State of New Hampshire secondary Archives: on Homeland Security
Alan Keyes:
Missile defense umbrella including Taiwan
I would put in place the kind of anti-missile defenses that can be extended as an umbrella to protect Taiwan when they come under threats [from China]. Self-determination, allowing people to decide their own destiny, has been fundamental to American
foreign policy for decades. We should certainly stand for it where the Taiwanese are concerned. We should make it clear that any [attack by] the Communist Chinese would, in fact, mean a military confrontation with the United States.
Source: (X-ref China) New Hampshire GOP Debates
Dec 3, 1999
Bernie Sanders:
Strengthen the V.A.; don't privatize the V.A.
CLINTON: I'm absolutely against privatizing the V.A. I am going do everything I can to build on the reforms that Senator Sanders and others in Congress have passed to try to fix what's wrong with the V.A. .SANDERS: Republicans give a lot of speeches
about how much they love veterans. I work with the American Legion, the VFW, the DAV, the Vietnam Vets, and virtually every veterans organization to put together the most comprehensive piece of the veterans legislation in the modern history of America.
Every Democrat voted for it; I got two Republicans. That is pathetic. So Republicans talk a good game about veterans, but when it came to put money on the line to protect our veterans, frankly, they were not there. Secretary Clinton is absolutely right,
there are people, Koch brothers among others, who have a group called Concerned Veterans of America, funded by the Koch brothers, yes, there are people out there who want to privatize it. We've got to strengthen the V.A. We do not privatize the V.A.
Source: MSNBC Democratic primary debate in New Hampshire
Feb 4, 2016
Bernie Sanders:
It does us no good to NOT talk to adversaries
CLINTON: We have to figure out how to deal with Iran as the principal state sponsor of terrorism in the world. If we were to normalize relations right now, [as Senator Sanders suggests,] we would remove one of the biggest pieces of leverage we have.
Part of the hard work of diplomacy is trying to extract whatever concessions you can get, and giving something the other side wants.
Of course you've got to try to make peace with, and work with those who are your adversaries, but you don't just rush in, open the door, and say, "Here I am. Let's talk and make a deal." That's not the way it works.
SANDERS: I think President Obama had the right idea, and the bottom line is that of course there have to be conditions. But, of course it doesn't do us any good to not talk with our adversaries..
Source: MSNBC Democratic primary debate in New Hampshire
Feb 4, 2016
Bernie Sanders:
Promise to never privatize V.A.
Q: You will likely face a Republican opponent who wants to privatize or even abolish big parts of the V.A. It's a newly popular idea in conservative politics.SANDERS: Republicans give a lot of speeches about how much they love veterans. But when it
came to put money on the line [in my comprehensive veterans bill], to protect our veterans, frankly, they were not there. There are people, Koch brothers among others, who have a group called Concerned Veterans of America, who want to privatize it.
CLINTON: I'm absolutely against privatizing the V.A. And I am going do everything I can to build on the reforms that Senator Sanders and others in Congress have passed to try to fix what's wrong with the V.A.
There are a lot of issues about wait times and services that have to be fixed because our veterans deserve nothing but the best. Yes, let's fix the V.A., but we will never let it be privatized, and that is a promise.
Source: MSNBC Democratic primary debate in New Hampshire
Feb 4, 2016
Bob Smith:
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.
Smith: Strongly Agree.
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 New Hampshire Senate race
Jul 2, 2014
Chris Sununu:
Transgendered people in military ok
This past weekend, a diverse crowd of nearly 300 from every corner of New Hampshire gathered together to fight for transgender equality and to oppose
President Donald Trump's shameful decision to prevent transgender Americans from fighting in the military. Gov. Chris Sununu was not among the elected officials to attend.
Gov. Sununu recently came out against Trump's military ban, meaning he's okay with sending transgender citizens to fight to bring freedom to people around the world.
Alternatively, Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval of Nevada ordered the Nevada National Guard to deny Trump's policy. Sununu should do the right thing and follow his lead.
Source: Concord Monitor on 2018 New Hampshire governor race
Mar 6, 2018
Chris Sununu:
Create Veterans Campus for veterans, active military
The Veterans Campus, being proposed for a site in Franklin, is designed to integrate veterans, active military, and their families. A campus that includes housing, supportive services, a retreat center, a true integration of care coordination,
therapeutic and recreational services all designed by veterans and military personnel, for veterans and military personnel. Like never before New Hampshire is going to be able to create the gold standard in the health and wellness of America's heroes.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to New Hampshire legislature
Feb 17, 2022
Corky Messner:
Invest in a strong national defense, latest technology
- Protect our Nation by strengthening ties with our allies and by investing in a strong national defense complete with the latest military intelligence, technology and equipment.
