John Faso on Homeland Security

Ensure that no veteran falls through the bureaucratic cracks

The first step is establishing a competitive grant program at the federal level to fund qualified nonprofits that evaluate and provide peer-to-peer counseling services to veterans suffering from PTSD and other trauma. County mental health and veterans services offices would provide facilities and services such as group therapy, grief counseling, drug and alcohol counseling and job placement. The program would be paid for with an estimated $40 million a year in savings through 2024 by capping bonuses of senior executives at the VA.

No veteran should have to fight such a devastating and ongoing battle alone after serving their country. As a nation, we must do better.

Harden our counter-terrorism capabilities to fight ISIS

Our armed forces continue to be reduced in number and strength throughout the world despite the growing power of ISIS and other radical groups. In addition, the influence of the Iranian regime has grown and for the first time since the 1970s, Russia has gained a powerful influence in the Mid-East.

The United States must rebuild our armed forces, increasing the number of active duty personal and modernize our weapons systems. If elected, ensuring that our military forces are strong and well equipped around the globe will be a top priority.