Defense & Homeland Security

September 11, 2001 was a tragic day for our nation.  Since that day, our nation has been engaged in a battle to root out the terrorists that threaten our way of life and freedom.  Shortly after the attacks of September 11, I introduced the USA PATRIOT Act in the House as a method to better keep America safe by enhancing the tools our law enforcement officials could use to thwart another terrorist attack. I was proud to watch President Bush sign this bill into law.  Additionally, as our troops are fighting courageously overseas, I will continue working to ensure they are provided with the tools necessary to accomplish their mission and that their families are taken care of back home. 

REAL ID is another piece of legislation I introduced, that was signed into law, to ensure that terrorists and criminals cannot take advantage of weaknesses in state drivers’ license requirements to disguise or create identities.