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Homeland Security
 
As a former law enforcement officer detailed to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, I have served on the front line in our nation’s War on Terror.  By supporting initiatives that upgrade our intelligence agencies, enhance our military capabilities, and improve our domestic law enforcement agencies, I am working to defend our homeland and improve our national security apparatus. 
 
ENDORSING THE 9/11 COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS
The 9/11 Commission was established by Congress to investigate the September 11th attacks and to come up with recommendations on how to prevent future terrorist attacks on U.S. soil.  The Commission’s final report included a comprehensive list of over 40 recommendations, which included improving protections for our public transit systems, developing stronger diplomatic ties, and increasing funding for our intelligence agencies.
 
I strongly believe that the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission were made based on strong evidence and with the best interests of our nation in mind.  I remain a supporter of the decision of this Democratic Congress to pass legislation fully implementing these recommendations.
 
Military supplies being unloaded in Afghanistan.PROTECTING OUR TROOPS
I remain a strong supporter of legislative initiatives that provide our troops with the resources they need to safeguard our freedoms and advance our democracy.
 
In the 110th Congress, I voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Act.  This legislation held the Bush Administration and Iraqi government more accountable by requiring Iraqis to shoulder more of the burden in rebuilding and securing their nation.  Furthermore, this bill provided immediate assistance to our armed services personnel and their families by prohibiting fee increases in the military’s TRICARE health services program.      
 
 
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department vehicleSUPPORTING POLICE DEPARTMENTS
In Indianapolis, as in many cities across the country, dedicated police forces fight criminal activity.  Unfortunately, because of a lack of funding, their successes are not as widespread as they might otherwise be.  The Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program and the COPS Hiring Program are competitive grant programs that help departments to hire additional staff and purchase the equipment necessary to keep our cities safe.
 
 
I proudly supported provisions in this year’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that enable police departments across the United States to apply for $4 billion in additional Byrne and COPS grants.
 
FUNDING OUR INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES
As a former Homeland Security official, I understand and appreciate the important role our intelligence agencies play in securing the American public.  To demonstrate my strong support for America’s intelligence agencies, I voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2009 Intelligence Authorization Act.  This comprehensive intelligence bill contained several key provisions that enhance our intelligence capabilities and provide the men and women in the intelligence community with the tools they need to protect our nation.    
 Customs agents arrest a man accused of murder along the United States-Mexico border.
PREVENTING DRUG VIOLENCE ON OUR BORDER
In early 2009, we witnessed a drastic spike in drug related violence along the United States-Mexico border.  This violence, which has claimed over 9,000 lives in Mexico over the last two years, has spilled over the border and resulted in the assault and murder of American citizens.
 
I strongly support the Obama Administration’s efforts to quell violence along our border and protect innocent Americans against the traffickers who are flooding our streets with illegal and dangerous drugs.   By sending an additional 500 well-equipped border agents to the most vulnerable parts of our border, the President is signaling to gangs and drug cartels that we will not tolerate their lawlessness and brutality.
 
In the coming months, I hope to see additional efforts introduced in Congress that will further support our border agents as they fight to protect the American public against drug trafficking and violence.
 
WARS IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN
For more in depth information on my efforts to protect our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and to bring these conflicts to an end, please visit my Iraq and Afghanistan page.
 
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Post-9/11 GI Bill
The Post-9/11 GI Bill, passed by Congress last year, is the most extensive educational assistance program authorized since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944. These benefits provide every eligible Veteran, Service member, Reservist, and National Guard member an opportunity to receive an in-state, undergraduate education at a public institution at no cost. Provisions of the program include payments for tuition and fees, housing, and a books and supplies stipend.
 
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