Issues – National Security
Energy | Economy & Jobs | Education | Healthcare | National Security
Today, the actions of rogue states and groups that promote violent ideologies pose the most significant threat to our national security. Through my role on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities, I have been working to ensure that our defense posture addresses these threats. This includes expanding the capabilities of our Special Operations Forces, putting a priority on counterinsurgency and stability operations, and enhancing the military’s use of technology to help protect the United States from unconventional attacks.
Ultimately, I am committed to crafting defense policies that safeguards our nation in a forward-thinking, effective manner. While it is important to devote an adequate level of military resources to confront the security threats posed by al-Qaeda and other extremist groups, we must also coordinate our military efforts with the strength of our diplomatic and civilian power. In the 21st century, the various components of the United States foreign policy must be balanced, addressing the short-term security goals and the long-term development objectives.
It is also important that the men and women of our armed forces receive the support they need to perform their missions. As the Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces, I have been working diligently to ensure that our military personnel have the best weapons, equipment and resources to confront the threats they face today, and in the future. In a time when the Pentagon is looking for ways to reduce costs, this also means ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent in the most efficient and effective manner. It is also imperative that we provide them with quality housing and healthcare benefits, competitive pay, and support for military spouses and their families.
For our veterans and their families who have faithfully served our nation, I am dedicated to resolve the two most inequitable policies affecting these individuals: providing full concurrent receipt of retirement pay and disability benefits and repealing the widow’s tax. In addition, I am working to ensure that the VA remains capable of delivering quality healthcare that is capable of serving the unique needs of the veteran population. This includes ensuring that the VA is able to meet the demands of our newest veterans, those who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Adam’s work on National Security:
- Secured key funds for Puget Sound area defense projects, such as $1.6 million for critical trauma training for military medical personnel, $2 million to develop and test a new malaria vaccine for the military and critical funding for local schools serving the children of military families.
- Introduced and secured passage of legislation that would expand job opportunities for our nation’s veterans.
- Supported legislation that strikes a balance between the near-term military needs in Afghanistan with the long-term development and infrastructure
- Cosponsored legislation to provide full concurrent receipt of military retired pay and veterans disability benefits and to repeal the widow’s tax.
- Supported record funding increases for the Department of Veterans Affairs and a provision to provide advanced appropriations for veterans healthcare to ensure a timely and predictable funding stream.
- Member of House Armed Services Committee.
- Chairman of the Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces
- Member of the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities.
- Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
- Member of the Subcommittee on Terrorism, HUMINT, Analysis and Counterintelligence.
- Member of the Subcommittee on Technical and Tactical Intelligence.
