Homeland Security & The War on Terror

We should not play politics with the war on terror. It is a disservice to the brave men and women in uniform and sends a dangerous signal of division to our enemies.

I believe democracy will prevail in Iraq and that America's role in the process is just and right. Ultimately the Iraqi people themselves will win democracy. But as Americans, I believe we must continue our role in this War on Terror and be united as we support our troops and our President.

Some have suggested we set a timeline for withdrawing American forces from Iraq. This would be a mistake. It sends a signal to the insurgents that we are less than fully committed to the cause. There will come a time when reducing our presence in Iraq will make sense. But that time should be decided only by those with a deep and complete understanding of the dynamics at play and not by those who would reduce this conflict to little more than political rhetoric.

Oklahoma knows firsthand about terrorism. That's why on 9/11 Oklahomans understood, perhaps more than most that our way of life had changed forever.

Leaders throughout our nation's history have had a deep respect and understanding of the obligation they had to future generations. Today, that obligation is more important than ever.

It's why we must take extraordinary precautions to protect our nation from those who would do us harm.

We must make border security a top priority and we must be aggressive in our efforts to hunt down and eliminate the forces that are plotting our demise.

We cannot afford to lose the War on Terror. Our nation's future depends on our resolve and determination.