State of Michigan Archives: on Homeland Security
Gretchen Whitmer:
COVID-19 restrictions were aggressive and necessary
Q: Do you have any regrets on any of the restrictions that you have put into place?WHITMER: I don't. And here's why.
You know, Michigan right now has the third highest number of death from COVID-19. And yet, we're the tenth largest state.
We have a disproportionate problem in the state of Michigan. And so, we could take the same kinds of actions other states have, but it doesn't rise to the challenge we're confronting.
And that's precisely why we have to take a more aggressive stand. It's working. We are seeing the curve start to flatten.
Source: Meet the Press 2020 interview on 2022 Michigan Governor race
Apr 19, 2020
Gretchen Whitmer:
We should be ashamed for neglecting veterans' needs
We should be ashamed when the men and women who stepped up to serve our nation are forced to wait months for the care they earned, or face homelessness when they return home. I have a long record fighting for
Michigan's 700,000 men and women in uniform whose sacrifices keep us safe, and I'll hold government accountable for the lack of respect for our veterans that led to incompetence, neglect, and tragedy at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.
Improving care by putting our veterans ahead of politics to make sure they get the benefits and medical care they deserve, including mental health services, addiction care, and counseling. One veteran suicide is too many, and we must do
better for our servicemen and women who face the difficult transition of returning home. I'll work to get more medical staff in veterans' homes, increase oversight for service providers, and end the privatization of services.
Source: 2022 Michigan Gubernatorial website GretchenWhitmer.com
Mar 24, 2020
Gretchen Whitmer:
Coronavirus: Widespread testing is fundamental & crucial
She disagreed with the White House, who have urged that only those who are symptomatic should be tested, saying that "absolutely" that asymptomatic carriers should be tested. "In Michigan yesterday, there was a report that we've got an infant that
tested positive. We know that our young people are suffering severe lung damage as older people are," Whitmer explained. "There's so much that we need to learn in such a short period of time and testing is a fundamental, crucial component of that."
Source: Fox News Sunday interview for 2020 Michigan Governor race
Mar 22, 2020
Gary Peters:
AdWatch: endorsed by VoteVets for military service
A liberal group announced it was going on air to promote the incumbent Democrat. VoteVets Action Fund said in a press release that it would be spending $750,000 on ads touting Peters' "career of service in the military and public office, and the results
he delivered." The ads seem designed to counter Peters' Republican opponent, Iraq War veteran John James of Farmington Hills.VoteVets described itself as the "largest progressive group of veterans in America."
A 2016 report from the Center for Public Integrity described the group as a "liberal 'dark money' nonprofit."
The new ads will start airing Thursday in multiple TV markets, including
Detroit, Flint and Grand Rapids, according to a press release.[Ad text: "Call Gary Peters. Thank him for sponsoring the Securing America's Ports of Entry Act"]
Source: Detroit News AdWatch on 2020 Michigan Senate endorsements
Nov 7, 2019
Gary Peters:
Less-than-honorable discharged veterans can regain benefits
Peters notes legislative victories on bills he has helped pass with Republicans--including those protecting rights of service members. Peters helped pass a provision that helps service members given a less-than-honorable discharge because
of negative behavior file petitions that could help them change their status and potentially regain benefits if they can show their behavior was because of issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Source: Detroit Free Press on 2020 Michigan Senate race
Oct 25, 2019
Gary Peters:
Protect religious non-profits against terrorism
Two senators have introduced bipartisan legislation to give funds to synagogues and other religious and cultural institutions to help provide additional security against potential terrorist attacks. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Gary Peters (D-Michigan)
introduced Protecting Faith-Based and Nonprofit Organizations From Terrorism Act, or S. 1539, to authorize $75 million annually for fiscal years 2020-2024, for the Department of Homeland Security's Nonprofit Security Grant Program.
Source: The Times of Israel on 2020 Michigan Senate race
May 19, 2019
John James:
Adequately fund military but work toward balanced budget
Economy: Support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth? Support President Trump's imposition of tariffs on Chinese steel & other products?John James: Torn between adequately funding the military & working toward a balanced budget
with less debt. On tariffs, calls Trump "a master negotiator."
Debbie Stabenow: Supports major infrastructure spending for rural and urban communities. On tariffs, supports stopping Chinese dumping of certain products.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Senate race
Nov 1, 2018
Bill Schuette:
Provided two new legal resources for all members of military
AG˙Schuette has˙introduced two new resources for Michigan Military families and Michigan Veterans, in honor of˙Military Consumer Protection Day. "I am proud to provide two new legal resources for our Michigan˙military community," said Schuette. "The
incredible sacrifices by the men and women of the Armed Forces cannot be overstated." The two resources were developed for military families who experience˙frequent relocation, separation from family and friends, and˙stresses of deployment.
