Issue Position: Enhancing Our Security and Advancing America's Interests

Issue Position

Issue Position: Enhancing Our Security and Advancing America's Interests

Enhancing Our Security and Advancing America's Interests
A leader on military and national security issues, Senator Reed is a former Army Ranger and a member of the Armed Services Committee. While Reed voted against the resolution authorizing the use of force in Iraq, he has consistently voted to support America's fighting men and women. He authored legislation to increase the size of our Armed Forces and has worked tirelessly to provide our troops with the equipment they need, and our veterans with the benefits they have earned.

Reed knows firsthand the power of U.S. military might, but he also knows that American values are important diplomatic tools that can influence nations and make America safer: "It's very impressive when you're lighting up the night sky pretty quickly. But decisive action usually involves political, economic, social and cultural action as well. In many respects, military power buys you time to do everything else right. I don't think in Iraq, and in Afghanistan for that matter, we have used that military power effectively," Reed noted.

Senator Reed believes the United States should be engaged in the world and play a leadership role in halting terrorism, curbing global warming, and preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
Reed also believes that securing our homeland means more than just defending America against terrorist threats abroad. It means providing local law enforcement here at home with the tools they need to keep our streets safe and maintaining a strong, well-equipped National Guard that can rapidly respond to emergencies in Rhode Island and across the country.

Source