State of Virginia Archives: on Homeland Security
Bob Marshall:
Against "don't ask, don't tell" as Navy officer in 1990s
On the Virginia General Assembly's late-night vote to reject judicial nominee Tracy Thorne-Begland, a Richmond prosecutor who raises twin children with his same-sex partner, Allen offered subtle differences.Marshall, who led the House fight against
Thorne-Begland's confirmation, said he opposed the nominee because as a Navy officer 20 years ago, Thorne-Begland spoke out on national television against the "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gays in the military just put in place by Pres. Bill Clinton
Source: 4-NBC Washington on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
May 26, 2012
Bob McDonnell:
In-state tuition for all members of Virginia National Guard
The brave men and women who volunteer for the Virginia National Guard are great patriots. That's why I propose that we provide in-state tuition for all members of the Virginia National
Guard, regardless of how long they've lived here. We will continue to make this the most veteran-friendly state in America. You serve Virginia, we serve you.
Source: 2012 Virginia State of the State Address
Jan 11, 2012
Don Beyer:
We owe veterans and families the best our nation can offer
Virginia's 8th district is the home of the headquarters of the United States military, housing the Pentagon, Arlington Cemetery, the Iwo Jima Memorial, Fort Belvoir and Fort Myer, as well as thousands of defense-related jobs. The member of Congress from
this district has a special responsibility on defense and veterans' issues.For me, this obligation is also personal. My dad is a West Point graduate who served in Korea and then was part of the United Nations peacekeeping force in Trieste, where
I was born. My father-in-law fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded two Purple Hearts. I know we owe veterans and their families the best our nation can offer.
We must work swiftly to fix the deficiencies at the Veterans Administration and
veterans' hospitals, we must do more to help ease the transition for military veterans to civilian life, and we must continue efforts to maximize opportunities for and adequately support military families, who sacrifice so much.
Source: 2014 Virginia House campaign website, FriendsOfDonBeyer.com
Oct 10, 2014
Don Beyer:
Be wise in defense budget & achieve efficiencies
We must be wise in our defense spending. Sequestration weakens our military; the
United States government must not employ arbitrary sequestration again. We can achieve efficiencies in our large defense budget while maintaining a robust and well-prepared military.
Source: 2014 Virginia House campaign website, FriendsOfDonBeyer.com
Oct 10, 2014
Donald McEachin:
Reform and fully fund the VA
As the son of an Army veteran, Donald understands that we owe an enormous debt to all those who serve or have served in our military. We must honor our commitments to these brave men and women, and to their families.
In Congress, Donald will:- fight to provide more of the resources that help veterans to succeed and prosper in civilian life, including educational funding, job placement programs, and adequate mental health services
- work to reform and fully fund the VA so that all veterans have ready access to high-quality health care and other important services
- partner with fellow lawmakers to ensure that military jobs, assets, and infrastructure remain in Virginia
Source: 2016 Virginia House campaign website DonaldMcEachin.com
Nov 8, 2016
George Allen:
52,000 earmarks, but mostly for defense & security
Radtke said, "It's great to talk about the line-item veto. We could have maybe gotten rid of the 52,000 earmarks that George Allen voted for." Allen said the country's economic and fiscal climate is different than it was when he voted for debt
limit increases during his Senate term. He said after the debate that much of the increased spending he supported from 2001 to 2006 was for important national defense and security purposes, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Source: The Virginian-Pilot on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
Apr 29, 2012
George Allen:
Spending necessary to bolster the military, post-9-11
Radtke said that Allen "voted for every single spending bill, added $3 trillion to the national debt." Allen said much of the federal spending during his Senate term was necessary to bolster the military after the 2001 terrorist attacks.
"I
cannot believe we're going to blame $3 trillion in spending on war spending," Radtke shot back. "I don't remember Medicare Part D, and I don't remember No Child Left Behind, being a part of war spending. That is not why we had $3 trillion in debt."
Source: The Virginian-Pilot on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
May 12, 2012
George Allen:
More concerned with army's readiness than war authorization
The moderator asked whether the candidates supported the president sending troops overseas without a declaration of war from Congress. Radtke, Jackson & Marshall all were adamantly against it, but Allen instead attacked Obama for not supporting potential
government opposition in Iran."The concern I have is not whether you have an authorization of force," Allen said. "I really worry about the military readiness of our country, regardless of whether or not there's an authorization of the use of force."
Source: Washington Examiner on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
May 25, 2012
George Allen:
Military readiness more important than congressional consent
When the moderator asked the four about Obama's decision to involve the U.S. military in the Libyan uprising without congressional consent, Jackson, Marshall and Radtke quickly denounced it roundly.Allen, however, didn't pounce on Obama.
