State of California Archives: on Homeland Security

Kevin Mullin: Ban drone use for photography on private property

NCSL summary: California AB 856 prohibits entering the airspace of an individual in order to capture an image or recording of that individual engaging in a private, personal, or familial activity without permission. This legislation is a response to the use of UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) by the paparazzi.

Bill excerpt: A person is liable for physical invasion of privacy when the person knowingly enters onto the land or into the airspace above the land of another person without permission or otherwise commits a trespass in order to capture any type of visual image, sound recording, or other physical impression of the plaintiff engaging in a private, personal, or familial activity and the invasion occurs in a manner that is offensive to a reasonable person.

Legislative record: Passed Senate 40-0-0; passed House 78-0-2 Aug. 27; State Rep. Kevin Mullin voted YES; signed by Governor Oct. 6.

Source: NCSL UAS Report: 2015 California voting records: AB 856 Aug 27, 2015

Adam Gray: Ban drone use for photography on private property

Legislative record: Passed Senate 40-0-0; passed House 78-0-2 Aug. 27; State Rep. Adam Gray voted YES; signed by Governor Oct. 6.

Source: NCSL UAS Report: 2015 California voting records: AB 856 Aug 27, 2015

Alex Padilla: Maintain San Diego's Marine Corps Recruit Depot

[On military bases]: "California has a long and rich military history with the Marine Corps that dates back nearly a century," said Senator Alex Padilla. "Each year, San Diego's Marine Corps Recruit Depot prepares over 18,000 Marines to serve our nation in uniform. It would be a great disservice, not only to our Marines, but to the security of our country, to close this training camp that trains and develops all recruits west of the Mississippi. I am proud to join this important legislation to keep this critical training center in San Diego open."

The San Diego Military Advisory Council, an organization that advocates for the San Diego military community, expressed its strong support for the legislation: "SDMAC strongly supports the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Protection Act. While SDMAC also supports the ability of our Service Chiefs to plan for many possible events, we are supportive of efforts focused on keeping the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) in San Diego."

Source: Sierra Sun Times on 2022 California Senate race Sep 16, 2021

Brian Dahle: Ban drone use for photography on private property

Bill excerpt:A person is liable for physical invasion of privacy when the person knowingly enters onto the land or into the airspace above the land of another person without permission or otherwise commits a trespass in order to capture any type of visual image, sound recording, or other physical impression of the plaintiff engaging in a private, personal, or familial activity and the invasion occurs in a manner that is offensive to a reasonable person.

Legislative record:ÿPassed Senate 40-0-0; passed House 78-0-2 Aug. 27; signed by Governor Oct. 6 (Brian Dahle voted AYE)

Source: NCSL UAS Report: 2015 California voting records: AB 856 Aug 27, 2015

Darrel Issa: Crucial increases for missile defense and cyberwarfare

"This year's NDAA helps rebuild America's military and ensures our forces are ready to take on the threats of our ever-changing world," said Congressman Darrell Issa. "It provides funding for long-overdue modernization efforts, a well-deserved pay raise for our troops, all while providing crucial increases for our missile defense and cyberwarfare programs. I'm also thrilled the bill included our measure to extend key provisions from the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act." Source: 2020 California PVS Political Courage Test Nov 3, 2020

Dick Mountjoy: Extend election time limit for overseas military voting

BILL NUMBER: AB 187 INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Mountjoy Overseas military voting.

Existing law requires that absentee ballots cast pursuant to these procedures be received by the county elections official not later than 8 p.m. on the day of a federal election. This bill would extend the time period for the receipt of absentee ballots of active military personnel stationed overseas that are postmarked or signed and dated by the day of a federal election to not later than 10 days after the election. This bill would require that the identification envelopes for all overseas absentee ballots be plainly marked as such and contain a declaration, under penalty of perjury, by the voter stating that he or she completed the ballot on or before the day of the election. This bill would provide that its provisions shall become operative on January 1, 2006. This bill, by adding to the duties of county elections officials, would impose a state-mandated local program.

