I believe in the important role of our defense and national security community in tackling the pressing challenges facing this country and the globe. We must recognize that domestic programs and spending, bolsters our national security. And, that investing in our national security and institutions will help further the progressive change we are looking for here at home. Keeping America safe requires strong alliances abroad and coordinated global action. Steady, moral, American leadership is what is needed now.

As a 30-year Army veteran, I believe we must increase our near-peer competitiveness, pursue a modern, future-facing force, and invest in our ability to respond to the threats we face. 

During my time in Congress, I have passed bills to strengthen the NATO alliance, foster technological innovation, modernize the military’s administrative processes, and introduced bills to reassert Congressional authority in matters of war and peace. I led the bipartisan movement to prevent war with Iran and continue to advocate turning the page on endless wars in the Middle East. Looking forward, I support cultivating new partnerships around the globe, particularly in developing nations such as Africa. 

I believe our nation's military and leadership should reflect the diversity of the country they serve. As part of the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act, I introduced a series of provisions to foster diversity and inclusion which makes us stronger. For more information on these provisions please see here. 

I led the charge to rename military installations and bases that honor Confederate leaders to fully reckon with our country’s history. In the 117th Congress, I continue to fight for the rights of all Americans to serve their country in uniform. I continue to lead efforts to root out white supremacy, racism, anti-Semitism, and extremism from our ranks while championing initiatives to encourage diversity, inclusion, and justice in our armed services and throughout the broader defense pipeline. And I contiue to advocate for reforms to our military justice system in order to better protect victims of sexual violence and minority servicemembers from discrimination.  Although we have made improvements, we must continue to do everything we can to guarantee all service members and civilians, at every level, regardless of their race, sexual orientation, creed, gender, or ethnicity, are valued and respected. 

I understand the challenges our veterans face at home and abroad. Our servicemen and women make the United States the greatest nation in the world, and this country must live up to the sacred promise we make to them and their families. I’ve worked to prioritize the wellbeing of active-duty servicemembers, veterans, and their families, passing into law legislation to end the so-called “widow’s tax” on grieving military families and adding additional oversight and inspections of subpar privatized military housing, and recognizing veterans denied their due honors because of historical discrimination.

I continue to support investment in the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure all Veterans can go to college, find work, buy a home, and put down roots in our communities. Making sure veterans have access to quality care here at home will ease the transition into civilian lifestyle. We must continue to address veteran suicide and homelessness in Congress and in partnership with the VA, and stand resolutely against privatization of the VA.