Defense and Foreign Policy

The U.S. Constitution grants the federal government with the responsibility to protect and defend the people and territory of the United States. A robust defense to protect the sovereignty of the United States is critical to ensure our liberties, freedoms, commerce, and way of life are preserved. I oppose nation-building and excessively long engagements that lack a definition and strategy to win. The job of the military is to fight and win wars to defend our homeland and interests only. These military operations must be approved and supported by a proper act of Congress and led by the U.S. military.

I will do all I can to ensure our military remains well-trained, fully equipped, and ready to defend our country. I understand this requires a steady funding stream for training, spare parts, and maintenance of equipment to ensure readiness should a crisis occur or should we need to deploy for a longer period of time to protect our interests.

Foreign policy is also an area where the U.S. Constitution bestows a responsibility onto the federal government. Diplomacy, trade, economic relations, and various foreign support programs can be utilized to advance American interests and deter conflict. However, any action or program must be approved and supported by a proper act of the Congress, and led by American government entities. I believe the United States must act within its own interests and that this must be the guidepost of any actions taken abroad.