The defense of the United States is the primary mission of the government, without which all other rights and privileges mean nothing. That requires a military force that is second to none in technology and advanced weaponry together with the infrastructure to support an advanced global fighting force.

Support for research and development into future weapon systems takes decades to develop and necessitates a commitment. Funding must be ongoing and consistent.

The communications systems, weapon systems and support systems that will be required 10 to 20 years from now for the defense of our country are on the drawing boards today. Cutting R&D today will leave our young men and women at a disadvantage in the battlefield of tomorrow.

We must realize that terrorism is an unconventional warfare method that can strike at our civilian population at any time. We must therefore take all actions consistent with our Constitution to ensure the defense of our country. Enemy combatants are not a domestic law enforcement problems. It is a military situation that falls under the jurisdiction of the United States military, and is therefore under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Treating them as criminals and giving them the full protection of the Constitution has never happened in our history. Those who think in those terms are foolish and place our country at unnecessary risk.

History teaches us that wars are never started when countries are strong but when they are weak, therefore, I am for a strong national defense and a military that is second to none.