2014 Iowa Senate Debates: on Homeland Security


Joni Ernst: I understand the importance a strong national defense

Question topic: The United States must maintain a nuclear arsenal that is safe, reliable, modern and numerically superior to those of potential adversaries.

Ernst: Strongly Agree.

Question topic: Briefly list political or legislative issues of most concern to you.

Ernst: Defense/Military- As a veteran, I understand the importance a strong national defense, and taking care of those soldiers who have laid their lives on the line for our freedom.

Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Iowa Senate race Sep 30, 2014

Bruce Braley: Yes, missed 75% of Veterans' hearings; but made 97% of votes

Braley, a member of the Veterans Affairs' Committee, found himself defending his dedication to veterans. Enrst charged that Braley missed 75% of the hearings with the panel.

"I've been there for veterans," he said. "I've made 97% of the votes at the VA hearing to stand up for veterans and I fight for them every day."

He also mentioned work he did to help specific groups of veterans get access to certain benefits.

Source: The Hill e-zine on 2014 Iowa Senate debate Sep 28, 2014

Doug Butzier: Stop expanding the military

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Expand the military"?

A: Absolutely not. We have more than 1,000 military bases in over 130 countries worldwide.

Source: E-mail interview: 2014 Iowa Senate race with OnTheIssues.org Sep 17, 2014

Sam Clovis: Maintain a superior nuclear arsenal

Question topic: The United States must maintain a nuclear arsenal that is safe, reliable, modern and numerically superior to those of potential adversaries.

Clovis: Strongly Agree

Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Iowa Senate race Jul 2, 2014

Joni Ernst: Military experience always plays role in decision-making

Ernst highlighted her experience in the Iowa National Guard, having served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003-2004. "As a leader in the Iowa Guard, I've experienced first hand the challenges these lengthy and difficult missions bring to our troops and their families," Ernst said. "Experiences such as these will always play a role in my decision-making process on any related national policy."
Source: KMA Land, 99.1 FM on 2014 Iowa Senate race Jan 2, 2014

Joni Ernst: Keep veterans in forefront of all foreign policy decisions

Joni Ernst, a state senator from Red Oak who serves as a commander in the Iowa Army National Guard, remarked that what drives her is a desire to protect Iowa values from federal overreach. Ernst choked up when she spoke about the military service of her family members and all the Iowa soldiers who have served in the Middle East. She said she will always keep them in the forefront of her mind as she makes foreign policy decisions in Congress.
Source: Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier on 2014 Iowa Senate race Sep 23, 2013

  • The above quotations are from 2014 Iowa Senate Debates.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Homeland Security.
  • Click here for other issues (main summary page).
  • Click here for more quotes by Matt Whitaker on Homeland Security.
  • Click here for more quotes by Joni Ernst on Homeland Security.
Candidates and political leaders on Homeland Security:

Retired Senate as of Jan. 2015:
GA:Chambliss(R)
IA:Harkin(D)
MI:Levin(D)
MT:Baucus(D)
NE:Johanns(R)
OK:Coburn(R)
SD:Johnson(D)
WV:Rockefeller(D)

Resigned from 113th House:
AL-1:Jo Bonner(R)
FL-19:Trey Radel(R)
LA-5:Rod Alexander(R)
MA-5:Ed Markey(D)
MO-9:Jo Ann Emerson(R)
NC-12:Melvin Watt(D)
SC-1:Tim Scott(R) 		Retired House to run for Senate or Governor:
AR-4:Tom Cotton(R)
GA-1:Jack Kingston(R)
GA-10:Paul Broun(R)
GA-11:Phil Gingrey(R)
HI-1:Colleen Hanabusa(D)
IA-1:Bruce Braley(D)
LA-6:Bill Cassidy(R)
ME-2:Mike Michaud(D)
MI-14:Gary Peters(D)
MT-0:Steve Daines(R)
OK-5:James Lankford(R)
PA-13:Allyson Schwartz(D)
TX-36:Steve Stockman(R)
WV-2:Shelley Capito(R) 		Retired House as of Jan. 2015:
AL-6:Spencer Bachus(R)
AR-2:Tim Griffin(R)
CA-11:George Miller(D)
CA-25:Howard McKeon(R)
CA-33:Henry Waxman(D)
CA-45:John Campbell(R)
IA-3:Tom Latham(R)
MN-6:Michele Bachmann(R)
NC-6:Howard Coble(R)
NC-7:Mike McIntyre(D)
NJ-3:Jon Runyan(R)
NY-4:Carolyn McCarthy(D)
NY-21:Bill Owens(D)
PA-6:Jim Gerlach(R)
UT-4:Jim Matheson(D)
VA-8:Jim Moran(D)
VA-10:Frank Wolf(R)
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Page last updated: Dec 06, 2018