Source: California Legislative records, AB 187 Jan 25, 2005

Gavin Newsom: Don't gut programs to pay for military buildup

Trump's willing to cut food stamps, Medicaid, the arts & meals on wheels to over spend on the military & build a do-nothing slab of concrete Source: Twitter posting on 2018 California gubernatorial race Jun 11, 2017

Gloria La Riva: Eliminate military hardware &missile defense programs

Greatly Decrease Defense
Eliminate Intelligence operations
Eliminate Military hardware
Eliminate National missile defense
Eliminate Programs to improve troop retention rates
Eliminate Research and development of new weapons
Greatly Increase Education
Greatly Increase Environment
Eliminate Homeland security
Greatly Increase Medical research
Slightly Increase Scientific research
Eliminate Space exploration
Eliminate United Nations

Source: California Congressional 2010 Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2010

James Bradley: Strive to guarantee healthcare and housing for all veterans

A proud veteran and dedicated to resolving veteran's issues
Striving to guarantee healthcare and housing for all veterans
Palms down approach getting our homeless veterans off the streets
Save and protect our heroes providing housing, comprehensive medical, financial aid, subsidies, transitional vocational services, grants, small business start up consulting, tax incentives, additional services

Source: 2021 California Senate campaign website BradleySenate.com Jun 29, 2021

James Bradley: Protect American citizens from threats known or unknown

No entry for anyone with records of being terrorists, human-traffickers, drug dealers or criminals
Border security: Supports all efforts and agencies tasked with protecting American citizens from threats known or unknown by nations known to import terrorism to the United States and nations that support terrorism

Source: 2021 California Senate campaign website BradleySenate.com Jun 29, 2021

Jared Huffman: Reduce defense spending to balance the budget

Q: In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing defense spending?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?

A: Yes. By "any tax bracket", I mean the highest income tax brackets. I do not support middle class tax increases at this time.

Q: Do you support reducing Medicaid spending?

A: No.

Q: Do you support reducing Medicare spending?

A: No.

Q: Is balancing the budget a legislative priority?

A: Yes.

Source: California Congressional 2012 Political Courage Test Oct 30, 2012

Jared Huffman: Diplomacy and due process, instead of military action

Q: Should the US use military force in order to prevent Iran from possessing a nuclear weapon?

A: No. The current administration is on the right track by prioritizing economic sanctions, international pressure and diplomacy to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Q: Do you support targeting suspected terrorists outside of official theaters of conflict?

A: Regarding targeting people who are "suspected" terrorists, this question is too vague and complex for a yes/no. Circumstances sometimes exist, as with Osama Bin Laden, where the U.S. must act because someone poses a threat to our national security or because we know they attacked our country but the general rule must be diplomacy and due process.

Source: California Congressional 2012 Political Courage Test Oct 30, 2012

Jerry Brown: Governor's Military Council: avoid DOD budget cuts

In an effort to protect and expand the military's vital role in national security and California's economy, Governor Brown today established the Governor's Military Council. "California plays a crucial role in our nation's defense, and military bases and activities are vital to our state's economy," said Governor Brown. "As federal priorities shift to cyber security and new military technology, this Council will work to expand defense-industry jobs and investment in California."

California is home to 29 federal military installations and the Department of Defense directly employs more than 236,000 people in California. The Governor's Military Council will work to protect California's military installations and operations amid ongoing Department of Defense budget cuts, and leverage changes in federal military strategy to position the state to continue innovation and leadership in its military mission.

Source: California governor's website press release Mar 28, 2013

Jerry Brown: Ban drone use for photography on private property

NCSL summary:California AB 856 prohibits entering the airspace of an individual in order to capture an image or recording of that individual engaging in a private, personal, or familial activity without permission. This legislation is a response to the use of UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) by the paparazzi.

Bill excerpt:A person is liable for physical invasion of privacy when the person knowingly enters onto the land or into the airspace above the land of another person without permission or otherwise commits a trespass in order to capture any type of visual image, sound recording, or other physical impression of the plaintiff engaging in a private, personal, or familial activity and the invasion occurs in a manner that is offensive to a reasonable person.

Legislative record: Passed Senate 40-0-0; passed House 78-0-2 Aug. 27; signed by Governor Oct. 6.

Source: NCSL UAS Report: 2015 California voting records: AB 856 Oct 6, 2015

Jimmy Panetta: Defense spending on the table to balance the budget

Q: In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?

A: When it comes to balancing our nation's budget, everything needs to be on the table, including defense spending, entitlements, and taxes. I do support an income tax increase on top level tax brackets.

Source: Vote-Smart 2016 California Political Courage Test Nov 8, 2016

Kamala Harris: Champion a robust VA for our Veterans

With more than two million Veterans, California has more Veterans than any other state, and we owe them the support and care they earned while wearing our nation's military uniform. Over the years, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has been plagued by scandal and budget crises, resulting in disgraceful levels of service and irresponsible delays in providing medical care and disability benefits.

