Charlie on National Security:

Congressman Melancon is an ardent supporter of our troops.  He has supported every defense spending bill since he has been in Congress, helping to bring supplies and body armor to troops in desperate need of both.  He also sponsored legislation that would have provided millions of dollars for prosthetic limbs for veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.  His first concern is to get our troops home safely and with honor, but not before we ensure that a free and Democratic Iraq is a viable state.

In the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, national security issues are even more important to our state.  We must be prepared when disaster strikes, whether it comes from terrorists or Mother Nature.  Charlie has supported the Patriot Act to aid federal agencies in their efforts to root out terrorists and has always supported the global war on terror.  Charlie has:

• Voted to authorize $486.41 billion for the Department of Defense used for funding operations in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2006
• Sponsored an amendment sought to increase funding for various programs under the Department of Veterans Affairs by $53 million.  This amendment would have provided prosthetic limbs for Iraq war amputees
• Voted for $34.2 billion for the Department of Homeland Security to help it streamline federal activities and keep Americans safe
• Voted to pass a resolution honoring all Americans who have played an active role in the “Global War on Terror,” which also stated that the United States should not commit itself to a timeline for exiting Iraq