State of Florida Archives: on Homeland Security
Adam Putnam:
Make Florida the most military friendly & vet friendly state
Adam knows that no one understands our constitutional freedoms better than our veterans. He is committed to honoring the sacrifices made by our country's military and families. Adam launched "Operation Outdoor Freedom,"
which offers wounded veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces hunting and fishing opportunities, at no cost to them. He is committed to making Florida the most military- and veteran-friendly state in the nation.
Source: 2018 Florida Gubernatorial campaign website AdamPutnam.com
Jul 12, 2017
Adam Putnam:
Use conservation money to protect military bases
Putnam said the state needs to increase spending for land preservation to help protect military bases from closure. Putnam said he views the use of conservation dollars as a means to protect land around military bases--an allowed use of the money. That c
Source: Palm Beach Post on 2018 Florida gubernatorial race
Aug 8, 2017
Al Franken:
2005: Coleman should've held hearings on post-war corruption
In his 2005 book, "The Truth (With Jokes)", Franken wrote about Coleman's chairmanship of the Senate Subcommittee on Permanent Investigations, a panel charged with looking into, among other things, corruption in defense and security contracts in Iraq.
Asserting that Coleman had failed to hold "a single hearing on postwar corruption," Franken called Coleman "one of the administration's leading butt boys," and wondered if
Coleman's ambition was "to become vice president in the third Bush administration."
Thus the emotional and personal groundwork was laid for a brutal campaign years before Franken announced his own ambitions. Franken-Coleman 2008 was not Wellstone-Coleman 2.0.
Source: This Is Not Florida, by Jay Weiner, p. 67
Sep 16, 2010
Al Lawson:
Ensure that veteran benefits are protected
We owe veterans for their service to America. It is our duty to ensure that their benefits are protected because of their amazing sacrifices. We must monitor the VA to ensure these men and women are being treated appropriately.
Unfortunately, there are veterans who do not get the services they need. An estimated 22 veterans a day commit suicide. This is unacceptable and it must be addressed!
Source: 2016 Florida House campaign website AlLawson.com
Nov 8, 2016
Alan Grayson:
Opposed $607 billion national defense bill
On May 15, 2015, the House passed HR 1735, the National Defense Authorization Act, by a vote of 269-151--Rep. Grayson voted NAY. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities,
including military personnel strengths." Grayson voted with 142 other Democrats and 8 Republicans against the bill. The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. President Obama vetoed the bill on Oct. 22.On Nov. 5, 2015, the
House passed S 1356, the National Defense Authorization Act, by a vote of 370-58--Rep. Grayson voted NAY. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included "$5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget" and language
preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison. Grayson voted with 48 other Democrats and 9 Republicans against the bill. On Nov. 10 the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 91-3, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on Nov. 25.
Source: Ballotpedia.org coverage of 2016 Florida Senate race
May 15, 2015
Andrew Gillum:
Opposes expanding the military
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Expand the military"?
A: Oppose
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Florida Governor candidate
Jun 15, 2018
Ann Kirkpatrick:
Voted with GOP for DoD bill that Obama vetoed
Defense spending authorization: Kirkpatrick voted YEA on May 15, 2015 for HR 1735, the National Defense Authorization Act, which passed by a vote of 269-151. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for
Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation."
Kirkpatrick voted with 40 Democrats and 228 Republicans to approve the bill. The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25.
President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015.
Source: Ballotpedia.org coverage of 2016 Florida Senate race
May 15, 2015
Annette Taddeo:
Opposes DeSantis plan to have state military force
DeSantis proposed reestablishing the Florida State Guard that would be under his command. DeSantis said this civilian force would "not be encumbered by the federal government," adding that it would allow him "the
flexibility and the ability needed to respond to events in our state in the most effective way possible." Taddeo called DeSantis a "[w]annabe dictator trying to make his move for his own vigilante militia."
Source: Axios.com on 2022 Florida Gubernatorial race
Dec 3, 2021
Augustus Invictus:
Non-interventionism & no unconditional support to Israel
When asked "What changes would you support in response to the threats posed by global terrorism?" Invictus replied "Policy is more important than law in this regard. The implementation of a non-interventionist foreign policy would be a good start.
