The Associated Press: on Homeland Security
Shelley Moore Capito:
Weak Iraq policy let ISIS foment into power
[At a West Virginia Public Broadcasting debate, the two candidates] discussed the Middle East, with Tennant saying Congress should debate whether to send ground troops to fight the growing ISIS movement. Capito called it a failure of the
Obama administration: "Because of the president's really weak policies in Iraq, we find ourselves in the position where this terrorist group has been fomenting," Capito argued, "without raising money and raising membership."
Source: The Associated Press on 2014 West Virginia Senate debate
Oct 14, 2014
Brian Schatz:
Feds stretched too far in snooping on everyday Americans
Schatz confronted Hanabusa about several issues, including support for a veterans hospital in Guam he says takes focus away from Hawaii and her stances on Social Security. He also said he differed with
Hanabusa on their approach to widespread federal surveillance programs, saying he thinks the government has stretched too far in its snooping of everyday Americans.
"This is a difference between Colleen and myself," he said.
Hanabusa responded by saying Schatz was misstating votes and skipping over key details. "Brian,
you have to start to read the bills to really understand what you're talking about," she said.
Source: Associated Press in The Republic: 2014 Hawaii Senate debate
Jul 8, 2014
Paul Kirk:
Assigned to Armed Services and Homeland Security committees
Interim Sen. Paul Kirk will serve on the Armed Services and Homeland Security committees. Kirk got his committee assignments from Senate leaders on Tuesday, four days after being sworn-in to temporarily replace the late Sen. Edward Kennedy.
Kirk expects to attend a homeland security panel hearing on Wednesday. The two committees are important to the many defense-related industries across the state.Kennedy had served on the Armed Services panel and was chairman of the health committee.
Source: Associated Press in Boston Herald
Sep 29, 2009
Janet Napolitano:
Signed legislation refusing to implement REAL ID standards
Napolitano has been a prominent figure in the debate over REAL ID, a federal program launched after the 2001 terror attacks to make driver’s licenses more secure. In 2007, Napolitano struck a deal with the
Homeland Security Department that was supposed to lead to her state adopting the REAL ID standards. But in June of this year, she signed legislation refusing to implement the standards.
Source: Eileen Sullivan on Associated Press
Nov 20, 2008
Bob Conley:
Our empire-building abroad comparable to Roman empire
Conley references both the British and collapsed Roman empires as he explains the need for American troops to come home from all over the globe, citing South Korea as the first place for withdrawal. “Why in the world are we paying to protect South Korea?
We’ve been over there over 50 years. The South Koreans need to stand up and pay for their own defense,” he said. “We have gotten mixed up in all this globalism and this empire-building abroad. It’s time that we take care of the republic.”
Source: By Seanna Adcox, Associated Press
May 31, 2008
Mike Bloomberg:
Use DNA and fingerprint technology for worker ID database
Bloomberg thrust himself into the national immigration debate, advocating a plan that would establish a DNA or fingerprint database to track and verify all legal US workers. Bloomberg compared his proposed federal identification database to the Social
Security card, insisting that such a system would not violate citizens’ privacy and was not a civil liberties issue. “You don’t have to work--but if you want to work for a company you have to have a Social Security card,” he said. “The difference is, in
the day and age when everybody’s got a PC on their desk with Photoshop that can replicate anything, it’s become a joke.“The mayor said DNA and fingerprint technology could be used to create a worker ID database that will ”uniquely identify the person“
applying for a job, ensuring that cards are not illegally transferred or forged. The New York Civil Liberties Union said a DNA or fingerprint database ”doesn’t sound like the free society we think we’re living in.“
Source: Sara Kugler, Associated Press
May 24, 2006
Kerry Healey:
Illegal immigrants pose a security risk
Reilly and Healey exchanged views on WRKO-AM about letting children of illegal immigrants pay reduced in-state tuition rates. Reilly said Romney and Healey should have more compassion for the children of illegal immigrants.
“So you’re better than they are?” Reilly asked Healey. “You want to shut the door to college.”Healey said she’s defending taxpayers and that illegal immigrants pose a security risk.
“I am a citizen of this state and this country. They are not. This country is not open to every single person who wants to come here. People who are here illegally pose a risk, both a security risk and a drain on taxpayer resources,” she said.
“Let them go to private schools if they want to.” Healey also pointed out that Reilly opposes allowing illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses.
Source: Steve LeBlanc, Associated Press Writer
Nov 1, 2005
John Roberts:
Military tribunals for terrorists are ok
Roberts was part of a unanimous decision last week that allowed the Pentagon to proceed with plans to use military tribunals to try terrorism suspects held at Guantanamo Bay.
Source: The Associated Press
Jul 19, 2005
Betty Castor:
Support the all volunteer military, not a military draft
Q: Does the long-term nature of the global war on terror require a return to the military draft?CASTOR: No. I support the all volunteer military and believe our active-duty and reserve forces are doing a great job. We should make the military more
attractive as a career by improving pay and benefits for military service and ensuring that the government keeps its commitments to our service members and veterans. We must also stop the second-class treatment of the National Guard and
Reserves to attract and retain a strong, volunteer force.
MARTINEZ: No. Every day more patriots volunteer for military service making a draft unnecessary. The US is the most prosperous and thriving nation in the world.
Without strong support from our armed forces, our country could easily be defeated by terrorism.
Source: Florida Senate Debate, Q&A by Associated Press
Oct 24, 2004
Mel Martinez:
Volunteers for military service make a draft unnecessary
Q: Does the long-term nature of the global war on terror require a return to the military draft?CASTOR: No. I support the all volunteer military and believe our active-duty and reserve forces are doing a great job. We should make the military more
attractive as a career by improving pay and benefits for military service and ensuring that the government keeps its commitments to our service members and veterans. We must also stop the second-class treatment of the National Guard and
Reserves to attract and retain a strong, volunteer force.
MARTINEZ: No. Every day more patriots volunteer for military service making a draft unnecessary. The US is the most prosperous and thriving nation in the world.
Without strong support from our armed forces, our country could easily be defeated by terrorism.
Source: Florida Senate Debate, Q&A by Associated Press
Oct 24, 2004
Michael McCaul:
Feel complacency since the 9/11 attack
I feel there’s some complacency now 2 1/2 years after the fact, in the country and in the congress, McCaul said. “We can’t afford to go back to sleep again. I think we need to remain vigilant, and also policies, foreign policies, need to remain strong.
I’ll talk to people in Brenham and they’re not concerned al-Qaeda is going to attack Blue Bell Ice Cream,” he said. “But at the same time, the economic impact that could occur certainly is relevant.”
Source: Terrorism vigilance waning, Associated Press
Apr 14, 2004
George W. Bush:
Concedes no evidence of Saddam ties to 9-11
Bush conceded there was no evidence that Saddam Hussein was involved in the terrorist attacks of September 11-disputing an idea held by many Americans. “There’s no question that Saddam Hussein had al-Qaeda ties,” the president said.
But he also said: “We have no evidence that Saddam Hussein was involved with the Sept 11” attacks. Yet a new poll found that nearly 70% of respondents believed the Iraqi leader probably was personally involved.
Source: Associated Press in Australian Financial Review
Sep 18, 2003
Al Gore:
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is unfair & hasn’t worked
Q: Do you support the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on gays in the military? A: The ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy has not worked. Furthermore, I believe that, as a matter of basic fairness, the policy should be changed. It is unacceptable
that patriotic men and women who serve their nation with distinction are not only discharged, but suffer persecution and even violence. They should be allowed to serve their country without discrimination.
Source: Associated Press
Sep 6, 2000
George W. Bush:
Gays in military OK; “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” OK
Q: Do you support the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on gays in the military? A: I support the current ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy crafted by General Colin Powell regarding homosexuals in the military. We are blessed and
fortunate to have had so many men and women fight so valiantly for our liberties in America. I respect and admire anyone who has served in any branch of our military and put his or her life on the line for our freedom.
Source: Associated Press
Sep 6, 2000
John Hagelin:
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is a recipe for discrimination
Q: Do you support the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on gays in the military? A: “Don’t ask, don’t tell’ is a recipe for discrimination. Gays should be allowed to defend our country, as they indeed always have,
without censure of silence. Naturally, sexual promiscuity heterosexual or homosexual - has no place in the military.”