- Strengthen our southern border and all ports of
entry to the country.
- Create national disaster protocols and a robust national stockpile of critical materials, PPE and necessary supplies.
Source: 2020 New Hampshire Senate website CorkyForSenate.com
Jun 3, 2020
Corky Messner:
Build up defense but spend money wisely
On the military: "I would say that I would be more aggressive than the president on government deregulation, although the president has been very aggressive," he said. "I would be more aggressive than the president on making sure the
Pentagon spends its money wisely, though I agree with the president in his spending to build up the defense of the country.
Source: Foster's Daily Democrat on 2020 New Hampshire Senate race
Aug 30, 2020
Dan Feltes:
Ensure veterans get access to basic benefits and housing
As a legal aid attorney, Dan advocated for veterans struggling to get access to basic benefits, health care, and housing. Dan worked with numerous stakeholders to help establish a veterans' legal advocacy project.
Dan believes that every veteran that fought for us should have someone to fight for him or her, regardless of one's economic circumstance.
Dan served on a study committee with then Senator Hassan to review veterans' unemployment and underemployment issues, ultimately recommending a policy helping veterans in state hiring.
Dan knows the struggles of veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan, and he will remember those voices when in the State Senate.
Source: 2020 New Hampshire governor campaign website DanFeltesNH.com
Jan 1, 2014
Don Bolduc:
Green Alert: find post-traumatic stressed veterans
As someone who advocates for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress issues and personally open about his own struggles with PTS, Bolduc said if elected, he would put improving the quality of veterans' health care at the top of his list of
priorities. He has assisted U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan with legislation to create a "Green Alert" system, similar to an Amber Alert, to help find distressed veterans who have gone missing.
"Every (Veterans Affairs) medical center I've been in, the problem is bureaucracy and the problem is the leadership above them," Bolduc said. "The people inside the VA who work there every single day are great people and do great things
for our veterans. We have to bring the programs down to the community. All our problems are going to get solved from the bottom up, not the top down."
Source: Portsmouth Herald on 2020 New Hampshire Senate race
Jun 27, 2019
Hillary Clinton:
Fight the idea of privatizing the V.A.
Q: You will likely face a Republican opponent who wants to privatize or even abolish big parts of the V.A. It's a newly popular idea in conservative politics.CLINTON: First of all, I'm absolutely against privatizing the V.A. I am going do everything
I can to build on the reforms that Senator Sanders and others in Congress have passed to try to fix what's wrong with the V.A. There are a lot of issues about wait times & services that have to be fixed because our veterans deserve nothing but the best.
Yes, let's fix the V.A., but we will never let it be privatized, and that is a promise.
SANDERS: Republicans give a lot of speeches about how much they love veterans. But when it came to put money on the line [in my comprehensive veterans bill], to
protect our veterans, frankly, they were not there. Secretary Clinton is absolutely right, there are people, a group called Concerned Veterans of America, funded by the Koch brothers, yes, there are people out there who want to privatize it.
Source: MSNBC Democratic primary debate in New Hampshire
Feb 4, 2016
Hillary Clinton:
Promise to never privatize V.A.
Q: You will likely face a Republican opponent who wants to privatize or even abolish big parts of the V.A. It's a newly popular idea in conservative politics.CLINTON: I'm absolutely against privatizing the V.A. And I am going do everything I can
to build on the reforms that Senator Sanders and others in Congress have passed to try to fix what's wrong with the V.A. There are a lot of issues about wait times and services that have to be fixed because our veterans deserve nothing but the best.
Yes, let's fix the V.A., but we will never let it be privatized, and that is a promise.
SANDERS: Republicans give a lot of speeches about how much they love veterans. But when it came to put money on the line [in my comprehensive veterans bill],
to protect our veterans, frankly, they were not there. Secretary Clinton is absolutely right, there are people, Koch brothers among others, who have a group called Concerned Veterans of America, who want to privatize.
Source: MSNBC Democratic primary debate in New Hampshire
Feb 4, 2016
Jeanne Shaheen:
Tireless advocate for keeping our commitment to veterans
Jeanne Shaheen is a tireless advocate for keeping our commitment to veterans. In the U.S. Senate, she has worked to provide tax credits to businesses that hire veterans, introduced legislation to help veterans start their own businesses, and led efforts
to expand care for returning veterans and their families. The bipartisan Sanders-McCain legislation passed by the Senate last month included language from Senator Shaheen to provide New Hampshire veterans greater access to health care. The bill would
allow veterans living more than 20 miles away from a VA facility, in a state like NH which does not have a full service VA hospital, to receive care at certain non-VA medical facilities.Jeanne Shaheen has been outraged by the backlog at the Department
of Veteran's Affairs. She has been an outspoken critic of the issues there and introduced legislation to hire additional local VA staff to work to eliminate the backlog and to fund legal clinics that would help veterans get their care faster.