Declining to topple governments without reason and refusing unconditional support to Israel in a contentious region would be a great help. A moratorium on immigration from countries known for terrorism seems pretty common sense."
Source: Tampa Bay Times on 2016 Florida Senate race
Oct 7, 2016
Bernard DeCastro:
Reduce deployed nuclear weapons of both the US and Russia
Question: ON NUCLEAR WEAPON REDUCTION: Continuing negotiations to verifiably reduce deployed nuclear weapons of both the United States and the Russian Federation? Answer: SUPPORT
Source: Florida Catholic Conference Candidate Questionnaire
Aug 11, 2010
Betty Castor:
Support the all volunteer military, not a military draft
Q: Does the long-term nature of the global war on terror require a return to the military draft?CASTOR: No. I support the all volunteer military and believe our active-duty and reserve forces are doing a great job. We should make the military more
attractive as a career by improving pay and benefits for military service and ensuring that the government keeps its commitments to our service members and veterans. We must also stop the second-class treatment of the National Guard and
Reserves to attract and retain a strong, volunteer force.
MARTINEZ: No. Every day more patriots volunteer for military service making a draft unnecessary. The US is the most prosperous and thriving nation in the world.
Without strong support from our armed forces, our country could easily be defeated by terrorism.
Source: Florida Senate Debate, Q&A by Associated Press
Oct 24, 2004
Brian Mast:
Treat every veteran as the most important vet ever
Every Veteran who the VA serves must be treated as the most important veteran to ever be served. Anything less is unacceptable.Honoring our commitment to each veteran should be a top priority for Congress.
Every veteran that has sworn the oath, worn the uniform and offered to give the last beat of their heart, should not be taken for granted.
When I am elected to Congress, I will fight until I have nothing left to provide our nation's veterans the flexibility to choose anytime, anywhere medical care. I will introduce legislation to reform our broken
VA system, and provide quality care to our servicemen and women so they are guaranteed the dignity and honor they've earned.
Veterans gave every American their best, and deserve the best care our nation has to offer.
Source: 2016 Florida House campaign website MastForCongress.com
Nov 8, 2016
Brian Mast:
Maintain world's most prepared strongest military
Rebuild Our Military: As a veteran, I understand the important role our military plays both at home and abroad. In order to keep America safe, we must maintain the most prepared, well trained, and strongest military in the world.
This means rebuilding our Navy, modernizing our Air Force and raising our troop levels. These are very dangerous times and America must maintain its military superiority.
Source: 2016 Florida House campaign website MastForCongress.com
Nov 8, 2016
Brian Mast:
Don't cut defense to balance budget
Q: In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing defense spending?A: No. There are many places defense budget resources could be allocated more wisely.
Q: In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
A: No. Historically, tax cuts from presidents on both sides of the aisle have actually produced increases in revenue.
Source: Vote-Smart 2016 Florida Political Courage Test
Nov 8, 2016
Brian Moore:
Oppose expanding the military
Q: Would you expand the military"?A: Strongly oppose.ÿ The military-industrial complex is alive and kicking, to the loss of financial and safe conditions hurting the country, and threatening more worldwide violence and wars. We are a behemoth in a
strong defense, with too many military bases and involvements worldwide.ÿ We need to foster democracy and peace, not threaten opponents or our enemies with physical threats and intimidating presence around the world.ÿ Our motives are based on self
interests and economic gain at others expense.ÿ More art, culture, social, athletic and peaceful exchanges need to be fostered and financed by our federal government. ÿ We should also redirect our defense and space industries to explore new and improved
solutions for our country, our citizens and our world in the areas of health, art, culture, education, music, science, etc.ÿ We also need to reduce our nuclear stockpiles and ballistic missiles worldwide with all nations in possession of such weapons.