Source: Atty. Genl. press release: 2018 Michigan gubernatorial race
Jun 30, 2018
John James:
Help prepare our veterans for re-entry into society
We must to do a better job preparing our service members for life outside of the military,
because re-integrating into civilian life should not be the toughest battle that we (vets) face.
Source: 2018 Michigan Senate campaign website JohnJamesForSenate.com
Mar 2, 2018
Marcia Squier:
Cut the military budget by at least 50%
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Expand the military"?
A: Strongly oppose- I propose we cut the military budget by at least 50%.
Source: OnTheIssues interview on 2018 Michigan Senate race
Jul 19, 2017
Marcia Squier:
Reappropriate military spending to social needs
I want to repeal/replace the Help America Vote Act, the Telecommunications Act, the Controlled Substances Act [illegalizing marijuana], the Patriot Act, the NDAA, & the DARK Act [requiring limited GMO labelling]. I also want to reappropriate
military funding towards renewables (off the grid), education, health care, and infrastructure. Regarding trade, I only support bilateral trade agreements. No multinational trade agreements.
Source: Facebook posting for 2018 Michigan Senate race
Jul 13, 2017
Jack Bergman:
Give my all to implement V.A. reform
We currently have the fewest veterans serving in Congress since World War II, and it's not surprising that we've seen the Veterans Administration deteriorate as a result. Veterans have gone above and beyond to protect our way of life. They deserve a
VA that does the same to provide quality, accessible healthcare to those who served. As a veteran and former senior military commander, I know in which areas the VA could improve quickly. I will give my all to implement positive, effective reform.
Source: 2016 Michigan House campaign website BergmanForCongress.com
Nov 8, 2016
Donald Trump:
Snowden was a spy; if Russia respected us, they'd deport him
Q: Senator Cruz, in 2013, you said you were open to the possibility that Edward Snowden had performed a considerable public service in revealing certain aspects of the NSA procedures. Many of your colleagues, including Senator Rubio, called him a traitor
It took you until January of this year to call him a traitor.CRUZ: As someone who spent much of his life in law enforcement, I believe you should start with the facts and evidence first before ending up with the verdict. When the news first broke of
the US government engaging in massive surveillance on American citizens, that was a very troubling development, and it's why the US Congress acted to correct it. Since then, the evidence is clear that Snowden committed treason.
TRUMP: I will tell
you right from the beginning, I said Snowden was a spy and we should get him back. And if Russia respected our country, they would have sent him back immediately, but he was a spy. It didn't take me a long time to figure that one out. Believe me.
Source: 2016 Fox News GOP debate in Detroit Michigan
Mar 3, 2016
Ted Cruz:
Snowden guilty of treason, but exposed massive surveillance
Q: Senator Cruz, in 2013, you said you were open to the possibility that Edward Snowden had performed a considerable public service in revealing certain aspects of the NSA procedures. Many of your colleagues in the Senate, including Senator Rubio, called
him a traitor. It took you until January of this year to call him a traitor.CRUZ: As someone who spent much of his life in law enforcement, I believe you should start with the facts and evidence first before ending up with the verdict.
When the news first broke of the US government engaging in massive surveillance on American citizens, that was a very troubling development, and it's why the Congress acted to correct it. Since then, the evidence is clear that Snowden committed treason.
What Snowden did made it easier for terrorists to avoid detection. And Snowden's behavior afterwards--he fled to Russia, he fled to China--indicates that he was not a whistleblower, but instead he was undermining the ability to defend this country.
Source: 2016 Fox News GOP debate in Detroit Michigan
Mar 3, 2016
Rick Snyder:
24/7/365 service to our veterans for benefits
Before we took office, we were ranked 53rd in how we helped our veterans in certain categories. Over the last four years, we've seen an over 20% increase in the average benefits veterans are getting in the state of Michigan, and we are now leading
the country with services such as 1-800-MICHVETS, a cutting-edge way we can give 24-7, 365-day service to our veterans. You deserve that, and we're going to keep up supporting our veterans."
Source: State of the State address at 2015 Michigan Inauguration
Jan 20, 2015
Dave Trott:
Unyielding enthusiasm for our troops
The brave men and women who risk their lives to safeguard the liberty and freedom we enjoy deserve our full support. Protecting our national security and fighting terrorism should never be left on the back burner.
Dave has and continues to show unyielding enthusiasm for our troops.
