Security

Virginia has a special relationship with our fighting forces and veterans, and to the crucial issue of homeland security. But we aren't living up to our obligations. As a member of then-Senator Obama's Veterans Policy Development Team in 2008, I believe we must meet the sacred contract we have with our veterans and their families. Too many veterans are coming home with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other signature injuries of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, yet finding insufficient rehabilitation programs at the state level. Virginia has one of the highest military populations in the country, yet we're doing too little to serve these brave people and their families. We especially need a strong advocate for the National Guard and Reserves, who are primarily a state force.

Our military installations and our military industry also need our support, both to strengthen the military community and to bolster our economy.

Finally, we have a high exposure to homeland security risks, particularly inside the Beltway and in Hampton Roads. With my strong background in homeland security, I strongly believe we need to be working far harder on measures including citizen preparedness, transportation and transit plans, and port protection.