Source: 2014 New Hampshire Senate campaign website JeanneShaheen.org
Jul 18, 2014
Jeanne Shaheen:
Fight to stop sexual assault in the military
Her leadership gained passage of history-making legislation, known as the Shaheen Amendment, which provides health insurance coverage for abortion for women serving in the military who are victims of rape or incest.
She has been outspoken in the fight to stop sexual assault in the military. Jeanne was a leader in the effort to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act.
Source: Vote-USA.org on 2020 New Hampshire Senate race
Oct 24, 2014
Jeanne Shaheen:
No more base closures; protect Pease & KC-46A tanker
Defense and Military Budget: She stood up to President Obama when he requested another round of base closures that would put the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard at major risk.
She was a leading advocate for Pease's successful quest to be the first base to get the next generation refueling tanker, the KC-46A, which will create 100 new jobs and inject millions of dollars into the local economy.
Source: Vote-USA.org on 2020 New Hampshire Senate race
Oct 24, 2014
Jeanne Shaheen:
Support military spending, but don't undercut diplomacy
One of General Mattis'--my favorite quotes from him is his saying, if you don't fund diplomacy efforts you've got to give me more bullets because I'm going to need them. We are in the process of dramatically plussing-up the military, and I support that
effort. But at the same time, we have been undercutting our diplomatic efforts in terms of personnel, in terms of funding. The idea that we would cut the State Department 30%, given what's going on in the world right now, makes no sense at all.
We know that women, when they're on peacekeeping forces, are better in dealing with conflict in lots of ways and not engaging in sexual violence and helping to address those issues. I think the more we can encourage women to be in those roles, the
better, because it puts women in a place to make decisions that are important. It's one of the reasons I'm a big supporter of making sure that we opened up our military here in the United States to women at all levels.
Source: Council on Foreign Relations: 2020 New Hampshire Senate race
May 18, 2020
Jim Rubens:
NSA infringes Constitution and causes citizen distrust
Rubens varied only slightly from the stump speech he has given at other Upper Valley events, remaining focused largely on the national debt and health care reform. He also continues to speak out against what he describes as the infringement of the
Constitution by the National Security Agency and a general "lack of trust in Washington."Rubens paints himself as a pragmatist who can find solutions by reaching across the aisle. "I take tough issues and deliver them over the finish line," he said.
Source: Valley News on 2014 New Hampshire Senate debate
Nov 23, 2013
Jim Rubens:
The surveillance state is not OK: limit the NSA
The surveillance state is not OK. Journalists have been digging through the millions of pages of NSA documents released by Edward Snowden. We now know that our own government is operating a data dragnet that makes the East German Stasi look like pokers.
NSA collects, stores and sifts through our phone calls, texts, emails, social media postings, cellphone locations, computer keystrokes, Internet searches, online gaming behavior and credit card purchases. To secretly track our keystrokes, last year
NSA paid hackers $25 million to hunt down security flaws in widely used software products such as Microsoft Office and Google's Chrome browser.Our protection? The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court consisting of 11 judges. FISA court briefings,
hearings and rulings are made in secret, predicated on a body of secret case law, and largely unavailable for review by the public. Over its entire 33-year existence, the FISA court has granted 33,942 warrants and issued only 11 denials.
Source: Manchester Union Leader on 2014 New Hampshire Senate race
Feb 17, 2014
Joe Biden:
Extend the New START Treaty for five years with Russia
By leading with diplomacy, we must also mean engaging our adversaries and our competitors diplomatically, where it's in our interest, and advance the security of the American people. That's why, yesterday, the United States and Russia agreed to extend
the New START Treaty for five years to preserve the only remaining treaty between our countries safeguarding nuclear stability.At the same time, I made it clear to President Putin, in a manner very different from my predecessor, that the days of the
United States rolling over in the face of Russia's aggressive actions--interfering with our elections, cyberattacks, poisoning its citizens--are over. We will not hesitate to raise the cost on Russia and defend our vital interests and our people. And
we will be more effective in dealing with Russia when we work in coalition and coordination with other like-minded partners. The politically motivated jailing of Alexei Navalny and efforts to suppress freedom of expression are a matter of deep concern.