Source: 2014 Michigan House campaign website, TrottForCongress.com
Nov 4, 2014
Mike Bishop:
Number one responsibility is to provide a national defense
The federal government's number one responsibility is to provide a national defense, and we need leaders in Congress that will stand up for those men and woman who put their lives on the line every day to defend our freedom.
Mike has and remains committed to being a voice of our armed forces.
Source: 2014 Michigan House campaign website, ElectMikeBishop.com
Nov 4, 2014
Mike Bishop:
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?
Bishop: Strongly Agree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Michigan Senate race
Sep 30, 2014
Mark Schauer:
Ensure veterans have access to the benefits they've earned
Our servicemen and women are the true heart of America. Teddy Roosevelt once said, "A man who is good enough to give his blood for his country is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards." That's why in Congress, Mark fought to expand health
care services for veterans. Mark also helped secure additional resources to help homeless Michigan veterans find jobs.While Michigan has the 11th largest veterans population in the country, the state ranks 53rd in providing veterans benefits--behind
Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and Guam. Mark believes we can and must do better. As Governor, Mark will work to ensure veterans have access to the benefits they've earned
by strengthening state services that help veterans secure good jobs, quality health care, and affordable housing.
Source: 2014 Michigan gubernatorial campaign website MarkSchauer.com
Dec 20, 2013
Rick Snyder:
There is a cost to sending our military into harm's way
In April of last year, I made a trip to Kuwait and Afghanistan. On that trip, it was one of the most moving trips of my entire life. It was special to see the service that these fine people give our country. One special thing happened: I was on Forward
Operating Base, Kunduz, in Afghanistan. It was with the 125th Infantry, a Michigan National Guard Unit. When I arrived they asked me to do a re-enlistment ceremony. So, I had the opportunity to swear people in to re-enlist in the
United States Military, in the Michigan National Guard on the Forwarding Operating Base in harm's way. To give you some perspective, we had well over 1,000 Michiganders serve and come back this year, and there is a cost and we need to understand that.
This last year we lost nine service people that were Michiganders. So, I think it is only fitting that we send out thoughts and prayers at anyone in the Armed Services and all their families.
Source: 2013 State of the State Speech to Michigan Legislature
Jan 16, 2013
Jennifer Granholm:
Proclaimed Hire a Veteran Month in Michigan
Granholm encouraged residents across the state to observe Veterans Day by giving thanks to the brave members of our armed forces for their sacrifices and commitment to Michigan and to the United States throughout the years.
The governor also issued a proclamation honoring distinguished Michigan citizens who serve our country and proclaimed November Hire a Veteran Month in Michigan to promote the hiring of qualified veterans.
Source: Gubernatorial press releases (Michigan 2003-2010)
Nov 7, 2008
Jack Hoogendyk:
Military tribunals & domestic spying OK
Q: Do you support using military tribunals to try suspected terrorists when ordinary civilian courts are deemed inappropriate or impractical? A: Yes.
Q: Should law enforcement agencies have greater discretion to monitor domestic communications, to
prevent future terrorist attacks?
A: Yes.
Q: Should the United States hold foreign states accountable for terrorists who operate in their country?
A: Yes.
Q: Should the United States expand its missile defense shield?
A: Yes.
Source: Michigan Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Aug 1, 2008
Fred Thompson:
We face a global war declared on us by Islamic fascism
I think we’ve got to come to terms with the nature of the threat that our country faces. It is a global war. Islamic fascism has declared it upon us. They look at it as something that’s something that’s been going on for a long, long time.
They’re perfectly willing for it to go on for a long time more, killing millions of innocent people in the process. They play by no rules, and they are intent on bringing down Western civilization and the United States of America.
So we have to understand what’s necessary & the determination that we need to show to friend and foe alike that we’ll do what’s necessary to fight on any front that we have to fight on. This is a front in a much broader war, & I think the young people
that I talk to coming back from there understand that. In fact, sometimes it’s strange to me to think that the average 20-year-old serving in Iraq knows more about what it takes for our national security than the average 20-year veteran on Capitol Hill.
Source: 2007 Republican debate in Dearborn, Michigan
Oct 9, 2007
Fred Thompson:
Spend more than current 4% of budget on military
I think we need to tell the American people the truth, that our security is on the line. We’re going to have to do some things differently. We’re probably going to have to spend more than
4% of our budget, as we’re spending right now, on our military. We are bankrupting the next generation and those yet to be born.