Source: OnTheIssues.org interview on 2022 Florida Gubernatorial race
Apr 14, 2022
Charlie Crist:
Led effort to ensure veterans had access to COVID vaccine
As the coronavirus pandemic spread through Florida, Charlie led--fighting in Congress for aid for struggling small businesses, helping deliver relief checks to millions of
Floridians, and leading an effort to ensure veterans had access to the vaccine.
Source: 2021 Florida Gubernatorial campaign website CharlieCrist.com
May 5, 2021
Charlie Crist:
Military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy has worked
U.S. Senate rivals Charlie Crist and Marco Rubio both said today they oppose abolishing the "don't ask, don't tell" policy affecting gays and lesbians in the military.
The 1993 policy was intended to be a political compromise that let gay men and women serve so long as they stayed silent about their sexuality. But President Barack
Obama and top military leaders say it is time to end the discrimination all together."We are a nation at war. The governor believes the current policy has worked, and there is no need to make changes," a
Crist campaign spokeswoman said.
"Marco Rubio supports the current policy and doesn't see any evidence it needs to be changed," a campaign spokesman said.
Source: St. Petersburg Times' coverage of 2010 Florida Senate debate
Feb 4, 2010
Connie Mack IV:
Budget sequestration guts our military
Mack said several times that Nelson voted "to gut our military," referring to the budget deal approved last year that could lead to draconian budget cuts and tax increases by year's end if Congress fails to reach a new agreement. "You were
going to let this country go into default where it could not pay its bills. Obviously we could not do that," Nelson said, noting that Mack was in the minority who voted against the so-called sequestration plan.
Source: Tampa Bay Times on 2012 Florida Senate debate
Oct 18, 2012
Deb Haaland:
Close child care gaps for military families
Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL-5) led the charge in calling on the Pentagon to close child care gaps for military families. Waltz teamed up with Rep. Deb Haaland (D-NM-1). "Single military parents and dual-military couples with children face added challenges
given their essential roles at work and no additional help at home. Military-civilian couples fear the civilian spouse may be forced to quit their job to take care of their children, jeopardizing the financial stability of those families," they wrote.
Source: Florida Daily on Biden Transition
Mar 13, 2021
Edward Janowski:
Expand military to provide jobs and education
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Expand the military"?A: The military is a fantastic way to provide jobs, education, and opportunity to the citizens of the United States.
With friendly and not-so-friendly enemies always looking to get the upper edge and force their positions on the people of the world, expanding the military will be an ever-present necessity.
Not all programs need to be expanded and some common sense needs to be applied to the spending, but that's always been a problem that our elected officials have had.
Only because they are always worrying about getting re-elected and continuing to receive campaign contributions.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Florida Senate candidate
Mar 30, 2018
Francis Rooney:
Voice for American strength, so our enemies know to fear us
Taking On The Tough Issues:- Francis Rooney will be a voice for American strength. He will ensure that our enemies know to fear us and that our friends know they can trust us.
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Rooney will not rest until EVERY veteran gets the highest quality of care delivered in the fastest way possible. Nothing is more important than serving those that have served us so well.
Source: 2016 Florida House campaign website FrancisRooney.com
Nov 8, 2016
Gwen Graham:
Encourage military to private sector transitions
From the military instillations in the second district to the miles of coastline, our area has many unique industries and small businesses that just need Congress to stop playing games so that they can do their work.- Work with local businesses to
encourage military to private sector transitions by partnering with Veterans Affairs to help identify those with the skills that companies need.
- Fight for military base funding to ensure that Tyndall Air Force base maintains its readiness and
capabilities.
- Demand that the US Army Corps of Engineers protect our water from being diverted to other states.
The United States plays an important role on the world stage and we must continue to be a leader in the international community.
North Florida is blessed to have thousands of veterans and active duty military personnel who represent our country honorably every day. We must fight for their needs in Washington while they defend our interests abroad.
Source: 2014 Florida House campaign website, GwenGraham.com
Nov 4, 2014
Jeb Bush:
Threat from 9/11 is unprecedented for our generation
In most years, we mark change by the passing of foreseeable events. But since I spoke here last, a new rhythm has been violently layered over the old. We awoke one morning in September, and we confronted a threat that is unprecedented for our generation.