Source: Manchester Ink Link on 2020 New Hampshire Senate race
Feb 4, 2021
Karen Testerman:
Rebuild our forces for adversaries like Chinese & Russians
The Constitution makes it very clear that "providing for the common defense" is a paramount function of the government. How many of you are driving a 20 year old car? Our fighter pilots fly aircraft with average ages of 22 years. The B-52 is scheduled to
remain in service until 2040.When my husband entered the military we were equipped to fight two wars in two different locations simultaneously. Then, the strategy changed. With reductions in defense budgets we were prepared to fight only one war in
one location and being semi-ready to shift to a conflict in another location. Today we can barely meet the commitments of a single war in a single location.
The world is becoming more dangerous--not more friendly. It is time to set our priorities for
national security. We must stop the dangerous gutting of our military and rebuild our forces before adversaries like the Chinese and Russians catch us ill-prepared to meet their challenge.
Source: 2014 New Hampshire Senate website, KarenTesterman.net
Dec 1, 2013
Molly Kelly:
Take care of the veterans and meet their needs
As the daughter of a World War II veteran, I will never waver in supporting the men and women who have fought to keep our state and country safe. We must honor their sacrifices and ensure they have the care their need. As governor,
I will: Fully fund New Hampshire's Veterans Home so that every veteran has access to a bed; and ensure the veterans service office is fully staffed to help New Hampshire veterans receive the benefits they've earned.
Source: 2018 New Hampshire Governor campaign website MollyKelly.com
Oct 9, 2018
Rick Santorum:
Privacy is in 4th amendment, but Patriot Act is ok
Q: [to Paul] Sen. Santorum believes that the Supreme Court was wrong when it decided that a right to privacy was embedded in the Constitution. SANTORUM: No, let's be clear. We're talking about the 10th Amendment and the right of states to act.
PAUL: I think the Fourth Amendment is very clear. It is explicit in our privacy. You can't go into anybody's house and look at what they have or their papers or any private things without a search warrant.
This is why the Patriot Act is wrong, because you have a right of privacy by the Fourth Amendment.
SANTORUM: Congressman Paul is talking about privacy rights under the Fourth Amendment, in which I agree with him,
I don't necessarily agree that the Patriot Act violates that. But I do agree that obviously we have a right to privacy under the Fourth Amendment.
Source: WMUR 2012 GOP New Hampshire debate
Jan 7, 2012
Rick Santorum:
Confront virulent threat of radical Islam
HUNTSMAN: So how long do you want to wait, Rick? How long do you want to wait to get out of Afghanistan?SANTORUM: Until the security of our country is ensured. That's what the job of the commander-in-chief is. And you make that decision--not the
generals--you make that decision based on an analysis of understanding how virulent the threat of radical Islam is. And you confront that threat not just militarily, and importantly not just militarily. You confront it first by being honest with the
American public about what this threat is. This president has sanitized every defense document, everything. The word radical Islam doesn't appear anywhere. Why? Because we are fighting political correctness--we're trying to fight this politically
correct war and not being honest with the American public as to who the enemy is, how virulent they are and why they hate us and what we must do to stop them.
Source: WMUR 2012 GOP New Hampshire debate
Jan 7, 2012
Ron Paul:
Getting bin Laden OK; Iranian nukes not OK
Q: You have said that you wouldn't have authorized the raid to get Osama bin Laden. You think that a nuclear Iran is really none of our business.A: Well, I think that's a misquote. I don't want Iran to get a nuclear weapon. I voted to go after bin
Laden. Yes, the president is the commander-in-chief, but he's not the king. We would have saved ourselves a lot of grief if we only had gone to war in a proper manner, and the proper manner is the people elect congressmen to make a declaration of war.
But we went into Afghanistan. We went into Iraq. We're involved in so many countries. Now they want to move on to Syria. And there's some that can't wait until they start bombing Iran.
Q: What about sanctions on Iran?
A: Sanctions themselves always
leads up to war. And that's what we're doing. And this just pushes Iran right into the hands of the Chinese. So our policy may be well intended, but it has a lot of downside, a lot of unintended consequences, and, unfortunately, blowback.
Source: WMUR 2012 GOP New Hampshire debate
Jan 7, 2012
Scott Brown:
Strip US citizenship from terrorists who fight overseas
Brown said Shaheen missed a chance to strip US citizenship from homegrown terrorists who have gone to fight overseas. "She says now that she wants to take away their passports, but she's had many opportunities.
A bill that Sen. Lieberman and I filed almost three years ago, another bill that was filed recently," Brown said.
Shaheen pointed out hearings Brown missed on the same issue while he was a senator from Massachusetts. "We need to fix our broken immigration system,
and the way to do it is not to refuse to go to a hearing on border security," Shaheen said. With the rise of ISIS in the Middle East, foreign affairs have become a central issue in the race.
Source: WMUR ABC-9 Manchester on 2014 New Hampshire Senate debate
Oct 7, 2014
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023