State of Maryland Archives: on Homeland Security


Anthony Brown: Fund Base Realignment and Closure transportation projects

In one of his first actions as lieutenant governor, Brown announced in February 2007 the release of a study that assessed the State's needs to accommodate the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) decisions that were estimated to bring up to 60,000 new jobs to Maryland by 2011. Governor O'Malley directed the lieutenant governor to chair the Subcabinet on BRAC for the State of Maryland as one of the lieutenant governor's major duties.

Gov. Martin O'Malley announced he strongly supported more federal dollars toward Base Realignment and Closure transportation projects in Maryland. O'Malley emphasized that the state would work closely with Congress to get the funding for the projects. "We plan to meet the shortfall as we have every challenge in the history of our nation - by doing it together," O'Malley said.

Source: Ballotpedia.org on 2016 Maryland House campaign Nov 8, 2016

Arvin Vohra: Cut military spending by 60% or more

The following issues were listed on Vohra's campaign website:

Cut Military Spending by 60% or More: If elected, I will immediately sponsor legislation to cut military spending by 60% or more, end all trade sanctions, and cut taxes accordingly. This will reduce the violence against our country and enhance our global economic capabilities.

Source: Ballotpedia.org on 2018 Maryland Senate race Feb 22, 2018

Arvin Vohra: Shut down foreign military bases & withdraw from NATO

Q: Do you support or oppose expanding the military?

A: Strongly oppose. The mission has been, frankly, corrupted. It is unconscionable to encourage young men and women to pursue morally dubious work in the service of an ill-considered, nonstrategic foreign policy. I would sponsor legislation to reduce military personnel to the bare minimum needed for defense of America. I would sponsor legislation to shut down foreign military bases, end involvement in foreign civil wars, and withdraw from NATO.

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Senate candidate Mar 30, 2018

Ben Jealous: Advocate for veterans; honor the Buffalo Soldiers

Today I was in Baltimore honoring the Buffalo Soldiers with the National Association for Black Veterans. Proud to honor these soldiers with an organization advocating for veterans!
Source: Twitter posting on on 2018 Maryland Gubernatorial race Jun 26, 2018

Benjamin Cardin: More research into causes of combat-related illnesses

Q: Is government veterans' health research sufficient?

Cardin selected, "Not enough."

Cardin adds, "Americans who dedicate their lives to defending our nation deserve the highest quality health care. To provide that care, the DOD and DVA must invest in research that will help discover the causes of, and treatments for, their illnesses, particularly those that are combat-related. For this reason, I strongly support increases in these departments' peer-reviewed research programs."

Source: Your Candidates Your Health: 2012 Maryland Senate debates

Chris Chaffee: Obama depleted military; must rebuild

[On military preparedness]: "If we are going to have an objective of defeating ISIS, we are going to have to put troops on the ground," Chaffee insists. He believes President Obama has depleted the military and when a Republican is elected president the first job will be building it back up.
Source: The Baynet on 2022 Maryland Senate race Apr 17, 2016

Chelsea Manning: Became whistleblower for patriotic opposition to wars

While back in the U.S. on leave in January 2010, Manning said she "began to become depressed" by the U.S. military situation in Iraq and Afghanistan and felt that if the public had access to the information she possessed, that it "could spark a domestic debate on the role of the military and foreign policy."

"I understand that my actions violate the law. When I chose to disclose classified information, I did so out of a love for my country and a sense of duty for others."

Source: ABC News on 2018 Maryland Senate race May 16, 2017

Chelsea Manning: Stop sending soldiers overseas for nationalist fairy tales

Former soldier Chelsea Manning said that the United States should stop sending its troops overseas for the sake of "nationalist fairy tales."

"Want to support veterans!?" Manning asked on Twitter. "Stop sending us overseas to kill or be killed for your nationalist fairy tales. We can do better."

Source: The Hill E-zine on 2018 Maryland Senate race Nov 12, 2017

Dan Bongino: Veterans deserve effective and dependable health care

Q: How would you characterize government investment in health research for military veterans?

Bongino selected, "About right."

Bongino added, "Military veterans and service members who dedicate themselves to protecting our rights and freedom around the globe deserve effective and dependable health care. We need to focus on modernizing and improving the delivery of health care. Many agencies in the government could benefit from maximizing efficiency instead of spending more dollars."

