Armed Services and Defense

As you may know, H.R. 1540, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 provides the budget for the Department of Defense for Fiscal Year 2012. This legislation states how the military is to be funded, a crucial part of our national defense. Unfortunately, included in this legislation were policy initiatives which allow the military to detain American citizens, both at home and abroad.

As a Member of Congress, I swore an oath to uphold the Constitution, and it is my duty to work to ensure that no Americans are denied their constitutionally guaranteed right to trial. I was proud to stand in defense of our civil rights and oppose those who would take them from us when I voted against H.R. 1540. I was saddened to see the bill signed into law on December 31, 2011, but am hopeful that we correct these provisions before they take full effect. That's why I am cosponsoring H.R. 3676, a bill to amend the detainee provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act to specifically state that United States citizens may not be detained against their will without all the rights of due process afforded to citizens in a court ordained or established under Article III of the Constitution.

For more information concerning my work and views on the issues of Defense and National Security, please contact my Washington, DC office.

I look forward to your feedback.

Thank you.