John Kerry on Homeland Security Jr Senator (MA), Democratic nominee for President

Sub-sections under Homeland Security:
• Anti-terrorism
• Voting Record
• Other issues under Homeland Security

1971: Accused US forces of rape & carnage in Vietnam

OpEd: Lost 2004 because wouldn't stand up to terrorists

Our container ports, bridges, & plants are not secure

BUSH: We’ve tripled the homeland security budget from $10 to $30 billion. We’ll do everything we can to protect the homeland. We need good intelligence. Right after 1993 he voted to cut the intelligence budget by $7.5 billion.

KERRY: Pres. Bush just said to you that we’ve added money. The test is not if you’ve added money. The test is have you done everything possible to make America secure. He chose a tax cut for wealthy Americans over the things that I listed to you.

Isolate the radical Muslims, not have them isolate the US

Protect loose nuclear materials from the terrorists

Double the number of special forces

BUSH: I agree with Kerry that we shouldn’t be committing troops. We ought to be working with the African Union to do so-precisely what we did in Liberia. We helped stabilize the situation with some troops, and when the African Union came, we moved them out. My hope is that the African Union moves rapidly to help save lives. And fortunately the rainy season will be ending shortly, which will make it easier to get aid there and help the long-suffering people there.

Build the strongest network to prevent nuclear proliferation

BUSH: We’ve decreased funding for dealing with nuclear proliferation about 35% since I’ve been the president. The biggest threat facing this country is weapons of mass destruction in the hands of a terrorist network. And that’s why proliferation is one of the centerpieces of a multi-prong strategy to make the country safer. Over 60 nations involved with disrupting the trans-shipment of information and/or weapons of mass destruction materials.

Offer a military modernization plan for the troops

Make better use of the National Guard

Keep our promises to American veterans

Make certain the veterans have benefits

A: Bush has 135,000 veterans waiting six months to get their first visit with the doctor at the VA. 400,000 veterans have had their cutbacks and their accessibility to the VA altogether. He has made our military weaker by overextending them. Our troops deserve a president who’s going to keep faith with those who wore the uniform.

Invest billions to secure loose nukes abroad

Instead the Bush administration tried to slash federal funding for these Nunn-Lugar initiatives the moment it took office, an effort it continued well after 9/11 starkly illustrated the potential costs of letting terrorists get control of weapons of mass destruction. More recently the administration has offered more support for Nunn-Lugar initiatives, but we must match that with broader, multilateral framework for identifying & securing nuclear materials wherever they may be and in whatever quantity. As Nunn and Lugar have long argued, we must help those in possession of deadly materials who lack the financial and technical means to control them to become responsible stewards under international supervision.

Stop terrorism by focusing on banks, computers & weapons

Those on the lower end of the geopolitical, social, and economic ladders have always had reasons for wanting violent change. What many have lacked was the means to carry out any action to express their rage, and opportune targets. With the end of the superpower struggle, increased attention has fallen on radical Islam.

Today’s terrorist networks are far harder to target, owing to their autonomy, lack of clear strategy, and rapid rate of reproduction. What is necessary to stop them is for states to focus on monitoring banks, computer networks, and weapons trafficking as essential components of detecting terrorist networks as they emerge.

China sells nuclear technology to America's enemies

Chinese transfers of technology--in particular magnets--to assist Pakistan's nuclear program were a principal concern. The US is considering imposing sanctions on the specific companies involved in the exports of the technology or barring financing by the US Export-Import Bank of some $800 million worth of nuclear power deals in China.

Need to be smarter about how we wage a war on terror efforts

BUSH: Kerry said Osama bin Laden uses the invasion of Iraq as an excuse to spread hatred for America. Osama bin Laden isn’t going to determine how we defend ourselves. I decided the right action was in Iraq. He said I misled on Iraq. I don’t think he was misleading when he called Iraq a grave threat in the fall of 2002. I don’t think he was misleading when he said that it was right to disarm Iraq in the spring of 2003.What is misleading is to say you can lead and succeed in Iraq if you keep changing your positions on this war. And he has.

