I believe in peace through strength and that a strong American military is crucial to safety and security, both at home and around the globe. I have sponsored legislation to combat global terrorism, toughen sanctions on Iran and strip domestic terrorists of their American citizenship. I believe America must be clear and unmistakable in its position that Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. Regarding Afghanistan, I supported President Obama’s troop surge and his plan to bring down those troop levels, but we must constantly monitor the situation and be careful not to sacrifice the security gains we have made. Preventing Afghanistan from becoming a safe-haven for terrorist groups seeking to attack our country is critical to America’s national security. We need to continually re-evaluate our progress there based on reports from commanders and conditions on the ground. Last summer, I completed my annual National Guard training requirements in Afghanistan, which gave me an additional perspective about the conditions on the ground. I am continually impressed by the dedication of the men and women of our military serving on the frontlines to keep our country safe. They deserve the highest levels of gratitude and respect of all Americans.
