State of Nebraska Archives: on Homeland Security
Ben Sasse:
Global preeminence essential our nation's interests
The first duty of the U.S. government is to protect its citizens from enemies foreign and domestic. What does this mean?- American leadership and global preeminence are essential to advancing our nation's interests and values, and we must
maintain a security posture and military and counter-terrorism budgets sufficient to ensure peace through strength and to deter all competitors.
- America is defined by a belief in universal values grounded in human dignity and liberty, and by
simultaneous commitments to promoting religious freedom, human rights, and democracy, and to prudential skepticism of unnecessary military entanglements.
- America is faithful in our commitments to allies, who need to know that the
US is a reliable friend who will not sacrifice them for the sake of expediency.
- American sovereignty undergirds international legal commitments, & multilateralism is a pragmatic tool to advance our national interests, rather than an end in itself.
Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, SasseForNebraska.com, "Issues"
Nov 14, 2013
Ben Sasse:
Spend to maintain the greatest fighting force the world
The primary role of the Federal Government is to protect our citizens from enemies foreign and domestic.
The United States should continue to maintain the greatest fighting force the world has ever seen. Federal spending should reflect these priorities.
Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, www.SasseForNebraska.com
Mar 18, 2014
Bob Krist:
Wants veteran's social security to be exempt from state tax
"It is my goal to see Nebraska keep more retired veterans living here instead of seeing so many of them move to another state that does not have these taxes," said Sen. Bob Krist of Omaha.
His bill (LB5) would exempt Social Security benefits, military retirement pay and military civilian retirement pay. It would cost $330 million in the first three years. Krist said his measure would attract military retirees from other states to Nebraska.
Source: Fremont Tribune on 2018 Nebraska gubernatorial race
Feb 1, 2013
Chris Janicek:
Stop spending so much; have other countries step up
We have to maintain a strong foreign policy with other countries and our allies. The United States spends most of its military budget in the mid-east protecting radical governments and oil production. While it will be necessary to maintain a
presence there, we must stop spending so much of our money and have other countries step up. It will take strong decision making and negotiating skills, which are attainable.
Source: Norfolk Daily News on 2020 Nebraska Senate race
Apr 23, 2020
Dave Domina:
Drones are no exception to Fourth Amendment protections
Asked about drones, domestic surveillance and the rights of privacy, Domina said the Fourth Amendment protects Americans against unreasonable search and seizure, and "drones are no exception." He said he opposes the use of drones to kill
Americans in foreign countries and the National Security Agency's seizure of emails and texts.Sasse agreed with Domina on the need to guard against unreasonable search and seizure.
Source: WatchDog.org on 2014 Nebraska Senate debate
Jun 2, 2014
Dave Heineman:
Our military personnel work to preserve our freedom
I want to recognize our military personnel and our veterans who work to preserve our freedom and our liberty. I am very proud of our veterans and the men and women serving in the Nebraska National Guard, the Reserves and our active duty forces.
For their families and all Nebraska families, let's continue our hard work to make Nebraska an even better place to live, to work and to raise a family.
Source: 2014 State of the State Address to Nebraska legislature
Jan 15, 2014
Don Bacon:
Keep Guantanamo Bay for the worst of the worst
I'm opposed to closing Guantanamo Bay. The remaining detainees are the worst of the worst, and will likely kill Americans again.
It's neither right nor fair to create a future grieving American family by releasing these terrorist killers.
Source: 2016 Nebraska House campaign website DonBacon2016.com
Nov 8, 2016
Don Bacon:
Peace through strength: retool military with latest tech
I believe in peace through strength. Our military combat capability has been reduced by two-thirds since I gave my first oath back in 1985, but yet we maintain worldwide commitments, which is stretching us to the breaking point. The military budget has
been reduced by 15 percent in last 6 years, and the sequester cuts fell in an unbalanced way on the military. We need to retool our military with the latest technology, reduce the massive headquarters' staffs, and reform our acquisition processes.
Source: 2016 Nebraska House campaign website DonBacon2016.com
Nov 8, 2016
Jane Raybould:
Fight to modernize GI benefits
Jane Raybould believes we need a strong military--and doing so means not just funding their operations but ensuring that our men and women in uniform, as well as military families, are given every opportunity to succeed and enjoy the
freedoms they fight for every day.Likewise, we must do everything we can to ensure that our Veterans are given that same opportunity, from ensuring they have access to the highest quality health care to educational
and entrepreneurship opportunities, and that their loved ones are supported as well.
As the daughter of a World War II Veteran, Jane's father, Russ Raybould, benefited from the GI bill that helped him earn his degree from
Creighton University. In the Senate, Raybould will fight to modernize GI benefits to give Veterans a leg-up in the 21st century economy.
