VFTC: Providing for the Common Defense

Thanking the Blue

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week.

 

During National Police Week, we thank those in blue for serving and protecting. #MO4Appreciates

 

Our local law enforcement officers ask for no recognition and too often receive none. Take Lieutenant Jones of the Columbia Police Department for example. After trying to jump start a stranded citizen’s car and then taking her to Walmart to buy a new battery for her with his own money, he drove her to work and explained the situation to her boss so she wouldn’t be reprimanded for being late. And there’s Officer Mueller from the Moberly Police Department who was commended by an EMT who joined Officer Mueller on a call to help a suffering gentleman. In the EMT’s words, “It is not often that we see such compassion and caring from someone that is not obligated to be such.”

There are so many stories like these out there that never get told or shared. Have you had a noteworthy interaction with an officer? Has your local police department done something for you or your neighbors that is worthy of praise? I am urging all MO-4 residents to take a moment to write a quick note to a specific officer, the entire department, or officers in general. Tell them how much you appreciate what they do for us. Click the button below to take a quick moment to say “thanks.”

 

 

Providing for the Common Defense

The House completed work this week on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) – the funding blueprint for protecting our national defense and providing our men and women in uniform with the resources they need to do their job and to keep us free.

The unfortunate truth is our military readiness has reached critically low levels. Arbitrary and reckless cuts from sequestration have led to shortages in manpower, training, and equipment. In the face of these cuts, we are requiring more and more from our men and women in uniform due to the more complex and dangerous global landscape of new and emerging threats. This combination has allowed our adversaries to grow stronger, as we are getting stretched thinner. Our military commanders have testified that this trend, if allowed to continue, will ultimately lead to more American casualties.

We cannot stand for this. Our troops should be able to depend on us for the resources they need to complete today’s missions and be prepared to address the threats of tomorrow. This NDAA builds on the work I helped lead in the budget last year to reverse these reckless sequestration cuts and begins to rebuild our readiness, ensures our troops are trained and prepared, and provides for the common defense.

 

(click to play video)
Vicky speaks on the House floor in support of the FY17 NDAA

This authorization takes care of our troops, ensures the safety of the American people, and fulfills our Constitutional obligation to provide for the common defense. I am proud to support this bill and I will never stop working to make sure our nation’s bravest have what they need to keep Americans safe.

Combatting Zika

On another matter, the House moved this week to combat the Zika virus, approving a financially responsible package that allocates existing funds targeted to key priorities while holding the Obama Administration accountable and providing much-desired transparency for taxpayers. This common sense plan provides $1.2 billion to fight the virus, which is fully offset by leftover funds for the response to the Ebola virus and funds from the Department of Health and Human Services. We need to be proactive in addressing this virus to stop it from spreading further.

 

Zika Response Appropriations Act

 

Protecting Religious Freedoms

Religious freedom is a cornerstone of our country. It is the most fundamental human right. I have long been an advocate for religious freedom for all, and my work will not stop with this, or any other, bill. We must continue to fight for those everywhere who are being persecuted. The United States should be leading the way in working to condemn these practices and setting policy in accordance with our belief as a nation that people should be able to practice their religion freely.

This is why I co-sponsored the Frank R. Wolfe International Religious Freedom Act, which passed the House recently. This bill would give the president and State Department more tools and authority to punish non-state actors that violate religious rights of others. The bill also directs the administration to prioritize religious freedom when considering its foreign policy decisions.

 

Bringing Resources to Veterans

Lastly, our district is proud to be one of our nation’s most military-intensive congressional districts and home to tens of thousands of veterans who have served our country with distinction and honor. To ensure our veterans have access to the information and resources they need to deal with the challenges of service, go to school, navigate the VA, or transition into a new career, I will be hosting a Veterans Resource Fair on Saturday, June 18th at Hickman High School in Columbia.

 

Veterans Resource Fair

 

In addition to providing a place to meet and converse with fellow veterans, I will be bringing representatives from the VA, colleges, and businesses together to provide opportunities and resources for those who have served. Refreshments will be provided and experts will be on hand to offer a wealth of information. If you have served, I hope to see you there. If you know someone who has served, let them know about the event. More information can be found on my website here.