Instead, he recalled the gravity and anxiety of sending U.S. troops into Afghanistan after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist strikes. "In my estimation, it's the most solemn decision a president has to make," Allen said. "I have made that decision as far as
Iraq and Afghanistan."
"The concern I have is not whether we have a (congressional) authorization of force, it's whether or not our military is going to have the equipment, the armament, the up-to-date
technology that is paramount as they're trying to protect our freedoms," he said. "I'm really worried about the military readiness of our country."
Source: 4-NBC Washington on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
May 26, 2012
Jamie Radtke:
Creating Department of Homeland Defense was not necessary
Asked if the creating the Department of Homeland Defense was necessary, Radtke was the only candidate to say no. "So we have the CIA, the FBI, State Department and Department of Defense and the solution in Washington was, 'let's create another
department,' " she said. "That's what's wrong with Washington." But Radtke went a step further, saying she is concerned with what she called the government's "infringement on civil liberties,"
Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
Apr 28, 2012
Ralph Northam:
Tuition assistance for National Guard, plus Tech Talent
I'm proposing specific tuition assistance for National Guard members so that the men and women who step forward to keep us safe in times of need can advance in their civilian careers as well. Our National Guard members offer critical help, responding
during and after disasters or other missions.As we've learned from economic development projects, including the Amazon headquarters, good jobs come to states and communities whose workers are ready for high tech jobs.
That is why our administration is proud to partner with legislative leaders of both parties in proposing a Tech Talent Investment Fund, which will offer grants to our higher education institutions to help them
provide more computer science degrees. Our goal is to produce up to 17,500 more bachelor's degrees in computer science over the next 20 years. This is an investment in our people and our future.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Virginia legislature
Jan 9, 2019
Terry McAuliffe:
Foolish sequestration cost VA $9.8B in military contracts
Automatic federal budget cuts reduced military contracts in Virginia by $9.8 billion between 2011 and 2013 and they threaten to eliminate 154,000 jobs in the commonwealth, or 4% of our workforce.Even in the face of these cuts, our close relationship
with the Department of Defense and the federal government will continue, and I intend to continue fighting for every dollar we can get. I helped fight off an effort to decommission the USS George Washington, which could have cost thousands of jobs.
I helped convince the State Department to choose Fort Pickett as the home of the Foreign Affairs Security Training Center, bringing as many as 500 jobs and millions in investment along with it.
Federal spending will continue to
be an asset to our economy, but there is no question that this foolish sequestration policy, borne out of a dysfunctional congress, is doing real damage to our economy and to many Virginians' quality of life.
Source: State of the State address to 2015 Virginia Legislature
Jan 14, 2015
Tim Kaine:
All-cuts approach leaves TRICARE & nat'l defense vulnerable
Radtke said "we need someone who is going to focus on cutting spending in these serious times." Allen said the economy was out of control "because of the overspending, over-regulating . big government policies of
President Obama, Tim Kaine and the Washington liberals."
Immediately after the debate, a Kaine spokeswoman criticized the Republican candidates, saying a balanced approach was needed on economic issues: "The
Republican all-cuts approach would not only leave programs like TRICARE, veterans job training, and national defense vulnerable,
but their gridlock politics will fundamentally jeopardize military preparedness and economic growth."
Source: Hampton Roads Daily Press on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
May 11, 2012
Tim Kaine:
Let Bush tax cuts expire instead of automatic defense cuts
Both candidates railed against automatic defense cuts scheduled to begin in January unless Congress intervenes. But Kaine laid out a list of alternatives: Allow Bush-era tax cuts to expire on households earning at least $500,000, repeal tax breaks for
oil and gas companies, and allow the federal government to bargain for lower prescription drug prices for Medicare. With those changes, Congress would have only $23 billion more cuts to shut off the so-called "sequester"--or automatic cuts, he said.
Allen, who has made those defense cuts the centerpiece of his campaign of late, offered only vague solutions. He said repealing President Obama's health care law would help, although the
Congressional Budget Office says repeal would raise the deficit over 10 years, not lower it. "The men and women in our armed forces should never be used as bargaining chips to raise taxes on job-creating small businesses," he said.
Source: New York Times on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
Sep 20, 2012
Tim Kaine:
Budget cuts made us vulnerable to Libya embassy attack
On foreign policy, Kaine noted that U.S. military and Virginia National Guard forces don't have to deploy as often for the war on terror, thanks to past successes against Al-Qaeda and other terror linked groups.
