State of Louisiana Archives: on Homeland Security
Clay Higgins:
I have no problem with FISA: not a secretive rubber-stamp
FISA (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act) has been criticized as being "too secretive". I don't think it's possible to be too secretive in a room full of attorneys and government agents. It has been criticized as being a "rubber stamp" court for the
NSA. This refers to the 99% approval rate of submitted warrant applications. However, that criticism ignores the fact that the majority of FISA judicial review and oversight takes place during pre-submission procedures--procedures put in place to make
sure the submitted warrant request meets FISA judicial standards and legal precedent. This procedure means that many, perhaps 25% or so, are rejected initially but then are either re-submitted, based on FISA requirements, or pulled entirely. I have no
problem with FISA. We must use every asset to keep America safe from terrorist attacks. Warrants for electronic surveillance is certainly an important tool and it needs to be used.
Source: 2016 Louisiana House campaign website CaptainHiggins.com
Dec 10, 2016
David Vitter:
Help defense budget, but follow the sequester
The House and Senate are expected to vote on their budget resolutions by the end of month, which will reportedly leave sequestration caps in place. Those spending limits have been sharply criticized by defense hawks such as Sen. John McCain (R-AZ),
who says that the nearly $1 trillion in planned cuts to the Pentagon's budget over the next decade would hollow out the nation's military.
Vitter said he does not quite align with McCain's view and is concerned about making the U.S. deficit larger in order to boost defense. Republicans are currently discussing other mechanisms they could insert into the budget to alleviate the defense
cuts, Vitter said. "The budget should reflect the sequester," he said. "I also support changes to help defense." Budget experts note that entitlement programs, rather than the military, will be the primary driver of deficits in the next decade.
Source: Free Beacon coverage of 2015 Louisiana gubernatorial race
Mar 12, 2015
Garret Graves:
Maintain a numerically superior nuclear arsenal
Q: The United States must maintain a nuclear arsenal that is safe, reliable, modern and numerically superior to those of potential adversaries?
GRAVES: Agree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Louisiana House race
Sep 30, 2014
Gary Chambers:
Cut military budget to pay for Medicare for All
He wants to make health care universal through Medicare for All. Asked how to pay for the costly government program, he said, "Take money from the military.
I'm not saying we don't need a good military or police officers. But the resources being spent there could be better spent."
Source: The Times Picayune on 2022 Louisiana Senate race
Mar 1, 2021
John Bel Edwards:
West Point grad; served 8 years in US Army
John Bel Edwards' ramrod posture reveals his soldierly training. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Mr. Edwards served eight years in the U.S. Army and then
returned home to Louisiana, where he completed law school and won a seat in the Louisiana House of Representatives, all before the age of 43.
Source: America Magazine on 2019 Louisiana gubernatorial race
Dec 14, 2018
John Neely Kennedy:
Increase size of the military; increase spending for defense
During the 1990's, military personnel and spending decreased significantly, resulting in an inability to modernize our forces for today's challenges. In order to meet these 21st century challenges, John supports increasing the size of the military as
well as spending for defense. Investing in defense means that we can provide our troops with modern equipment and pay for the health care they deserve.
Congress has played politics with our national security, with Senators delaying funding for our troops in harm's way based on their partisan and personal agendas.
Today we are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, central fronts in the fight
against Islamic fundamentalism, but the threat is global. The challenge of defeating Islamic fundamentalism cannot be left to one country. We must revitalize old alliances and create new ones to meet these challenges.
Source: 2016 Louisiana Senate campaign website JohnKennedy.com
Aug 31, 2016
John Neely Kennedy:
We don't need a military parade to show off American power
President Trump's proposed military parade could cost as much as $30 million, budget director Mick Mulvaney said: "I've seen various different cost estimates of between $10 million and $30 million depending on the size of the parade." Trump has proposed
a military parade multiple times during his presidency.Democrats have joined with some GOP lawmakers to speak out against the parade, with many saying it could come off as "totalitarian" and would evoke demonstrations in North Korea and Russia.
Some have said a parade would be a waste of money, and that more should be invested into services like mental health care for veterans instead.
Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) expressed opposition to a parade, saying, "America is the most powerful country in all of human history; you don't need to show it off."
Source: The Hill coverage of 2019 Louisiana Gubernatorial race
Mar 1, 2018
Luke Mixon:
My desire to serve was inspired by my grandfather
It was also during this time that my desire to serve in the military was inspired by my grandfather, Charles Mixon, who served as a B-24 flight engineer during WWII. I graduated from the Naval Academy in 2001, three months prior to 9/11, which would
determine the course of my military career. During my time in the military, I was blessed to work with some of the bravest and most talented Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines. But I've also seen the consequences of irresponsible leadership.
Source: 2022 Louisiana Senate campaign website LukeMixon.com
Jul 19, 2021
Mike Johnson:
No cheap talk: grow our local defense establishments
At a time when our country is facing threats we have never experienced before, we need leaders who stand on a proven record and provide real solutions--rather than cheap talk. That is why I am prepared to lay out specific details of what I will do as
your next Congressman- I will support and grow Barksdale and Fort Polk, both located in the 4th District.
- The thousands of troops stationed at Fort Polk and the Joint Readiness Training Center, better known as "the Home of Heroes," is a
critical economic engine in southwest Louisiana.
- The impact of the 2d Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, cannot be overstated: supplying an economic impact of over $750 million and employing over 10,000 individuals.
- In
Congress, I will fight for new investment in military assets and preparedness, state-of-the-art equipment, and every resource needed to maintain our vital intelligence and security interests in an increasingly dangerous world.
Source: 2016 House campaign website MikeJohnsonForLouisiana.com
Dec 10, 2016
Ralph Abraham:
Maintain a numerically superior nuclear arsenal
Q: The United States must maintain a nuclear arsenal that is safe, reliable, modern and numerically superior to those of potential adversaries?
ABRAHAM: Agree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Louisiana House race
Sep 30, 2014
Ralph Abraham:
Never forget our veterans: we owe them
Veterans--Never Forget: What a tragedy that our Veterans are dying while waiting for competent healthcare.
Every freedom we enjoy is directly related to the service and the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform. We Owe Them.
Source: 2014 Louisiana House campaign website, RalphAbraham.com
Dec 5, 2014
Thomas Clements:
Why do we need military bases in the Phillipines?
Q: Do you agree or disagree with the statement, "Expand the military"?
A: Why are we building military bases now in Philippines for the next ten years? Sanctions of economics value can send the same message without show of force.
Source: Email interview on 2016 Louisiana Senate race by OnTheIssues
Jul 31, 2016
Gary Chambers:
Cut defense budget; support nuclear disarmament
Gary believes in taking care of home first and holds the position that a significant portion of the military budget should be reallocated to domestic and non-military centered departments and policies, such as the H.R. 4864 Global Child Thrive
Act of 2020.Gary is also a proponent of nuclear disarmament and would support legislation that diverts funds away from the United States Nuclear Modernization and Replacement Program.
Source: 2022 Senate campaign website ChambersForLouisiana.com
Oct 12, 2022
Bill Cassidy:
Focused on improving veteran access to quality health care
We must support our troops. When first elected to the Senate, I asked to be a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee to represent the hundreds of thousands of veterans in Louisiana and ensure all veterans have the resources they need when
reentering civilian life. On that committee, I have focused on improving veteran access to quality health care and holding members of the VA accountable for the health outcomes of our veterans.
Source: 2026 Louisiana Senate campaign website BillCassidy.com
Mar 20, 2025
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026