Source: Your Candidates Your Health: 2012 Maryland Senate debates Jun 15, 2012

Dan Cox: I strongly believe that veterans need to be supported

The Republican candidate carries a business card with a handy mnemonic device--his M-I-S-S-I-O-N--that spells out his goals. "M" stands for more jobs and less taxes and regulations. "N" stands for "Never forget our veterans" and emblemizes the importance of supporting the state's Department of Veterans Affairs. "My son is in the Army, and I have a lot of veteran friends who come from veteran families," Cox said. "So, I strongly believe that veterans need to be supported."
Source: The Frederick News Post on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race Feb 24, 2018

Doug Gansler: Expand programs and housing for homeless veterans

Homelessness does not discriminate. But veterans face some unique challenges when it comes to finding safe and affordable housing. Returning from deployments abroad, they often confront the invisible wounds of war that directly correlate with homelessness. If we are ever going to eradicate veteran homelessness, we must expand programs and housing supervised by the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs.

We must make better efforts to connect our veterans with training, employment opportunities and all of the resources that Maryland can offer. We must help disabled veterans get hired, including through employer tax subsidies for disabled veterans. We will make it easier for veterans to put their talent to work by supporting veteran-owned small businesses and enacting hiring incentives for returning veterans.

Source: 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website DougGansler.com Dec 29, 2021

Ian Schlakman: Don't expand the military

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

A: Strongly oppose

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Governor candidate Aug 21, 2018

Jamie Raskin: Support Easter Seals programs for wounded warriors

Jamie has constantly backed efforts to provide greater employment, educational & housing opportunities for Maryland's veterans. He has worked to bring capital funding to support the Easter Seals Center, which has excellent programs for wounded warriors, and has sought to assist in reintegration of vets however he can. As Congressman, Jamie will work to bring veterans out of isolation and to reintegrate them into our communities with substantial educational, housing, and employment opportunities.
Source: 2016 Maryland House campaign website JamieRaskin.com Nov 8, 2016

Jamie Raskin: No county or city restrictions on drones; study state use

SB 370 specifies that only the state can enact laws to prohibit, restrict, or regulate the testing or operation of unmanned aircraft systems. This preempts county and municipal authority. The bill also requires a study on specified benefits.Legislative record: Passed Senate 46-0-1; passed House 136-1-4, April 5; signed by Governor May 12. (Sen. Raskin voted YEA)
Source: NCSL UAS Report: 2015 Maryland voting records: SB 370 Apr 5, 2015

Kathy Szeliga: No county or city restrictions on drones; study state use

SB 370 specifies that only the state can enact laws to prohibit, restrict, or regulate the testing or operation of unmanned aircraft systems. This preempts county and municipal authority. The bill also requires a study on specified benefits.

Legislative record: Passed Senate 46-0-1; passed House 136-1-4, April 5; signed by Governor May 12. (Rep. Szeliga voted YEA)

Source: NCSL UAS Report: 2015 Maryland voting records: SB 370 Apr 5, 2015

Kathy Szeliga: The V.A. fails our veterans with mountains of red-tape

I want to take a moment to honor the real reason behind Memorial Day: our veterans who gave their lives to defend this great nation. It is because of their sacrifice that we stand here today the greatest nation on earth. We owe our freedom, our way of life, and our successes to them.

Unfortunately, this Memorial Day marks another year in which we have failed those veterans who are still alive. The situation at the Department of Veterans Affairs does not appear to have gotten any better.

As the daughter of a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, I strongly believe we must honor the promises we have made to our men and women in uniform. But right now, the VA continues to fail them with mountains of red-tape, burdensome regulations, and wait times that threaten the health and even life of our veterans. It is a stain on our nation and must be resolved.

Source: 2016 Maryland Senate campaign website KathyForMaryland.com May 11, 2016

Larry Hogan: No county or city restrictions on drones; study state use

SB 370 specifies that only the state can enact laws to prohibit, restrict, or regulate the testing or operation of unmanned aircraft systems. This preempts county and municipal authority. The bill also requires a study on specified benefits.