As I have come to expect from Floridians, we have been extraordinary in our response to that threat. As a state, we will meet, and soon overcome, the obstacles that evil has devised. We will understand, and soon eliminate, any barrier that would keep
this state from realizing its destiny. And when we do, we will be stronger and better for it. Floridians are united as never before, and when the current crisis has passed, we will remain bound to one another in a spirit of caring and community that
will endure. Stronger, wiser, with an unshakable determination: that is the state of our state.
We must continue to thwart those who would harm us. We must renew our commitment to ensure the security of our citizens and our guests.
Source: State of the State address to 2002 Florida Legislature
Jan 22, 2002
Jeb Bush:
$17M for new programs for terrorism response
Immediately following the terrorist attacks on September 11th, we acted quickly. By executive order, I put in place new programs that bolstered law enforcement's ability to deal with the terrorist threat and authorized specialized training for
domestic security personnel.I am proud of the rapid response of the Legislature in aggressively addressing this new threat. A few weeks ago, in special session, you dedicated more than $17 million in new programs to bolster
homeland security, put into place harsher criminal penalties for terrorist acts, and created a new, coordinated system for law enforcement's response to terrorism.
But we must do more.
I am proposing this session that we spend $45 million to further strengthen domestic security, including $6 million to continue the efforts begun in the current year.
Source: State of the State address to 2002 Florida Legislature
Jan 22, 2002
Jeb Bush:
Make Florida the most military-friendly state in the nation
We must protect our military bases and the $44 billion defense industry by aggressively defending our military installations in the 2005 base closure (BRAC) process. We must also find more ways to support the military men and women
who serve their country from our state. I support the legislation proposed to help military families transition into our communities and our schools, as part of our effort to make Florida the most military friendly state in the nation.
Source: 2004 State of the State speech to the Florida Legislature
Mar 2, 2004
John McCain:
Consult lawyers on war decisions; no half-cocked war basis
Q: [to McCain]:You didn't think much of the answer of Gov. Romney in the last debate, when he said that he would ask his lawyers whether he needed congressional authorization to use military force against Iran. Why not? MCCAIN: Because I don't think
that's the time to call in the lawyers, when we're in a national security crisis. Those are the last people I'd call in. I'd call in my wisdom, my knowledge, my background, my experience, and my ability to lead this nation.
ROMNEY: I want to make one
thing very, very clear, and that is if there were ever a question of a security threat to this country, I would act immediately to protect the interests of America and our citizens. No question about that. But every president has of course met with
White House counsel and they have written opinions about the involvement of Congress. The decision to take our men and women to war is the most grave decision and I would do that on a very deliberate and careful basis, not a half-cocked basis.
Source: 2007 GOP primary debate in Orlando, Florida
Oct 21, 2007
John McCain:
Waterboarding is torture; we're not going to torture people
Q: [to Romney]: Considering that Mr. McCain is the only one with any firsthand knowledge on the subject of waterboarding, how can those of you sharing the stage with him disagree with his position against torture?ROMNEY:
I do not believe that as a presidential candidate, it is wise for us to describe precisely what techniques we will use in interrogating people.
McCAIN: I am astonished that Mitt would think such a torture would be inflicted on anyone who we held
captive and anyone could believe that that's not torture. It's in violation of the Geneva Convention. It's in violation of existing law. If we're going to get the high ground in this world and we're going to be the
America that we have cherished and loved for more than 200 years. We're not going to torture people. It's clear the definition of torture. [Waterboarding] is in violation of laws we have passed.
Source: 2007 GOP YouTube debate in St. Petersburg, Florida
Nov 28, 2007
John Rutherford:
We must return to a peace-through-strength military
Our military is at its smallest level since World War II and we must return to a peace through strength military. Our brave men and women in uniform deserve the care and respect they have earned. Unfortunately, the Department of Veterans Affairs is a
national embarrassment and has failed those who have served us. The son of a WWII and Korean War veteran, John will reform the VA and do everything in his power to serve our veterans while rebuilding our military to confront the threats we face.
