Responsible Defense Spending: Balancing Strength with Accountability
As a veteran who has proudly served our country, I have a deep appreciation for the critical role our military and defense industry play in ensuring our national security. Their efforts keep us safe and maintain our position as a global leader. However, the issue of wasteful spending within the Department of Defense is one that we can no longer afford to overlook. It’s not just a matter of fiscal responsibility; it’s about ensuring our military is as efficient and effective as it can be.
Addressing the Audit Challenge
The inability of the Department of Defense to pass a financial audit is a concerning matter. Our growing national debt and the pressing need to fund various other essential programs demand that we scrutinize every dollar spent. We must commit to transparency and accountability in defense spending, ensuring that taxpayer money is used effectively and judiciously.
Supporting Our Troops and Veterans
Support for our military goes beyond defense spending. It’s about making sure that those who serve, like I did, have access to competitive pay, comprehensive healthcare, and the resources necessary to perform their duties safely and effectively. My own experiences have shown me the gaps that can exist, even in a well-funded department like the Defense. There were times during my service when I faced poor working conditions due to funding misallocations, even when other areas seemed to have surplus budgets.
Our Commitment
As your representative, I will fight to ensure our defense spending is not only ample but also smart. We need to support and advance our military capabilities while also ensuring the well-being of our service members. I will work tirelessly to address wasteful spending in the Department of Defense, redirecting those funds to improve the lives of those in service and enhance our national security apparatus.
It’s time for a defense policy that is robust, responsible and respects the sacrifices of our service members. Together, we can ensure that our military remains the best in the world, not just in might, but in how it treats its greatest asset – its people.