The most important function of government is to ensure the safety of its citizens. We must continue to make critical investments in our national security and strengthen our partnerships abroad. However, I also believe that the choice between our values and our safety is a false one. We face many challenges abroad, but I am fully committed to our proud tradition of engaged, sustained, and competent global leadership.
Intelligence Committee
As Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI), I conduct oversight of the 18 separate federal agencies that make up the U.S. Intelligence Community, including the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and National Security Agency (NSA). Since joining the committee in February 2013, I have worked to ensure the federal government strikes the right balance between respecting the privacy of American citizens and protecting our nation from acts of terrorism.
National Security
The United States must maintain a robust, modern military while making smart investments that address the full range of threats we face, from great power competition with China and Russia to terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and the destabilizing ambitions of rogue states like Iran and North Korea.
That means investing in advanced defense capabilities, strengthening readiness, supporting our servicemembers and their families. I support policies that will promote innovation, modernize the defense industrial base and supply chains is critical to competing globally.
Supporting Our Partners and Allies
For decades, America’s alliances have served as our greatest strategic asset. NATO, our partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, and our relationships across the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America help deter conflict, counter authoritarian aggression, and address our shared challenges, such as terrorism, cyber threats, global conflict, and international health crises. The U.S. will always be strongest when we lead with our international partners and uphold the rules-based international order.
Holding the Executive Branch Accountable
The Constitution is clear: Congress – not the President – has the sole authority to declare war. I have long sought to reassert Congress’ Constitutional prerogative to determine where and when our servicemembers should be placed in harm’s way. This Congress, I have led bipartisan opposition to President Trump’s reckless war in Iran by sponsoring and supporting numerous War Powers Resolutions which would force the withdrawal of all U.S. military personnel from active conflict that has not been Congressionally authorized. I will continue fighting to ensure the People’s Representatives reclaim their full role in debating and authorizing matters of war.