Source: 2016 Florida House campaign website VoteJohnRutherford.com
Nov 8, 2016
Marco Rubio:
No evidence to change policy of don't ask, don't tell
U.S. Senate rivals Charlie Crist and Marco Rubio both said today they oppose abolishing the "don't ask, don't tell" policy affecting gays and lesbians in the military.
The 1993 policy was intended to be a political compromise that let gay men and women serve so long as they stayed silent about their sexuality. But President Barack
Obama and top military leaders say it is time to end the discrimination all together."We are a nation at war. The governor believes the current policy has worked, and there is no need to make changes," a
Crist campaign spokeswoman said.
"Marco Rubio supports the current policy and doesn't see any evidence it needs to be changed," a campaign spokesman said.
Source: St. Petersburg Times' coverage of 2010 Florida Senate debate
Feb 4, 2010
Marco Rubio:
Shouldn't rely on China for our prescription drugs
Q: 80% of the active ingredients in prescription drugs are coming from either China or India. How is it possible that America is so reliant on this?RUBIO: The result of it now is that there is invariably going to be supply chain issues and
disruptions. But, long term, the question is, should we rely, as a nation, on something as important as medicine? Should we rely so heavily on a single foreign country, particularly one who's a near peer adversar?
Source: Fox News Sunday interview on 2022 Florida Senate race
Mar 8, 2020
Matt Gaetz:
$3 million to fund "Building Homes for Heroes
Northwest Florida is privileged to have bases such as Eglin AFB and Pensacola NAS, and we owe our freedom to the brave men & women that serve there. Matt co-sponsored the Florida GI Bill, offering veterans hiring preferences and in-state college tuition.
Matt has obtained over $3 Million to fund "Building Homes for Heroes," a program that provides housing for wounded veterans and modifies their homes to meet their needs.
While serving on the Florida Defense Support Task Force, Matt fought to secure funding for world-class care to help re-habilitate wounded warriors so that they can continue to fight for our country.
When it comes to caring for our veterans
Matt believes that the VA doesn't just need to be reformed--it needs to be abolished and replaced with a veteran-led system that allows our heroes to bypass bureaucracy and get their care from the providers they choose.
Source: 2016 Florida House campaign website MattGaetz.com
Nov 8, 2016
Matt Gaetz:
Oppose any automatic cuts to defense spending
National Security: Keeping the American people safe at home and abroad is the Federal government's most important duty. Matt knows that a well-trained and fully-funded military is critical in ensuring our national security and fighting terrorism.
We must project global strength and send our enemies a clear message that we will not tolerate any acts that threaten our safety and security.
Sequestration: Irresponsibly cutting defense spending is a national security risk that won't solve our budget crisis. We must cut spending and balance our budget with long-term solutions--not on the backs of our service members and defense community.
Matt will always stand up for our military community and oppose any automatic cuts to defense spending that jeopardize our national security and damage the economies of areas like Northwest Florida.
Source: 2016 Florida House campaign website MattGaetz.com
Nov 8, 2016
Mel Martinez:
Volunteers for military service make a draft unnecessary
Q: Does the long-term nature of the global war on terror require a return to the military draft?CASTOR: No. I support the all volunteer military and believe our active-duty and reserve forces are doing a great job. We should make the military more
attractive as a career by improving pay and benefits for military service and ensuring that the government keeps its commitments to our service members and veterans. We must also stop the second-class treatment of the National Guard and
Reserves to attract and retain a strong, volunteer force.
MARTINEZ: No. Every day more patriots volunteer for military service making a draft unnecessary. The US is the most prosperous and thriving nation in the world.
Without strong support from our armed forces, our country could easily be defeated by terrorism.
Source: Florida Senate Debate, Q&A by Associated Press
Oct 24, 2004
Michael Waltz:
Top priority is to increase service to country without draft
After serving for 22 years in the military, Waltz says his top priority in Congress will be passing some kind of legislation that increases service to the country, especially among younger Americans.
