Rick Lazio on Defense

Ensure the best-trained and equipped military

A strong national defense is vital to protecting America’s interests across the globe. We must continue to ensure that we have the best-trained and equipped military to meet threats both known and unknown. A strong American military is an invaluable asset to ensuring peace across the globe. Source: Issues Briefing, www.lazio.com May 4, 2000

Supports F-22; ensure best technology for future wars

We owe it to those we ask to fight in future wars to ensure they have access to technology which will make them as immune as possible to the continuing technical improvements by potential adversaries. Lazio supported reinstatement of the F-22 program and worked to keep this program moving forward. [His congressional] district has as many as 18 local companies producing vital components. Together, they account for approximately $37 million to the local economy from their participation in this program. Source: Issues Briefing, www.lazio.com May 4, 2000

Veterans guaranteed democracy: we must never forget

America’s Veterans have provided the backbone for our freedom. They stood down and defeated tyranny in the last century and have been the guarantor of democracy and liberty. We owe them a debt of gratitude that is difficult to repay. We must never forgot the honor of their service and sacrifice. Source: Issues Briefing, www.lazio.com May 4, 2000

Proudly supported $20 billion in emergency defense spending

It’s clear that the US military resources have been depleted, the equipment we have is aging. That’s why I joined with my fellow Republican last fall to provide more than $9 billion worth of emergency spending for defense and intelligence needs which is included in the omnibus budget bill. To support our troops overseas, I proudly voted for the Emergency Supplemental Military spending bill that went before Congress this week, authorizing $10.9 billion in new military spending. Source: Speech to the Monroe County Conservative Party Aug 27, 1999

More spending on SDI; readiness; personnel; infrastructure

ballistic missile defense
increased readiness
spending to support our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines
increased spending for modernizing our military infrastructure
an infusion of funds into military health care
and housing to improve the quality of life for our men and women in uniform.

Source: Speech to the Monroe County Conservative Party Aug 27, 1999

Voted NO on $266 billion Defense Appropriations bill.

Vote to pass a bill appropriating $266 billion in defense spending for FY 2000. Among other provisions the bill would allot $1.2 billion for research and development for next-generation tactical aircraft, yet would not include $1.8 billion in procurement funds for the new F-22 Raptor combat aircraft. The bill would also fund a 4.8 percent pay increase for military personnel. The bill would also allot $93.7 billion for operations and maintenance to be used to maintain military properties and spare parts that have been reduced due to overseas military combat missions. Reference: Bill introduced by Lewis, R-CA; Bill HR 2561 ; vote number 1999-334 on Jul 22, 1999

Voted YES on deploying SDI.

Vote to declare it to be the policy of the United States to deploy a national missile defense. Reference: Bill introduced by Weldon, R-PA; Bill HR 4 ; vote number 1999-4 on Mar 18, 1999

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