Source: 2007 Republican debate in Dearborn, Michigan
Oct 9, 2007
John McCain:
After 9/11, ask Americans to join military or AmeriCorps
Q: You were critical of Pres. Bush for the lack of asking for sacrifice after September 11th, adding that “Just go shopping” wasn’t enough. What would you have asked?A: I would have asked Americans, when Americans were ready to serve a cause greater
than themselves, I would have told them, first of all, consider the military; also the Peace Corps, also AmeriCorps, also neighborhood watches, also volunteer organizations that we would form up all over America. That way we would all serve this nation.
Source: 2007 Republican debate in Dearborn, Michigan
Oct 9, 2007
John McCain:
Let loose smart, tough spies to catch Bin Laden
Q: How would you catch bin Laden?A: I would establish an organization not unlike the OSS in World War II.
People who are smart, people who are tough; people who are used to operating independently, and the smartest and most talented people I know. And I would let them loose, and I’d say find this guy and do whatever is necessary to get him.
Source: 2007 Republican debate in Dearborn, Michigan
Oct 9, 2007
Debbie Stabenow:
Push to pass the 9/11 Report
Q: Do you agree we will face another terrorist attack?STABENOW: we need to push and pass the 9/11 Report. I’ve lead the effort to fight for those things that allow our firefighters and police what they need to do their job and keep us safe.
We have tripled the number of border security. I’ve brought in dollars for sheriffs across the state, including Mike.
BOUCHARD: That’s just more talk-versus-reality in Washington.
I sit on Committee that represents law enforcement - she’s never visited. We need someone who understands security. Security funding has turned into pork barrel spending.
They are well intentioned, but no results. If you don’t fix a problem - people die.
Source: 2006 Michigan Senate Debate in Grand Rapids
Oct 15, 2006
Debbie Stabenow:
Critical balance between staying safe and keeping our rights
Q: What’s the balance between civil rights and homeland security and how are we doing balancing?BOUCHARD: We need to keep our state safe. We can’t give up basic rights to stay safe.
I have very big differences than her. I’m a member of the joint terrorism task force with the FBI - what can I do personally to mitigate and respond to the need. There’s a list of things that they need to do and fix.
STABENOW: I’m a member of the Banking Committee that tracks money of terrorists. There is a critical balance between what it takes to stay safe and keep our rights. I’m proud of having the
Detroit Regional Chamber’s endorsement because of protecting businesses in Michigan. I’m championing an effort with Congressional colleagues to protect our middle class way of life.
Source: 2006 Michigan Senate Debate in Grand Rapids, x-ref Bouchard
Oct 15, 2006
Mike Bouchard:
Can’t give up basic rights to stay safe
Q: What’s the balance between civil rights and homeland security and how are we doing balancing?BOUCHARD: We need to keep our state safe. We can’t give up basic rights to stay safe.
I have very big differences than her. I’m a member of the joint terrorism task force with the FBI - what can I do personally to mitigate and respond to the need. There’s a list of things that they need to do and fix.
STABENOW: I’m a member of the Banking Committee that tracks money of terrorists. There is a critical balance between what it takes to stay safe and keep our rights. I’m proud of having the
Detroit Regional Chamber’s endorsement because of protecting businesses in Michigan. I’m championing an effort with Congressional colleagues to protect our middle class way of life.
Source: 2006 Michigan Senate Debate in Grand Rapids
Oct 15, 2006
Mike Bouchard:
If we don’t fix terrorist security, people die
Q: Do you agree we will face another terrorist attack?STABENOW: we need to push and pass the 9/11 Report. I’ve lead the effort to fight for those things that allow our firefighters and police what they need to do their job and keep us safe.
We have tripled the number of border security. I’ve brought in dollars for sheriffs across the state, including Mike.
BOUCHARD: That’s just more talk-versus-reality in Washington.
I sit on Committee that represents law enforcement - she’s never visited. We need someone who understands security. Security funding has turned into pork barrel spending.
They are well intentioned, but no results. If you don’t fix a problem - people die.
Source: 2006 Michigan Senate Debate in Grand Rapids, x-ref Stabenow
Oct 15, 2006
Mike Bouchard:
Proposes “Skycops”, incentives for off-duty officers to fly
To better help secure our airways and prevent terrorists from hijacking airplanes, I propose that we supplement the Federal Air Marshall program with a program I call “Skycops.” Skycops utilizes trained law enforcement officers who fly our skies every
day for work and personal business to leverage the overextended resources of the Federal Air Marshal Program. My plan calls for a standardized hands-on training class for all personnel who are certified to fly with a firearm.
In addition, this program
Source: 2006 Senate campaign website, mikeformichigan.com, “Issues”
Oct 1, 2006
Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021