He is open to ideas on how to make it possible without a draft or mandatory entry into the Peace Corps.
Source: The Florida Daily coverage of 2018 Congress FL-6 election
Sep 9, 2018
Michael Waltz:
Close child care gaps for military families
Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL-5) led the charge in calling on the Pentagon to close child care gaps for military families. Waltz teamed up with Rep. Deb Haaland (D-NM-1). "Single military parents and dual-military couples with children face added challenges
given their essential roles at work and no additional help at home. Military-civilian couples fear the civilian spouse may be forced to quit their job to take care of their children, jeopardizing the financial stability of those families," they wrote.
Source: Florida Daily on 2020 Congressional FL-5 election
Aug 10, 2020
Mitt Romney:
Lawyers are the last people to ask about war decisions
Q: [to McCain]:You didn't think much of the answer of Gov. Romney in the last debate, when he said that he would ask his lawyers whether he needed congressional authorization to use military force against Iran. Why not? MCCAIN: Because I don't think
that's the time to call in the lawyers, when we're in a national security crisis. Those are the last people I'd call in. I'd call in my wisdom, my knowledge, my background, my experience, and my ability to lead this nation.
ROMNEY: I want to make one
thing very, very clear, and that is if there were ever a question of a security threat to this country, I would act immediately to protect the interests of America and our citizens. No question about that. But every president has of course met with
White House counsel and they have written opinions about the involvement of Congress. The decision to take our men and women to war is the most grave decision and I would do that on a very deliberate and careful basis, not a half-cocked basis.
Source: 2007 GOP primary debate in Orlando, Florida
Oct 21, 2007
Mitt Romney:
Not wise for us to describe our interrogation techniques
Q: Considering that Mr. McCain is the only one with any firsthand knowledge on the subject of waterboarding, how can those of you sharing the stage with him disagree with his position against torture?
A: I do not believe that as a presidential candidate, it is wise for us to describe precisely what techniques we will use in interrogating people. I want to make sure these folks are kept at Guantanamo.
I don't want the people that are carrying out attacks on this country to be brought into our jail system and be given legal representation in this country.
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed went to Guantanamo and he met G.I.s and CIA interrogators. And that's just exactly how it ought to be.
Source: 2007 GOP YouTube debate in St. Petersburg, Florida
Nov 28, 2007
Mitt Romney:
Add 100,000 to the military without a draft
Q: How do you increase the size of the military without a draft?A: I'm recommending that we add 100,000 active-duty personnel to our military. We're right now at about 1.5 million. Take that up to about 1.6 million. We found in our state that we were
losing enrollees for the National Guard at about 6% per year. And the legislature and I got together and passed something called the Welcome Home Bill. We said if you'll sign up for the National Guard, we'll pay for your entire education for four years.
We put in some other benefits as well--life insurance and other features that we decided to pay for. The result of that was, the next year enrollments went up 30%. So if we want more people to sign up for the military, we have to improve the deal.
Our GI Bill has gotten a little old. We need to update our funding level for that, so that young people who go into the military get a full ride as they come home and get to go into college.
Source: 2008 GOP debate in Boca Raton Florida
Jan 24, 2008
Neal Dunn:
Help veterans with housing and health care issues
Stand Up for Veterans & Support the Military: As a Veteran of the U.S. Army,
I will be a strong voice for our men and women who wear the uniform during and after their service. I will help veterans with housing and health care issues and support mental health policies that help our heroes and their families after they get back.
Source: 2016 Florida House campaign website NealDunn.com
Nov 8, 2016
Pam Keith:
My military service exposed me to issues that we face
The daughter of Kenton Keith, a U.S. diplomat, Keith, 46, has traveled the world. Growing up, she at various times lived in Turkey, Morocco, Syria, Kentucky, Brazil and California. After graduating from Boston College Law School, she joined the
Navy, serving as a JAG in Norfolk, VA and Bahrain. She achieved the rank of Lieutenant before leaving the service in 1999 for a position at a high-powered Washington, D.C. law firm. Since then, her law career has taken her around the country.
