State of Montana Archives: on Homeland Security
Steve Bullock:
Initiative focusing on veterans' suicide prevention
Bullock announced veterans' suicide prevention efforts through grants established by an initiative titled Governor's Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families. "When our military members
return home, we must do everything we can to honor the promises our country has made when the battle is over," said Gov. Bullock.
Source: The Sidney Herald on 2020 Montana Senate race
Jul 5, 2020
Wilmot Collins:
Make sure service members & first responders are funded
Together we can work vigorously to ensure that the public's safety will always be our top priority. I won't take "no" for an answer when it comes to making sure that our service members, firefighters and law enforcement officers
who bear the burden of risking their lives for us, are sufficiently funded, staffed, and given every resource available to help make their jobs easier and our city, state, and nation more safe.
Source: 2020 Montana Senate campaign website WilmotCollins.com
Jun 4, 2020
John Driscoll:
Committed to help return POW-MIA Americans to U.S.
Montanans ask a good faith effort to recover the 1587 Americans still carried as POW-MIA. According to the National League of POW-MIA Families, as of Jan. 21, the obstacles to POW-MIA recovery are too few intelligence analysts and repeated
U.S. cancellations of planned recovery operations due to decreased funding. This regrettable situation has sent negative signals of disinterest to counterpart officials in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. I will work to increase funding for POW-MIA recovery.
Source: The Missoulian on 2020 Montana Senate race
Apr 15, 2020
Steve Bullock:
Upgrading Air National Guard better use of money than wall
Bullock called on Montana's two Republican congressional members to intervene with the Trump administration's plans to use funds appropriated for upgrading the Montana Air National Guard C-130 fleet for a border wall. "This reprogramming
will further delay C-130H modernization, thereby weakening the mission of our Montana National Guard and putting our Airmen at risk flying 40-year-old planes," Bullock wrote.
Source: The Great Falls Tribune on 2020 Montana Senate race
Feb 24, 2020
Wilmot Collins:
Vets should never spend one second sleeping in the streets
The women and men who served this country in the military and fought for our freedoms should never spend one second sleeping on the streets. Because Montana is among the top three states
in this country with the most veterans per capita, we need to ensure that the men and women who stood ready to serve, don't have to stand in a line to get care. We have to keep the promises we made to these brave men and women.
Source: 2020 Montana Senate campaign website, WilmotCollins.com
Jan 12, 2020
Susan Good Geise:
Honor veterans by strengthening VA, hiring veterans and more
Montana, outside of Alaska, has the highest rate of military service in the nation, and our heroes range from the posthumous Medal of Honor-winner Travis Atkins of Bozeman to, though our politics differ, Robert O'Neil of Butte, who helped hunt down
Osama bin Laden, to those like Bud Campbell who survived the Bataan Death March of World War II, the Korean War's Newton Old Crow Sr., and the Vietnam War's Bob Jewell. Veterans Day gives us all a chance to reflect on those who have served our
nation in uniform. It has also given me, as a U.S. Senate candidate, the opportunity to develop the policies that will help our veterans: protecting and fortifying the Veterans Administration, destigmatizing and treating war's hidden injuries, including
PTSD and TBI, expanding rural Montana's access to high quality health care, incentivizing the hiring and training of veterans, solving veteran homelessness, and tackling our state's suicide epidemic head-on.
Source: The Missoulian on 2020 Montana Senate race
Nov 6, 2019
Albert Olszewski:
Champion a veterans' healthcare system
As a veteran and a prior military physician, I will champion a veterans' healthcare system that focuses on the expedited
treatment of our wounded warriors and transition our veterans' routine medical needs to their local community healthcare systems.
Source: 2018 Montana Senate campaign website AlForSenate.us
Aug 8, 2017
Albert Olszewski:
Give our military the resources they need
I am committed to provide our troops with all the resources necessary to be successful in times of war and peace.
We must stand firm with our allies around the world in order to defend our freedoms with our allies around the world in order to defend our freedoms.
Source: 2018 Montana Senate campaign website AlForSenate.us
Aug 8, 2017
Sam Rankin:
Reduce our nuclear warhead stockpile & reduce F-35's
Military- Reduce two front readiness to one and one half.
- Eliminate one leg of our nuclear deterrence.
- Reduce flag ranks dramatically w/ savings into Tricare.
- Reduce our nuclear war head stock pile to around 1500.
-
De-commission the USS George Washington and its air wing.
- Reduce to 1400 F-35's and get rid of the F-35B (vertical take off)
Source: 2014 Montana Senate campaign website, SamRankin.com
Jul 27, 2014
Champ Edmunds:
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.
Edmunds: Strongly Agree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Montana Senate race
Jul 2, 2014
John Edward Walsh:
Worked to prohibit warrantless cell phone tracking
Standing Strong for our Civil Liberties In Montana: we know how important it is to protect our civil liberties and freedoms from the federal government.