Legislative record: Passed Senate 46-0-1; passed House 136-1-4, April 5; signed by Governor May 12.

Source: NCSL UAS Report: 2015 Maryland voting records: SB 370 May 12, 2015

Michael Steele: Rumsfeld wouldn't be my secretary of defense

Q: Should Secretary Rumsfeld resign?

A: Well, let's put it this way: He wouldn't be my secretary of defense. And ultimately, that's going to be a decision that the president of the United States makes.

Source: 2006 Maryland Senate debate on Meet the Press Oct 29, 2006

Richard Madaleno: No county or city restrictions on drones; study state use

SB 370 specifies that only the state can enact laws to prohibit, restrict, or regulate the testing or operation of unmanned aircraft systems. This preempts county and municipal authority. The bill also requires a study on specified benefits.Legislative record: Passed Senate 46-0-1; passed House 136-1-4, April 5; signed by Governor May 12. (Sen. Madaleno voted YEA)
Source: NCSL UAS Report: 2015 Maryland voting records: SB 370 Apr 5, 2015

Sam Faddis: Educate the public how to prepare for civil defense

On Jan. 13, 2018 a Hawaii state employee mistakenly triggered a statewide missile attack alert. No one knew what to do. That is not just a failing on the part of the state. That is a failing on the part of the federal government and the DHS. This time it was Hawaii. If we ran the same exercise tomorrow in any other major American city the result would be precisely the same. It is time for us to put in place real civil defense preparations & to make sure American citizens know what they are.
Source: 2018 Maryland Senatorial campaign website SamFaddis.com Feb 22, 2018

Shawn Quinn: Neutral on expanding the military

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

A: Neutral.

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Governor candidate May 13, 2018

Tony Campbell: Veterans should receive all the care they need and deserve

Q: What is your position on foreign policy and military issues?

Campbell: When our veterans return home, we must ensure they receive the care they deserve.

Source: RedMaryland.com on 2018 Maryland Senate race Apr 6, 2018

Wes Moore: Expand and improve quality of care for veterans

Work with the Department of Veterans Affairs to expand and improve quality of care and expedite claims so Veterans can get access to the care they need.

Better meet the needs of women Veterans by improving access to specialized health care, and ensuring programs supporting the transition to civilian life address the unique needs of women.

Ensure Maryland delivers the job training and educational resources needed for Veterans to obtain employment and compete in the private sector.

Source: 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website WesMoore.com Jul 24, 2022

Nikki Haley: Make our armed forces more powerful and capable than before

I will make America strong at home, we will have safe streets, secure elections and a strong economy that lifts up everyone, not just a select few. I will restore air strength in the world, I will make our armed forces of the united states more powerful and capable than ever before. Never forget, a strong military doesn't start wars, a strong military prevents wars.
Source: Speech at the 2023 CPAC Conference in Maryland Mar 2, 2023

Angela Alsobrooks: Supports maintaining the strength of the U.S. military

Angela is a staunch supporter of maintaining the strength of the U.S. military, recognizing its importance in national defense. She is particularly dedicated to supporting Maryland's crucial role in the nation's defense. Maryland is home to 11 military bases, all of which provide essential resources, personnel, and support to all branches of the military. As a Senator, Angela will be a vocal advocate for securing the funding and support necessary to sustain these critical installations.
Source: 2024 Maryland Senate campaign website AngelaAlsobrooks.com Feb 16, 2024

Angela Alsobrooks: Expand programs aimed at ending veteran homelessness

As a Senator, Angela will advocate for increased funding for VA medical centers, to ensure our veterans have the health and mental care they need. She supports modernizing our medical records system to ensure a seamless transition from active duty services to the VA system. She believes no one who served this country should ever be allowed to go hungry or homeless and will strongly support expanding programs aimed at ending veteran homelessness.
Source: 2024 Maryland Senate campaign website AngelaAlsobrooks.com Feb 16, 2024

Robin Ficker: Focus on effective military instead of woke-ism

Q: NATIONAL SECURITY: What are the causes of decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention?

A: The push within the military to promote woke-ism rather than focusing on being the most effective military force on earth.

Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2024 Maryland Senate race Nov 1, 2016

  • The above quotations are from State of Maryland Politicians: Archives.
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