Source: 2018 Nebraska Senatorial campaign site JaneRaybould.com
Mar 31, 2018
Jim Pillen:
Make us the most veteran and military family-friendly state
We are proud of all the veterans and military families who call Nebraska home, and we're thankful for their service and sacrifices. As governor,
I'll do all I can to make Nebraska the most veteran and military family-friendly state in America and sustain our commitment to Offutt Air Force Base.
Source: 2022 Nebraska website JimPillen.com "The Pillen Playbook"
May 12, 2022
Mike Flood:
Provide our forces with resources to continue military might
America faces unprecedented threats from abroad, including from Russia, China, North Korea, and radical Islamic extremists. Now more than ever, we must provide our armed forces with the resources to continue American military might for decades to come.
We must invest in dominating new domains, like space and cyber, to ensure American soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and guardians always have the upper hand on the battlefield.
Our veterans served our nation with bravery and honor, and we owe them a debt of gratitude we can never fully repay. The best we can do is keep our promises to them.
I'll work to increase the quality of VA care, ensure accountability, and fight to get First Congressional District veterans the care, benefits, and services they've earned.
Source: 2022 NE-1 House campaign website MikeFloodForNebraska.com
Jul 19, 2022
Mike Johanns:
Military tribunals for terrorists; 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: Do you support the creation of a federal identification card system?
A: No.
Source: Nebraska Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Jun 3, 2008
Mike Johanns:
Expand missile defense; & pre-emptive military strike policy
Q: Should the federal government increase funding to states and cities for homeland security?A: Yes.
Q: Do you support pre-emptive military strikes against countries deemed to be a threat to United States national security?
A: Yes.
Q: Should the United States expand its missile defense shield?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support long-term use of National Guard troops to supplement the armed forces in assignments overseas?
A: Yes.
Source: Nebraska Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Jun 3, 2008
Mike Johanns:
Negotiating with rogue nations squanders American prestige
"We need to scale down the dialog of anger toward the rest of the world. I think that the invasion of Iraq was based on false premises," Larrick declared. "We have tremendous potential to actually use diplomacy in ways even Ronald Reagan used that we
have forgotten now, and the current administration has forgotten," Kleeb said.
"We should never negotiate with rogue nations without preconditions. You squander the prestige and the power of the American presidency when you do that," Johanns said.
Source: [Xref Kleeb] 2008 Nebraska Senate debate
Aug 24, 2008
Peter Ricketts:
Retain our veterans with military retirement tax relief
We need to do more to retain our veterans. Veterans continue to contribute to our communities and our economy after they complete their service. Nebraska is the only state in our region whose veterans' population is declining in part because we
tax retirement benefits. This week, you voted 46-0 for military retirement tax relief. I want to thank you for advancing LB 153, and encourage you to deliver this tax relief that will help us retain our veterans.
Source: 2020 Nebraska State of the State address
Jan 15, 2020
Peter Ricketts:
Working to bring Space Command to the Heartland
Nebraska is still working to bring Space Command to the Heartland.
Senator Stinner and I are recommending the State invest $50 million towards establishing a public-private partnership to locate this important mission at Offutt Air Force Base.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Nebraska legislature
Jan 14, 2021
Scott Kleeb:
Refocus war on terror on Afghan-Pakistan border
The Bush Administration's policy in Iraq--which employed a unilateral approach--has left our country more isolated and less secure. Scott Kleeb believes it is critical to our national security that we refocus the war on terror to combat the real
threats against this country. That focus begins on the Afghan-Pakistani border.- Focus on Afghanistan and Pakistan. Scott Kleeb believes the United States must shift its focus from Iraq to recommit to the war in
Afghanistan and the pursuit of al- Qaeda terrorists hiding in places like Pakistan.
- Bring Osama bin Laden to justice. Washington has taken its sights--and critical resources--off capturing Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the September 11 terror
attacks that killed thousands of innocent Americans. Scott Kleeb believes that investing in our intelligence community and refocusing our efforts in areas such as Afghanistan, which are critical components to ensuring homeland security.
Source: Campaign booklet, Nebraska's Brand of Change, p.27
Aug 19, 2008
Scott Kleeb:
We have forgotten how to use diplomacy
"We need to scale down the dialog of anger toward the rest of the world. I think that the invasion of Iraq was based on false premises," Larrick declared. "We have tremendous potential to actually use diplomacy in ways even Ronald Reagan used that we
have forgotten now, and the current administration has forgotten," Kleeb said.
"We should never negotiate with rogue nations without preconditions. You squander the prestige and the power of the American presidency when you do that," Johanns said.