As Attorney General, Kamala formed a working group to fight scams and other predatory conduct uniquely targeting service members, and secured enhanced protections for active-duty and Veteran homeowners during the foreclosure crisis.

In the Senate, Kamala will champion a robust VA for our Veterans. She will fight to ensure that when Veterans leave military service, they have the support they need to readjust to civilian life, including proper physical and mental health care. It's unconscionable that 22 Veterans take their own lives each day.

Source: 2016 California Senate campaign website, KamalaHarris.org Aug 31, 2016

Michael Eisen: No need for more military, stop taking from what we do need

Details of Trump's budget are horrible. But its broad disdain for value of knowledge, creativity and human decency are equally terrifying. It is founded on false premise that we need to slash spending on things that we need to fund things we do not (bigger military and a wall). Source: Twitter posting on 2018 California Senate race Mar 17, 2017

Michael Eisen: No need for more military nor a border wall

Mimi Walters: Fight to ensure veterans receive benefits

The men and women who have fought, sacrificed and died to keep our country free and safe, and their families, deserve our appreciation and support. I will fight to ensure they receive the care and treatments they deserve in a prompt and timely manner and the support they need to enter the job market after they finish their service. Source: 2014 California House campaign website, MimiWalters.com Oct 10, 2014

Pete Aguilar: Increase job training for returning veterans

The brave men and women who serve our country deserve quality care and support when they return home. Yet today, many veterans are unemployed. Others are homeless. Federal backlogs keep veterans waiting for their benefits for far too long.

I support increased investments in job training for returning veterans, as well as expanded tax credits to businesses that hire veterans. I will also fight for the counseling and social services for our veterans with the assistance and resources they need.

Source: 2014 California House campaign website, PeteAguilar.com Nov 7, 2014

Ro Khanna: Control the ballooning of the Defense budget

Q: In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing defense spending?

A: Yes. The Defense Department is the only department of the US government to receive more money then it requests; controlling the ballooning of the Defense budget can go a long way in balancing our overall budget.

Source: Vote-Smart 2016 California Political Courage Test Nov 8, 2016

Ro Khanna: Expand support for service members & their family members

It's not only veterans who bear the cost of service--military families also make innumerable sacrifices to keep us safe. Many military spouses frequently move from one region of the country to another as their spouses are assigned to new duty stations. Additionally, military children who move when a parent is reassigned face difficulties transferring records, securing space in courses, maintaining extra-curricular activities, and completing required testing on time.

While we expand support for service members and veterans, we cannot forget about their family members. We must prioritize expanding employment and career development opportunities for military families, help employers create military family-friendly workplaces, and encourage schools to become more responsive to students with one or more parent in the military.

Source: 2016 California House campaign website RoKhanna.com Nov 8, 2016

Ro Khanna: Right to be free from warrantless metadata collection

Specifically limiting the reach of the National Security Administration (NSA) is a critical first step--but I believe we need to go farther. That's why I've proposed a comprehensive Internet Bill of Rights. The primary goals are to ensure net neutrality, protect citizens from warrantless government mass surveillance, and provide consumers with more control over their personal data:

Right to universal web access
Right to net neutrality
Right to be free from warrantless metadata collection
Right to disclose amount, nature, and dates of secret government data requests
Right to be fully informed of scope of data use
Right to be informed when there is a change of control over data

These six principles will help to mend the trust deficit between the people and their government, as well as between consumers and service providers. But it's going to take all of us standing together and putting pressure on Congress to make this proposal a reality. Source: 2016 California House campaign website RoKhanna.com Nov 8, 2016

Rocky Chavez: Focus on national security: prepared to deal with ISIS

In his announcement, Chavez focused on national security, saying he would be better prepared than Kamala Harris to deal with issues such as the rise of ISIS. Chavez, 63, is a retired Marine Corps colonel. Source: LA Weekly on 2016 California Senate race Mar 5, 2015

Rocky Chavez: Block Syrian refugees until we upgrade our intel and vetting

Accept Syrian refugees? Republican Rocky Chavez says, "One, security is important, but two, we need to understand we are a country that has always been a home for those who are hungry and tired and oppressed."

Another Republican Senate candidate, former state party chief Tom Del Beccaro, was more comfortable with blocking refugees. "The wise thing would be to upgrade our ability and our intel and if we are satisfied, if we are able to vet people, we could look to resuming it," he said. "We shouldn't move too quickly. Just like our mothers taught us, safety first." But he too expressed hope that the discussion of refugees could lead to a refreshed conversation about immigration.

