENENDEZ ON 9/11 BILL: HOUSE REPUBLICANS PLAYING POLITICS WITH AMERICA’S SECURITY
WASHINGTON, DC -- House Democratic Caucus Chairman Bob Menendez (D-NJ) today made the following statement on the Menendez Amendment during debate on H.R. 10, the House Republican 9/11 bill, which falls far short in its implementation of the 9/11 Commission recommendations.
Week of October 4, 2004
...failed to pass 12 of 13 appropriations bills...
INFORMATION CLEARINGHOUSE ON INTELL. REFORM LEGISLATION
Clearinghouse on Intelligence Reform
DEMOCRATS CONTINUE PUSH FOR BALANCED POLITICAL PROGRAMMING FOR MEMBERS OF ARMED FORCES
WASHINGTON DC – House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD) sent the following letter to recently appointed House and Senate National Defense Authorization Act Conferees drawing their attention to a letter Democrats sent last month to the Committee Chairmen and Ranking Members. The letter, signed by 8 leading Democrats, encouraged them to retain language (the “Harkin Amendment”) that would bring balance to the political programming of the tax-payer funded Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS):