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Larry Pressler on Homeland Security
Former Republican Senator (SD)
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First Vietnam vet elected to Congress
Pressler was a Vietnam vet and became the first veteran of that war elected to Congress (in 1974, yes, that's 40 years ago). He was a moderate/maverick
Republican and distinguished himself during the Abscam scandal as the only member of Congress who flatly rejected the fake bribes that were being offered by undercover FBI agents.
Source: MinnPost on 2014 South Dakota Senate race
, Jan 2, 2014
Significant cutbacks on overseas military spending
Pressler pointed to the success of military contractors in lobbying for projects the Pentagon doesn't want. "We have this poisonous, locked political system in place," Pressler said. "And we can't get a budget."
While Pressler said he was still forming a legislative team to finalize his policy platform, he discussed his priorities at the campaign event.
Among those provisions, he supports significant cutbacks on overseas military spending, rolling back domestic surveillance programs, increasing the minimum wage and raising taxes on the wealthy.
Pressler also said that he would have to rely far more
heavily on grassroots support. However, he said, if elected he would provide a more powerful voice for South Dakota than any candidate from the major two parties.
Source: Rapid City Journal on 2014 South Dakota Senate race
, Dec 31, 2013
1980 presidential run:focus on veteran issues & Agent Orange
Pressler waged a long-shot campaign in 1980, seeking the Republican presidential nomination. His goal then was to draw attention to the plight of Vietnam veterans, including getting help for those exposed to Agent Orange.
He struggled to raise money and discovered that many of his fellow activist veterans were actually Democrats. "I'm glad I did it," he said, "but it was bad political judgment probably."
Source: Politico.com on 2014 South Dakota Senate race
, Nov 14, 2013
Voted YES on considering deploying NMD, and amending ABM Treaty.
Vote to consider establishing a policy requiring the deployment of a national missile defense system by the end of 2003. The bill would also urge discussions with Russia to amend the ABM Treaty to allow deployment of the system.
Reference:
Bill S 1635
; vote number 1996-157
on Jun 4, 1996
Voted YES on 1996 Defense Appropriations.
Approval of the 1996 Defense Appropriations bill.
Status: Bill Passed Y)62; N)35; NV)3
Reference: Defense Approps Bill FY 96;
Bill S. 1087
; vote number 1995-397
on Sep 5, 1995
Page last updated: Aug 30, 2017