Automatic citizenship to immigrants who serves in army

We must break our oil addiction to win War on Terror

1. We must establish an oil savings goal and implement an aggressive set of policies to reach it.
2. We must immediately expand the availability of renewable fuels to run our automobiles.
3. And we need to get serious about climate change and take measures to freeze and reverse our greenhouse gas emissions. Source: This Moment On Earth, by John Kerry, p.204-205 , Jan 1, 2007

   Cast a global net for terrorists

   Al Qaeda alone is known to operate in more than 60 countries. We need the cooperation of intelligence and law enforcement agencies around the world to cast a global net for terrorists, infiltrate their cells, learn their plans, cut off their funds, and stop them before they can attack. We will strengthen the effectiveness of intelligence and law enforcement efforts around the world by forging stronger international coalitions and enhancing cooperative relationships. Source: Our Plan For America, p.225 , Aug 10, 2004

   Improve intelligence capabilities to counter terrorism

   We can more effectively prevent another terrorist attack by: restoring the credibility of our intelligence community by ensuring the basic integrity of the intelligence process. We will make certain that our intelligence agencies are protected from political pressures and operate in a culture of diversity of thought, dissent, and forceful challenging of assumptions; strengthening accountability & leadership by creating a true Director of National Intelligence with the authority to manage & direct all of the components of the intelligence community; maximizing coordination and integration by structuring around key threats like terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, and hostile countries; transforming our intelligence services to ensure that they have sufficient personnel with the skills, languages, training, & orientation needed to meet today’s threats. We will make sure that the FBI is fully prepared to perform counter-terrorism intelligence operations and strengthen our capabilities overseas. Source: Our Plan For America, p. 13 , Aug 10, 2004

   Cut off terrorists funds

   Terrorists need money to operate. We will: impose tough financial sanctions against nations or banks that engage in money laundering or fail to act against it; launch a “name and shame” campaign against those financing terror, and shut out of the US financial system those nations that fail to respond, end Bush’s kid-glove approach to the supply & laundering of terrorist money in Saudi Arabia, and demand Riyadh shut down Saudi-based “charities” that help finance al Qaeda and other terrorist networks. Source: Our Plan For America, p. 14 , Aug 10, 2004

   Prevent Afghanistan & others from becoming terrorist havens

   Our drive to topple the Taliban regime convincingly demonstrated the courage and skill of our troops, the value of powerful new technologies, and the particular importance of Special Forces units in defeating unconventional enemies. Unfortunately, we have not followed with a plan or the commitment to win the peace. Bush has all but turned away from Afghanistan, allowing it to become a forgotten front in the war on terror and once again a potential breeding ground for terrorists. Source: Our Plan For America, p. 15 , Aug 10, 2004

   Add 40,000 troops and double anti-terrorism special forces

   I will never hesitate to use force when it is required. Any attack will be met with a swift & certain response. I will never give any nation or institution a veto over our national security. We need a stronger American military. We will add 40,000 active duty troops to strengthen American forces now overstretched, overextended, and under pressure. We will double our anti-terrorism special forces. We will provide our troops with the newest weapons and technology to save their lives - and win the battle. Source: Acceptance speech to the Democratic National Convention , Jul 29, 2004

   Will lead a global effort against nuclear proliferation

   We need to make America once again a beacon in the world. We need to be looked up to and not just feared. We need to lead a global effort against nuclear proliferation - to keep the most dangerous weapons in the world out of the most dangerous hands in the world. We need a strong military and we need to lead strong alliances. And then, with confidence and determination, we will be able to tell the terrorists: You will lose and we will win. The future doesn’t belong to fear; it belongs to freedom. Source: Acceptance speech to the Democratic National Convention , Jul 29, 2004

   Quickly implement the recommendations of the 9-11 commission

   The 9-11 Commission has given us a path to follow, endorsed by Democrats, Republicans, and the 9-11 families. As President, I will not evade or equivocate; I will immediately implement the recommendations of that commission. We shouldn’t be letting 95% of container ships come into our ports without ever being physically inspected. We shouldn’t be leaving our nuclear and chemical plants without enough protection. And we shouldn’t be opening firehouses in Baghdad and closing them down in America. Source: Acceptance speech to the Democratic National Convention , Jul 29, 2004

