National Defense
Maintaining a Strong and Strategic National Defense
Today, the United States faces its most complex and threatening national security environment in decades. China is rapidly modernizing its military and threatening U.S. allies throughout Asia. Russia continues to wage wars of aggression in Europe and is working to destabilize our democratic institutions. International criminal organizations relentlessly traffic drugs into our communities, and instability in fragile regions creates openings for hostile actors.
Responding to this reality requires clear-eyed leadership and real experience.
As a senior member of the House Intelligence Committee, and as a former national security professional who served in the Indiana Intelligence Fusion Center, I understand the need for a well-trained and well-equipped military capable of addressing any crisis. But enduring strength is not measured solely by spending levels. It depends on readiness, modernization, sound strategy, and the well-being of service members and military families.
That means investing in the brave men and women serving in our Armed Forces, ensuring they have access to next-generation technologies, strengthening our intelligence capabilities, and making deliberate, responsible decisions about when and how military force is used. The human consequences of military action can be measured in American lives, so I believe that Congress must approach these decisions with the seriousness and gravity that they demand.
Competing and Winning in an Era of Strategic Competition
Serving on both the House Intelligence Committee and the bipartisan Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, I work every day to confront the challenge posed by the Chinese government. China is investing heavily in artificial intelligence, advanced missile systems, cyber capabilities, and military modernization aimed at deterring U.S. forces and threatening our allies. Through my committee work, I have pushed for stronger export controls, closer scrutiny of technology transfers, and policies that protect America’s technological edge.
But strategic competition requires consistency. I spoke out when this administration allowed advanced U.S. technology to flow to China, and when chaotic tariff policies harmed Indiana farmers without strengthening our long-term position. Hoosier farmers have paid the price for trade policies that lacked planning and discipline, and national security policy should never come at the expense of the communities we are sworn to protect. We must protect American workers and innovation while ensuring our policies do not inadvertently strengthen our adversaries.
Strengthening Military Readiness and Supporting Service Members
In my time on the House Armed Services Committee and on the Intelligence Committee, I have worked tirelessly to ensure that our military remains ready, modern, and capable. I support investments in next-generation technologies, cyber defense, missile defense, and intelligence capabilities that reflect today’s threat landscape. At the same time, I believe that readiness depends on strategy and sustainability, not simply increased defense spending.
After two decades of war, we must learn from the strain placed on our service members and their families. I have supported efforts to ensure adequate training and strong support systems for military families and veterans. Most importantly, I will continue to fight to ensure that those who serve are never placed in harm’s way in a poorly planned “forever war.”
Upholding Constitutional Oversight and Democratic Accountability
The Constitution assigns Congress a clear role in matters of war and national security, and I take that responsibility seriously. On the House Intelligence Committee, I have worked to strengthen oversight of executive branch national security actions, ensure transparency in intelligence reporting, and protect civil liberties. I have supported bipartisan efforts to reaffirm Congress’s authority under the War Powers Resolution and have opposed unilateral military actions.
Oversight also means ensuring that emerging surveillance authorities and advanced technologies are used lawfully and with appropriate safeguards. American strength is rooted in the rule of law. Our security depends not only on military capability, but on disciplined, constitutional governance that preserves the democratic values we defend.
Leading with Allies and Strengthening Global Partnerships
American leadership is strongest when we stand firmly with our allies. I support NATO unity and coalition-based deterrence because alliances are not symbolic — they are strategic assets that reduce the burden on American service members and strengthen our national security.
Because of this belief, I have opposed efforts by the Trump administration to undermine our alliances or treat them as no more than transactional business deals. That approach weakens American credibility, emboldens our adversaries, and strays from the democratic values that have long defined American leadership. China and Russia pay close attention when the United States sends mixed signals about its commitments. I will continue to defend our alliances, reject isolationism, and ensure that American leadership remains principled and reliable.