Source: 2008 Nebraska Senate debate reported in Lincoln News
Aug 24, 2008
Shane Osborn:
Hawkish on defense, but measured response
Osborn said he would be an advocate for a strong national defense. "But, as a veteran, I would be very hesitant to go to war unless we absolutely have to," he said.
"While I will be hawkish on defense, I believe we need to take a very measured approach before we would push Americans into harm's way."
Source: Lincoln Journal Star on 2014 Nebraska Senate race
Jul 10, 2013
Shane Osborn:
Reducing size of military makes us look weak
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has taken his message of shrinking military forces to the people. His plan to cut billions in spending, and reduce the military to its smallest size since World War II is drawing harsh criticism from some.
News 5 spoke with Republican candidate for US Senate candidate Shane Osborn about the cuts. The veteran said he has major concerns. "It's making us look weak and it puts our men and women in uniform in danger. It puts our allies in danger.
There's waste in all aspects of government including defense. That support echelon, things that could be outsourced, they're attacking our war fighters.
We keep re-deploying our men and women, they're worn out, and now to cut back to pre-WWII levels is dangerous," said Osborn.
Source: KHAS TV-5 on 2014 Nebraska Senate race
Mar 10, 2014
Shane Osborn:
Maintain a superior nuclear arsenal
Question topic: The United States must maintain a nuclear arsenal that is safe, reliable, modern and numerically superior to those of potential adversaries.
Osborn: Strongly Agree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Nebraska Senate race
Jul 2, 2014
Steven Larrick:
We spend more for war than all other nations combined
With only 5% of the world's population, we are spending more for war than all of the other nations in the world combined.
We will have more peace and security if we redirect this spending to health pursuits.
Source: Nebraska Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Jun 25, 2008
Steven Larrick:
Opposes monitoring domestic communications & federal ID card
Q: Should law enforcement agencies have greater discretion to monitor domestic communications, to prevent future terrorist attacks?A: No.
Q: Do you support the creation of a federal identification card system?
A: No.
Q: Do you support long-term use of National Guard troops to supplement the armed forces in assignments overseas?
A: No.
Source: Nebraska Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Jun 25, 2008
Steven Larrick:
Respect international law; no pre-emptive military strikes
Q: Should the United States expand its missile defense shield?A: No.
Q: Do you support pre-emptive military strikes against countries deemed to be a threat to
United States national security?
A: No. We can reduce hostility toward the United States by respecting international law and by meeting our legal obligations to the United Nations.
Source: Nebraska Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Jun 25, 2008
Todd Rokita:
World is a dangerous place; America needs strong defense
From ISIS to Iran to North Korea, and provocative actions from Russia and China, the world is a dangerous place. America needs to have a strong national defense that protects the American people. This is the most important responsibility of the federal
government. Our soldiers need to be well-prepared to deter, and if necessary, destroy all enemies, whether they threaten us at home or abroad. We need a Navy and Air Force capable of projecting American power around the world to deter aggression.
At the same time, we need to make sure that American tax dollars are not being wasted, abused, or used fraudulently. Like other government agencies, the Department of Defense is not immune to these problems.
Congress needs to perform aggressive oversight and auditing procedures to ensure funds are used efficiently to aid our men and women in uniform, not grow the bureaucracy.
Source: 2018 Nebraska Senatorial campaign site ToddRokita.com
Mar 31, 2018
Peter Ricketts:
Stressed the need for a strong national defense
Ricketts said he was proud of his administration's work to improve customer service and service delivery by state government. "In all those ways, we showed how government can work. I want to bring that to Washington, D.C.," he said. "We need to hold
Washington, D.C., accountable."Ricketts repeated his often-stated philosophy that government needs to run more like a business and stressed the need for a strong national defense.
Source: Nebraska Examiner on 2024 Nebraska Senate race
Jan 12, 2023
Dan Osborn:
We must pay servicemen and women a competitive wage
As of October 10, 2023, more than 300,000 VA claims have been backlogged for more than 125 days. Our politicians claim to support veterans; clearly, it's little more than lip service. I'll fully fund the VA to clear out this backlog and ensure claims
are processed in a timely manner. I will also support comprehensive job placement and job training for veterans. Those who serve our country should not be left behind when they return home.
Sometimes it seems the military overpays for everything--except soldiers. From forty dollar hammers that cost ten bucks at the hardware store, to $10,000 switches that cost a couple hundred dollars to manufacture, price gouging is draining our military
of the resources to defend this country. Meanwhile, military families struggle to put food on the table. We must pay servicemen and women a competitive wage. Military families are on food stamps, and we wonder why there's a recruitment crisis.
Source: 2024 Nebraska Senate campaign website OsbornForSenate.com
Jul 5, 2024
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026