Kaine then attacked the House budget proposal which cut money for embassy security, and linked it to Rep. Paul Ryan, the Republican Vice-Presidential nominee.
Allen noted that the attacked on U.S. embassies last month are examples of why sequestration is dangerous. Allen also singled out
U.S. foreign aid for Egypt, saying he did not think a dollar should be sent there until the country's leaders prove they're going to support the ongoing effort against terror.
Source: WSLS-TV-10 on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
Oct 18, 2012
Tim Kaine:
Expand job benefits for members of the Virginia Guard
This session, we can show our gratitude by working together to better serve those who serve us. I've offered legislation to expand benefits and job protection for members of the Virginia Guard who serve critical state
missions at the request of the Governor. We should also expand benefits for family members of active duty personnel who are disabled or killed in service to their country.
Source: 2007 State of the State address to Virginia Assembly
Jan 10, 2007
Scott Taylor:
Be prepared to fight with tremendous precision & lethality
In our Second Congressional District, Scott Taylor is the only candidate who has served in the armed forces. As a Navy SEAL and Iraq War veteran, Scott has experienced first-hand what it means to be used as an instrument of American foreign policy.
Scott is committed to a strong national defense, defense procurement and acquisition reform and affordable benefits for military families whether they are in the United States of overseas.Many veterans have lamented that we need more veterans in
Congress because they understand what it means to serve with sub-standard equipment and so on. Scott Taylor will bring to Congress a perspective on military issues that his opponents don't have and can never have.
Scott believes
that the US should be prepared to fight future conflicts with tremendous precision and lethality no matter who the enemy is or what the challenge is. He will never abandon the men and women in uniform or their families. It's not in his DNA.
Source: 2016 Virginia House campaign website ScottTaylor.US
Nov 8, 2016
Terry McAuliffe:
Expand Virginia Values Veterans program: help vets find work
We helped veterans get into the private workforce faster by offering workforce credit for military training. We expanded the Virginia Values Veterans program to help more than 20,000 veterans find work.
We funded the opening of two new veterans care centers so that Virginia men and women who have served in uniform no longer have to wait for the federal government to get its act together to get the health care they need.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Virginia Legislature
Jan 11, 2017
Jennifer Carroll Foy:
One of the first African-American women to graduate from VMI
In high school, she was a member of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC). Upon watching the Supreme Court make the landmark decision to open the door for women to attend Virginia Military Institute (VMI), Jennifer knew she had to attend.
Jennifer was one of the first African-American women to graduate from VMI. Having spent four years at Virginia Military Institute, Jennifer learned to address problems head-on and never back down from a fight--and she learned service above self.
Source: 2021 Virginia governor campaign site JenniferCarrollFoy.com
Feb 21, 2021
Jennifer Carroll Foy:
Restore programs that help veterans enter the workforce
As a Delegate, I:- Passed legislation allowing service-disabled veteran-owned businesses to purchase property that the government no longer needs.
- Proposed amendments to restore programs that help veterans enter the workforce--Virginia's Job
Investment Program and Talent Accelerator Program.
- Co-sponsored legislation expanding access to alternative treatment options for those experiencing PTSD.
- Led efforts to raise funding for programs and initiatives geared towards women veterans.
Source: 2021 Virginia governor campaign site JenniferCarrollFoy.com
Feb 21, 2021
Kirk Cox:
Introduced over 120 bills for veterans and their families
Kirk Cox has been the leading champion for Virginia Veterans for the last 30 years. He has introduced over 120 pieces of legislation to help veterans and their families, including the legislation to authorize construction of Virginia's three
Veterans Care Centers, funding the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program, giving veterans credit in the state pension system for their time served in the armed services, and funding for the Virginia War Memorial.
Source: 2021 Virginia governor campaign website KirkCox.com
Feb 19, 2021
Daniel Gade:
Judicious use of military force abroad to fight terrorism
Q: What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of radical Islamic terrorism?A:
Use legal means to detect and eradicate it inside our borders (law enforcement) and judicious use of military force outside our borders, only when authorized by the Congress.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2020 Virginia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Kirk Cox:
Ban most use of drones by state and local agencies
On January 9, 2013, Ben Cline introduced HB 2012 in the Virginia House of Representatives, a bill which limited state and local law enforcement agencies' use of unmanned drone aircraft. Cline's bill banned all use of drones by state and
local agencies except for Amber Alerts and search and rescue operations until May 1, 2015. HB 2012 became the first bill of its kind nationwide to be passed when the General Assembly approved it 83-16 on February 5, 2013.