While it is imperative that we maintain our national security and protect ourselves against acts of terrorism, we cannot do so at the expense of the freedoms that we hold dear, including our right to privacy.
I'm proud to have worked with Governor Bullock on passing a law requiring state and local governments to get warrants before accessing personal cell phone data--
becoming the first state in history to prohibit warrantless cell phone tracking.
Source: 2014 Montana Senate campaign website, JohnWalsh2014.com
Mar 17, 2014
John Edward Walsh:
Cut wasteful spending in our military
Walsh said he supports cutting waste in the defense budget, and reforming the prosecution of sexual assaults in the military. "Don't get me wrong; I know full well that we must never let our guard down in our stand against terrorism,"
he said. "But we must cut wasteful spending in our military and anywhere else in this American government that we can find."
Source: Ravalli Republic on 2014 Montana Senate race
Mar 9, 2014
Champ Edmunds:
Allow easier driver licensing for military service members
As of Jan. 1, veterans in Montana will have the option of adding a special designation to their driver licenses or identification cards. The new designation on driver licenses and ID cards will eliminate the need for veterans to carry official military
paperwork to be identified as such, making it easier for them to take advantage of veteran discounts on services and products. Adding the designation is a two-step process. Veterans first must confirm their status with the Montana Veterans Affairs
Division at any service office. Then, they can apply for a license or ID card from the Motor Vehicle Division by mail or in person at any driver exam station.
Last October, the Motor Vehicle Division provided another service to veterans by
making it possible for a qualified military service member to apply for a commercial driver license (CDL) without skills testing. The implementing legislation was also passed this year and was sponsored by Representative Champ Edmunds.
Source: KXLF-4 (Butte) on 2014 Montana Senate race
Jan 6, 2014
John Edward Walsh:
OpEd: Walsh was fair about National Guard Association dues
During four years active duty and 25 years a Montana Army National Guard officer, I had the privilege of serving with John Walsh. Early in his campaign for a Montana U.S. Senate seat he is experiencing petty criticism for actions which actually were
intended in the best interests of the Montana National Guard and the state of Montana.Four different Montana Adjutants General held that position during my career in the Guard. Each one emphasized the importance of membership in the National Guard
Association to one extent or another. In each case, certain Guardsmen expressed reluctance and even opposition to being a dues-paying member. I know of no one who experienced any unfair treatment or adverse consequences as a result of opting not to be
a member of the National Guard Association. Those Guardsmen merely benefited from the association's advocacy on their behalf without having to contribute.
Treat the petty criticism just as the former governor did: toss it into the round file!
Source: Billings Gazette AdWatch on 2014 Montana Senate race
Jan 5, 2014
John Edward Walsh:
Commanded Montana Infantry Battalion in combat in Iraq
John earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the State University of New York, Albany, New York in 1990. He received a Masters degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 2007.
John served in the Montana National Guard for more than 33 years. As an enlisted man and, later, an officer, John made a career of public service by serving his state and country when they needed him most, even under dangerous conditions.
Source: Montana's Lieutenant Governor website, governor.mt.gov
Oct 9, 2013
John Edward Walsh:
Commanded Montana Infantry Battalion in combat in Iraq
John earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the State University of New York, Albany, New York in 1990. He received a Masters degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 2007.
John served in the Montana National Guard for more than 33 years. As an enlisted man and, later, an officer, John made a career of public service by serving his state and country when they needed him most, even under dangerous conditions.
As the Director of Military Support to Civil Authorities, he led the Montana National Guard's work during the 2000 wildland fire season.
In 2004-2005, General Walsh commanded Montana's 163rd Infantry Battalion during combat operations in Iraq, earning
the Bronze Star and Combat Infantryman's badge for his actions. This was the largest deployment of Montana Soldiers since WWII. The battalion was awarded the Valorous Unit Citation for outstanding performance in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III.
Source: Montana's Lieutenant Governor website, governor.mt.gov
Oct 9, 2013
Steve Bullock:
Wrap-around services to reintegrate heroes to civilian life
This morning, I went to the airport and welcomed home 45 soldiers from the Montana National Guard who had just spent a year in Afghanistan. I told them I would ensure that we live up to the promise all of us made the day they signed up.
That's why I asked this Legislature to invest in our university system and make certain that we are providing the services and the space to meet veterans' needs--
the wrap-around services that will reintegrate these heroes back into civilian life and on our college campuses. When I got back from the airport, I found out that, while
I was gone, a legislative committee cut the funding for these critical services for returning vets. I urge you to restore these funds, live up to the promises we've made and welcome these warriors home with more than just words.
Source: 2013 State of the State Address to Montana legislature
Jan 30, 2013
Jon Tester:
Irresponsible to put two wars on credit card
Rehberg, the Republican challenger, once again aimed to connect Tester, the Democratic incumbent, to big government and the "failed policies" of President Barack Obama's administration.Tester depicted
Rehberg as an irresponsible spender during his 12 years in Congress. He described Rehberg as a politician who used a "credit card" to vote for a new federal prescription drug program and two wars, among other spending.