Source: Associated Press
Sep 6, 2000
Ralph Nader:
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is discriminatory against gays
Q: Do you support the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on gays in the military? A: No I do not. The current system is discriminatory against homosexuals who wish to serve their country. All members of our society should have equal rights and
responsibilities. Gays have served in all military branches in numerous foreign countries and, truth be told, have given their lives serving in the U.S. armed services throughout American history.“
Source: Associated Press
Sep 6, 2000
Al Gore:
$1.2 billion in new education money for veterans
Al Gore courted veterans yesterday with $1.2 billion in new education money for them, their families, and their survivors. “Those who fight for our security should never have to fight for the education they need to succeed,” Gore said at a VFW post.
Gore’s plan would increase monthly payments to veterans and families by 25%, from $536 to $670. Gore said that would be the largest increase in their education funding since the program began 16 years ago as part of the GI Bill.
Benefits also would be indexed to inflation and veterans could use the money for other types of learning during school breaks. Gore said no new money would be needed to pay for the increased benefits since they would be covered
by the money available from the Veterans Administration. “We don’t give our veterans anything,” Gore concluded. “You have earned what you get with blood, sweat, and tears.”
Source: Associated Press in Boston Globe, p. A36
May 11, 2000
Pat Buchanan:
Declare war only after attack on US, interests, or honor
“My vision is of a republic, not an empire -- a nation that does not go to war unless she is attacked, or her vital interests are imperiled, or her honor impugned. And when she does go to war, it is only after following a constitutional declaration
by the Congress,” Buchanan said. “We are not imperialists; we are not interventionists; we are not hegemonists; and we are not isolationists. We simply believe in America first, last and always.”
Source: Associated Press, “Attack World Government”
Jan 6, 2000
Steve Forbes:
Under-funded military not ready to handle conflicts
In a speech in NH, Forbes promised to modernize the military. He added that people in the service must be paid adequately to support themselves, their families and their country. He said the military, as it now is funded, is not ready to handle conflicts
Source: Associated Press
Oct 4, 1999
John McCain:
More base closings; $4B wasted
McCain said he wants to strengthen the nation’s defense and, in so doing, military bases will have to be closed. McCain said there is no way to insure additional bases won’t be closed anywhere. “I can’t protect any particular state,” he said. “We need to
close bases. But 5 years after base closure there is more revenue coming into the state than when it was a military installation.” McCain said the nation is spending about $4 billion a year on bases it does not need.
Source: Bruce Smith, Associated Press
Sep 4, 1999
Elizabeth Dole:
More pay, more training for military personnel
Dole promised to rebuild the military by advancing its equipment, training and salaries for the men and women serving in the armed forces. She also called for a missile-defense system to protect the nation against assaults and “accidental launches.”
Source: Martha Bellisle, Associated Press
Aug 22, 1999
John McCain:
Raise military pay to avoid military draft
McCain opposes reviving a military draft even though enlistments are down and the services could be forced to return to selective conscription if they can’t fill the ranks with higher pay and improved benefits. The modern military requires technical
skills to operate today’s sophisticated weapons, and it takes a long time to acquire those skills, McCain said. McCain blamed Congress for the shortage, saying it has failed to provide the necessary funding to raise military pay & benefits.
Source: Associated Press
Aug 3, 1999
John McCain:
Military personnel on food stamps is a national disgrace
The military is not seen as an attractive option, McCain said. McCain told the local Rotary Club that there are 11,000 military personnel on food stamps. “That’s a national disgrace,” he said.
Source: Associated Press
Aug 3, 1999
John McCain:
Feds should pay for veterans’ health care benefits
McCain said the federal government must provide veterans’ health care benefits.
Source: Will Lester, Associated Press
Jul 31, 1999
Elizabeth Dole:
Pentagon has been reduced to a triangle: build it back
Dole called for a missile defense system to guard against possible attacks from countries developing missile technology. “I’m very concerned that the Clinton-Gore administration has reduced the Pentagon to a triangle, and we’ve got to build it back.”
Source: Mary Neubauer, Associated Press
Jul 12, 1999
Page last updated: Feb 15, 2019