Source: LA Times, "Syrian Refugees?" on 2016 California Senate race Nov 22, 2015

Rocky Chavez: Ban drone use for photography on private property

Legislative record: Passed Senate 40-0-0; passed House 78-0-2 Aug. 27; signed by Governor Oct. 6 (Rep. Rocky Chavez voted AYE)

Source: NCSL UAS Report: 2015 California voting records: AB 856 Aug 27, 2015

Salud Carbajal: Make sure veterans receive the support they need

Our veterans and their families face more challenges today than ever before after they return home from their service. In Congress, I will work to honor their service by tackling those challenges head on and make sure they receive the support they need. It's time to step up for veterans the way they stepped up for us. From accessible VA health care to job opportunities to financial aid for continuing education, we are falling short in our commitment to those who serve. Source: 2016 California House campaign website SaludCarbajal.com Nov 8, 2016

Steve Knight: Maintain a numerically superior nuclear arsenal

Q: The United States must maintain a nuclear arsenal that is safe, reliable, modern and numerically superior to those of potential adversaries?

Knight: Agree

Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 California House race Sep 30, 2014

Ted Lieu: Condemn the NSA's unconstitutional phone spying

Ted Lieu has been a stalwart defender of our privacy and Constitution:

Senate Bill 828 would prohibit the State of California from providing assistance to any federal agency attempting the collection of electronic data or meta data without a warrant.
Ted Lieu also passed SR 16, condemning the NSA's blanket, unreasonable and unconstitutional collection of Americans' telephone records and Internet transactions.
A history of distinguished service in the Air Force.
Ted is a distinguished graduate of the Air Force ROTC program and has received two Air Force Meritorious Service Medals.

Source: 2014 California House campaign website, TedLieu.com Oct 10, 2014

Ted Lieu: Active duty Air Force for 4 years & reserves for 14 years

While stationed at Andersen AFB in Guam on active duty, Ted was Chief of Operations Law for the 36th Air Base Wing and performed duties as an executive officer during OPERATION PACIFIC HAVEN. The American military saved and extracted thousands of Kurdish refugees from Northern Iraq and flew them to Guam. For his outstanding efforts during this humanitarian operation, Ted received the Air Force Humanitarian Service Medal.

As a reservist at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, Ted participated in OPERATION NOBLE EAGLE, which occurred shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Ted Lieu is currently a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force Reserves and is stationed at Los Angeles AFB. Ted has now served in the Air Force for over 18 years, of which over four were on active duty.

NOTE: Ted Lieu is a member of the Air Force Reserves. Use of his military rank, job title and photograph in uniform does not imply endorsement by the Air Force or the Department of Defense.

Source: 2014 California House campaign website, TedLieu.com Oct 10, 2014

Tom Del Beccaro: Terrorists believe in terrorism; we can't persuade them

Americans also need to recognize that it is human nature to try to explain--and hope to correct--others' actions through our own experiences and values. [But] Genghis Kahn ravaged a continent, not thinking he was "bad"--just being the person his culture trained him to be. Attila the Hun, Mao, and Stalin believed in their goals. No amount of civility or American values would have persuaded them to be decent or lay down their arms. If history tells us anything, amongst its lessons is the fact that there are people who are evil and will do anything for power. If we understand all of those lessons, we can also understand that when someone tells you who they are, why they are doing something violent, you should take them at face value-- especially if what they do is a common occurrence. In other words, we need to stop disbelieving the terrorists who fervently believe in their means. Source: Washington Times OpEd on 2016 California Senate race Jan 14, 2015

Young Kim: Ban drone use for photography on private property

Bill excerpt:A person is liable for physical invasion of privacy when the person knowingly enters onto the land or into the airspace above the land of another person without permission or otherwise commits a trespass in order to capture any type of visual image, sound recording, or other physical impression of the plaintiff engaging in a private, personal, or familial activity and the invasion occurs in a manner that is offensive to a reasonable person.

Legislative record:Passed Senate 40-0-0; passed House 78-0-2 Aug. 27; signed by Governor Oct. 6 (Rep. Young Kim voted AYE).

Source: NCSL UAS Report: 2015 California voting records: AB 856 Aug 27, 2015

The above quotations are from State of California Politicians: Archives. Click here for definitions & background information on Homeland Security. Click here for other issues (main summary page).
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Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023