The Senate bill, Senator Donald McEachin's SB 1331, also passed on February 5. Governor Bob McDonnell (R) proposed amendments to the moratorium that would create more openings for law enforcement use and industry research and production.
The bill passed with McDonnell's amendments. [Rep. Cox voted YES on Apr/3/13 House vote].
Source: Ballotpedia.org: Virginia legislative voting record HB 2012
Apr 3, 2013
Ben Cline:
Ban most use of drones by state and local agencies
On January 9, 2013, Ben Cline introduced HB 2012 in the Virginia House of Representatives, a bill which limited state and local law enforcement agencies' use of unmanned drone aircraft. Cline's bill banned all use of drones by state and local
agencies except for Amber Alerts and search and rescue operations until May 1, 2015. HB 2012 became the first bill of its kind nationwide to be passed when the General Assembly approved it 83-16 on February 5, 2013.
The Senate bill, Senator Donald McEachin's SB 1331, also passed on February 5. Governor Bob McDonnell (R) proposed amendments to the moratorium that would create more openings for law enforcement use and industry research and production.
The bill passed with McDonnell's amendments.
Source: Ballotpedia.org: Virginia legislative voting record HB 2012
Jan 1, 2018
Donald McEachin:
Ban most use of drones by state and local agencies
On January 9, 2013, Ben Cline introduced HB 2012 in the Virginia House of Representatives, a bill which limited state and local law enforcement agencies' use of unmanned drone aircraft. Cline's bill banned all use of drones by state and local
agencies except for Amber Alerts and search and rescue operations until May 1, 2015. HB 2012 became the first bill of its kind nationwide to be passed when the General Assembly approved it 83-16 on February 5, 2013.
The Senate bill, Senator Donald McEachin's SB 1331, also passed on February 5. Governor Bob McDonnell (R) proposed amendments to the moratorium that would create more openings for law enforcement use and industry research and production.
The bill passed with McDonnell's amendments.
Source: Ballotpedia.org: Virginia legislative voting record SB-1331
Jan 1, 2018
Daniel Gade:
Stronger national defense: focus on growth of Navy
Gade supports the notion of congressional approval being needed for war actions or declarations. To create a stronger national defense, Gade suggests a focus on growth of the
U.S. Navy. "The Navy is the one that is fully engaged at all times," Gade said. "The Army, Marine Corps and Air Force are a little less so. The Navy has responsibility for ensuring national commerce and keeping seas safe."
Source: Charlottesville Tomorrow on 2020 Virginia Senate race
May 4, 2020
Corey Stewart:
Expand the military
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Expand the military"?
A: Strongly support
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Virginia Senate candidate
May 18, 2018
Nick Freitas:
Help our veterans with reentry into civilian life
Del. Freitas' agenda for the 2018 session will include legislation covering education reform and workforce development.
This legislation will seek to ensure veterans receive proper accreditation and credentialing for their military service and experience to help facilitate their reentry into the Virginia economy.
Source: Orange County Review on 2018 Virginia Senate race
Jul 19, 2017
Glenn Youngkin:
Proposes tax breaks and services for veterans
[On veterans]: "I'm releasing a series of policy proposals to honor the sacrifice of our military veterans, and to make this the best place for our military heroes to pursue the next chapter of their lives," Youngkin said. "These policies are rooted in
my commitment to compete with neighboring states when it comes to veterans benefits and tax treatment, to connect veterans more seamlessly to the many services that they have access to, to create paths for careers worthy of their skills in all fields."
Source: VA Scope on 2021 Virginia Governor race
Jul 23, 2021
Amanda Chase:
Wanted Trump to declare martial law after election
Chase commended the president's "backbone" for refusing to concede to President-elect Joe Biden and implored him to declare martial law. "Fair elections we can accept but cheating to win; never. It's not over yet.
So thankful President Trump has a backbone and refuses to concede," Chase continued. "President Trump should declare martial law as recommended by General Flynn."
Source: WRIC ABC8 on 2021 Virginia Governor race
Dec 15, 2020
Scott Taylor:
Protects military base access roads from sea-level rise
Rep. Scott Taylor has added language to a bill in Congress that will help allow military bases to access funds to lessen the effects of sea-level rise on access roads. "Some of our bases are vulnerable
to that, as are other bases in coastal areas, so we need to be doing everything in our power that we can to be able to mitigate those problems and protect our installations," Taylor said.
Source: WTKR News-3-TV on 2020 Virginia Senate race
May 11, 2018
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026