State of Idaho Archives: on Homeland Security
Jerry Sturgill:
Maintain force structure needed for security of our nation
We must ensure that our Active Duty and National Guard/Reserve forces in Idaho maintain the force structure they need to continue to serve the security of our nation. The Idaho National Guard must be able to maintain its well-trained, well-equipped
units to be available for prompt mobilization if ordered to active duty and continue to provide services to the state of Idaho during state emergencies.We must assure that those who serve, and who are willing to risk everything for our country and
our state, are honored and respected by proper pay and benefits for them and their families. Veterans of all ages must be equally honored and respected. Our government, and our current Senators and Representatives, seem to have forgotten about our
veterans. We must address the troubled VA health care system by localizing management and decision making and by avoiding one-size-fits-all legislation that hinders the ability of local providers to truly serve our veterans.
Source: 2016 Idaho Senate campaign website Sturgill4Senate.com
Aug 31, 2016
Jim Risch:
Do everything to maintain a fully-equipped military
The primary constitutional obligation of the federal government is to protect and defend the people, land, and resources of the United States of America. As a United States Senator, I am committed to maintaining a well-trained, fully-equipped military.
I will do everything in my power to ensure that our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and national guardsmen and women have the resources they need to carry out and complete their missions.
Source: 2014 Idaho Senate campaign website, risch.senate.gov
Jul 2, 2014
Jim Risch:
We all agree that the military and NSA should be funded
Q: You voted last week opposing cloture--essentially wanting to filibuster the house Republican bill to kill ObamaCare funding and keep the government running. What's the message there?A: The message to the American people is we are fighting
ObamaCare. That's what we told our folks at home we would do.
Q: What would congressional Republicans do, if ObamaCare were off the table, to get negotiations going about a budget?
A: Why don't we enact what we all agree on? We all agreed that the
National Parks should be funded. The Veterans Administration should be; we agreed that the military should be funded.
Q: Let me ask you about this from a security standpoint; about a budget impasse posing a serious threat.
A: The national security
items should come first. Republicans would love to take the National Security Agency and fund it in in its entirety. The other side is saying, "No, we aren't going to do this," what they call "piecemeal." I call that part of the appropriation process.
Source: ABC News Politics interview on 2014 Idaho Senate race
Oct 2, 2013
Michael Crapo:
Strong advocate for Idaho's Air Force Base & National Guard
Idaho is home to the 366th Fighter Wing and some of the Air Force's most impressive assets and capabilities. All our military branches face increasing budget pressures and strain. As the Air Force deals with how to handle budget cuts and manage
necessary force structure changes, I will continue to be a strong advocate for Mountain Home Air Force Base and the Idaho National Guard. I will continue to advocate for the A-10 and future flying missions at Gowen Field.
Our veterans risked everything to protect our freedom. That's why I fight every day to ensure that our veterans receive the benefits they earned. They should never face obstacles to receiving the care or benefits.
I am working to improve the Veterans Administration and ensure our veterans receive the quality health care they deserve. I introduced and co-sponsored legislation to improve veterans benefits and health programs at the VA.
Source: 2021 Idaho Senate campaign website CrapoForSenate.com
Jun 16, 2021
Natalie Fleming:
Fully prepared military but we must teach peace
As long as the Earth exists there will be those with evil intent. The United States of America Military forces must always be fully prepared with sufficient means to protect against and overwhelm any and every adversary. That being said, our knowledge,
industry, compassion, and constitution are our greatest exports. As America becomes the Teacher of the World the need for the policing of the world will naturally subside. America must teach peace by example, word, and deed.
Source: 2022 Idaho Senate campaign website NatalieIsAwesome.com
Jun 28, 2022
Nels Mitchell:
Maintain Mountain Home Air Force Base
Unlike Mr. Risch, I won't cast silly votes to shutdown our government; I won't use budget blackmail to harm
Mountain Home Air Force Base or the INL.
Source: 2014 Idaho Senate campaign website, NelsMitchellForIdaho.com
Jan 15, 2014
Nels Mitchell:
Staunch defender of Mountain Home Air Force Base
Q: How would you help Americans save so they can secure their future and live independently as they age?A:My first priority is jobs and the economy. I would be an advocate for Idaho's economy and living wage jobs; there is a lot that a
Senator working for Idaho can do. I would support and fight for funding for INL. I would be a staunch defender of Mountain Home Air Force Base and other federal facilities.
Source: AARP Voter Guide on 2014 Idaho Senate race
Aug 31, 2014
Paulette Jordan:
Address mental healthcare issues of veterans
Jordan said she wants to implement universal background checks and ensure guns are not in the hands of those with mental illnesses.
Along with this policy, she said she hopes to address mental healthcare for veterans and those suffering from the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Source: The Argonaut (U. Idaho) on 2018 Idaho Gubernatorial race
Mar 7, 2018
Tom Sullivan:
Slightly increase military spending
Sullivan indicates the following federal spending changes by category:- Slightly Decrease Defense
- Slightly Increase Intelligence operations
- Slightly Increase Military hardware
- Maintain Status on National missile defense
-
Slightly Increase Salary and benefits for active duty personnel
- Slightly Increase Programs to improve troop retention rates
- Slightly Increase Research and development of new weapons
Source: Idaho Congressional Election 2010 Political Courage Test
Sep 1, 2010
Terri Pickens:
Letting Qatar build base in Idaho poses serious risks
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that a facility for a branch of Qatar's armed forces will be built at the Mountain Home Air Force Base south of Boise.Terri Pickens urged Gov. Brad Little in a statement to tell President Donald Trump to pause
the deal. She called the planned facility a "direct threat to Idaho's sovereignty, our security and the rights of Idahoans."
"Letting outsiders build our military infrastructure poses serious security and intelligence risks," she said.
Source: Idaho Statesman, "Qatari," on 2026 Idaho Gubernatorial race
Oct 10, 2025
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026