Source: Daily Inter Lake on 2012 Montana Senate debates
Oct 14, 2012
Michael Lange:
No terrorist military tribunals; no domestic spying
Q: Do you support using military tribunals to try suspected terrorists when ordinary civilian courts are deemed inappropriate or impractical?A: Yes.
Q: Should law enforcement agencies have greater discretion to monitor domestic communications, to
prevent future terrorist attacks?
A: No.
Q: Do you support the creation of a federal identification card system?
A: No.
Q: Do you support long-term use of National Guard troops to supplement the armed forces in assignments overseas?
A: No.
Source: Montana Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2008
Conrad Burns:
Patriot Act only affects your freedoms if you’re a terrorist
JONES: Pres. Bush pushed and pushed to get the Patriot Act approved. Not a single member of Congress, including this one [Burns], read the Patriot Act before it was signed. It was laid out in front of them, ad with a great deal of pressure from corrupt
party leaders, they signed that bill. Pres. Bush demanded it, and demanded other bills that have been just as threatening to our freedom, and put great pressures on members of Congress to pass those bills.BURNS: Pres. Bush took an oath to protect this
country. Let’s talk about the Patriot Act. You have not given up one freedom, not ONE freedom that you didn’t have before, unless you’re a terrorist, or a suspected terrorist, or affiliated with the Mafia, or affiliated with drug kingpins. If you repeal
the Patriot Act, the wall goes back up between the FBI and the CIA and the DIA, Defense Intelligence, and they cannot connect the dots. And the Meth Control Act is within the Patriot Act. There are consequences; it is a tool to protect this country.
Source: 2006 Montana 3-way Senate Debate at MSU (x-ref Jones)
Oct 9, 2006
Jon Tester:
Build forces to fight terror cells; not take away our rights
Q: What do you think about Executive Authority with regards to warrantless wiretapping?TESTER: It deals with the freedoms that so many people have fought and died for. If we want to get serious about the War on Terror, we need to make the investments
to fight the war on terror. We ought not be taking rights away from honest citizens. If we’ve got terror cells around the world, then let’s invest in human intelligence. Let’s invest in our Special Forces. Let’s go after ‘em, and let’s be serious, and
not get sidetracked by Iraq. Right now, we’re taking rights away from honest people. If they think you fall into their list, you’re a target. By the time they figure out there’s a terror cell, they can get a warrant. The Senator wants to let them have
Carte Blanche. The government ought not be taking away our freedoms.
JONES: We’ve lost our Fourth Amendment rights; now there’s no protection to our privacy.
BURNS: The Patriot Act is a tool that is in place now for drug kingpins and organized crime.
Source: 2006 Montana 3-way Senate Debate at MSU
Oct 9, 2006
Stan Jones:
Patriot Act is terrorism of the worst kind
Our nation is entering a very dark period in our history. We once were a string nation built on a foundation of individual freedom & free enterprise. But now we have lost our way. Pres. Bush & the Republicans AND Democrats in Congress have taken us into
an illegal, contrived, and hopeless war on terrorism. None of the laws they have passed will help us fight terrorism. Under Patriot Act 1 & 2, if you are suspected of being an enemy combatant, you can be tried in secret by a military tribunal. You
cannot see the evidence against you, have no right to a jury, and cannot appeal. The president also has authority to impose martial law and suspend habeas corpus, where you can be jailed for life without a trial and without a lawyer.
All of this is
terrorism of the worst kind. We the people no longer have the protection of Bill of Rights. This is no longer the America I know. You cannot save America by destroying America. You cannot no longer rely on Democrats or Republicans to preserve your rights
Source: 2006 Montana 3-way Senate Debate at MSU
Oct 9, 2006
Stan Jones:
Nobody read the Patriot Act before it was corruptly passed
JONES: Pres. Bush pushed and pushed to get the Patriot Act approved. Not a single member of Congress, including this one [Burns], read the Patriot Act before it was signed. It was laid out in front of them, ad with a great deal of pressure from corrupt
party leaders, they signed that bill. Pres. Bush demanded it, and demanded other bills that have been just as threatening to our freedom, and put great pressures on members of Congress to pass those bills.BURNS: Pres. Bush took an oath to protect this
country. Let’s talk about the Patriot Act. You have not given up one freedom, not ONE freedom that you didn’t have before, unless you’re a terrorist, or a suspected terrorist, or affiliated with the Mafia, or affiliated with drug kingpins. If you repeal
the Patriot Act, the wall goes back up between the FBI and the CIA and the DIA, Defense Intelligence, and they cannot connect the dots. And the Meth Control Act is within the Patriot Act. There are consequences; it is a tool to protect this country.
Source: 2006 Montana 3-way Senate Debate at MSU
Oct 9, 2006
Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021