She settled in Florida in 2011 when she took a job as in-house counsel for Florida Light & Power, and energy company based in Juno Beach."I have spent a lifetime being exposed to, educating myself to the issues that we face,"
Keith said, citing her law record, her military service and policy talks she held with her now-retired father. "I know what our military needs, what our veterans need. I have a lot of good ideas."
Source: Tampa Bay Times on 2016 Florida Senate race
Jul 21, 2015
Patrick Murphy:
Voted with GOP for DoD bill that Obama vetoed
Defense spending authorization: Murphy voted YEA on May 15, 2015 for HR 1735, the National Defense Authorization Act, which passed by a vote of 269-151. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for
Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation."
Murphy voted with 40 Democrats and 228 Republicans to approve the bill. The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25.
President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015.
Source: Ballotpedia.org coverage of 2016 Florida Senate race
Jun 12, 2015
Philip Levine:
Military veterans should receive the benefits they deserve
Philip Levine appreciates the incredible contribution and sacrifice that our men and women in uniform and their families give to our country. Our men and women in uniform risk their lives for our country, and they deserve
the best healthcare, quality of life, and career opportunities back home. Philip will work to make sure our 1.5 million veterans are cared for, and to provide affordable housing and support for our state's many homeless veterans.
Source: 2018 Florida Governor campaign website PhilipLevine2018.com
Oct 9, 2018
Rick Scott:
Florida has one of country's largest veteran populations
We can never say thank you enough to those who have served our country. I am so proud of all of our men and women who wear the uniform--like my dad did.
I am also proud to say that Florida has one of the largest veteran populations in the country.
Source: 2014 State of the State Address to Florida legislature
Mar 4, 2014
Rick Scott:
$6 million for counterterrorism and police equipment
Our state has been rocked by the gruesome terrorist attack at the Pulse Nightclub, in Orlando. Nothing could have prepared me for the horror we saw on June 12, 2016 when a terrorist inspired by ISIS stormed into Pulse and senselessly killed
49 innocent people. This was a terrorist attack and 49 brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, friends and spouses were murdered.Without fear or hesitation, SWAT members confronted the terrorist.
Thank you for your courage to serve in the face of evil.
In order to keep fighting to support public safety in our state, we have to ensure Florida's law enforcement officers have the resources they need to curb senseless violence and crime.
That is why I have recommended nearly $6 million for counterterrorism efforts this year.
Source: 2017 Florida State of the State address
Mar 7, 2017
Rocky De La Fuente:
Address broken VA hospital system
The Department of Veterans Affairs is broken. Some of our veterans are dying as they wait for care; others receive inferior treatment when they receive it. Yet, VA officials think it is appropriate to compare the "inconvenience" to "waiting in line at Di
Source: Ballotpedia.org review of 2016 Florida Senate race
Dec 31, 2019
Ron DeSantis:
$3.4 million in state spending to support military
DeSantis announced that Florida will be giving $3.4 million to military spending thanks to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and Enterprise Florida. DeSantis says this will increase Florida's reputation as a "military-friendly" state.
The money will go to improving military facilities and supporting economic development within military communities.
Source: TK on 2022 Florida Gubernatorial race
Jul 1, 2021
Ronald Reagan:
No nuclear freeze due to danger from the "evil empire"
In your discussions of nuclear freeze proposals, I urge you to not to ignore the facts of history and the aggressive impulses of an evil empire, to simply call the arms race a giant misunderstanding
and thereby remove yourself from the struggle between good and evil. I ask you to resist the attempts of those who would have you withhold your support for this administration's efforts, to keep America strong and free.
Source: Speech in Orlando Florida
Mar 8, 1983
Rudy Giuliani:
Remain on offense against Islamic terrorism
Q: What would you do as president to repair the image of America in the eyes of the Muslim world?A: The most important thing to do is to make certain we remain on offense against Islamic terrorism.
Then make it clear that what that means is this is a small group of people, Islamic terrorists, who have defiled a great religion
Source: 2007 GOP YouTube debate in St. Petersburg, Florida
Nov 28, 2007
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023