   Four new imperatives: alliances, modernize, end Mideast oil

   It’s time for a new national security policy guided by four new imperatives: First, we must launch and lead a new era of alliances for the post 9-11 world. Second, we must modernize the world’s most powerful military to meet the new threats. Third, in addition to our military might, we must deploy all that is in America’s arsenal -- our diplomacy, our intelligence system, our economic power, and the appeal of our values and ideas. Fourth and finally, to secure our full independence and freedom, we must free America from its dangerous dependence on Mideast oil.

   These four imperatives are a response to an inescapable reality: War has changed; the enemy is different - and we must think and act anew.

   Today, we are waging a global war against a terrorist movement committed to our destruction. Terrorists like al Qaeda are unlike any adversary our nation has faced. We do not know for certain how they are organized or how many operatives they have. But we know the destruction they can inflict.

   Source: Speech on Iraq and foreign policy, Seattle WA , May 27, 2004

   Increase military by 40,000 troops-but no draft

   Q: You said that in your first 100 days you would move to increase our armed forces by as much as 40,000 troops. You said there was a dire need for two full divisions. People are wondering right now about voluntary versus draft.

   KERRY: We don’t need a draft now and I wouldn’t be in favor of it under the current circumstances. All across this country there are families who are suffering greatly because the Guards and Reserves have been called up. They are overextended. Their deployments are too long. If we’re going to maintain this level of commitment on a global basis, and for the moment we have to because of what’s happened, we need an additional two divisions. One’s a combat division and one is a support division. That’s the responsible thing to do. That’s temporary, because I intend to go back to the UN, rejoin the community of nations, bring other boots on the ground to help us, and reduce the overall need for deployment of American forces in the globe.

   Source: Democratic 2004 Primary Debate at St. Anselm College , Jan 22, 2004

   Focus more on human intelligence gathering

   Q: Do you feel there’s a problem with American intelligence-gathering?

   A: Yes, there is a problem. It’s a very serious one. The Bush Administration misled the American people with respect to intelligence related to Iraq. That’s very serious and we need to get to the bottom of the White House intelligence gathering process during the lead-up to the Iraq war. We also need to change how we gather intelligence--to increase the focus on human intelligence gathering.

   Source: Concord Monitor / WashingtonPost.com on-line Q&A , Nov 7, 2003

   The New War: We are no longer safe at home

   On the periphery of the world are dangerous and unstable places, places where terrorists, absolutists, neo-Fascists, and gangsters work to undo the twentieth century and impose a new dark age. Though these forces are essentially weak and defensive and far less popular even in their home territories than the American values they oppose, they have repeatedly demonstrated the global reach of their ability to do violence.

   The proliferation of international criminal gangs and narco-terrorists in the 1990’s-a subject I wrote about I my 1997 book, The New War, was a warning that we were no longer safe at home from the dark underside of a global society. Any lingering doubt about that reality was dramatically dispelled on 9/11.

   Source: A Call to Service, by John Kerry, p. 34 , Oct 1, 2003

   Modernize the Middle East to prevent future terrorism

   It isn’t only terrorism we are fighting, it’s also the beliefs that motivate terrorists and the conditions that make those beliefs possible.

   There are no full-fledged democracies among the 16 Arab states of the Middle East and North Africa. More than half of Arab women are still illiterate. These countries are among the most economically isolated in the world, with very little trade & investment and little income apart from the oil royalties. With a landscape marked by political oppression, economic stagnation, staggering unemployment, lack of education, poverty, and rapid population growth, is it any wonder these Islamic countries are recruiting grounds for terrorists?

   We need more than a one-dimensional war on terror. We must engage in a smarter, more comprehensive, and more farsighted strategy for modernizing the greater Middle East. It’s no more ambitious-and no less necessary-a task than the rebuilding of Europe that we undertook at the end of World War II.

   Source: A Call to Service, by John Kerry, p. 44-6 , Oct 1, 2003

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   John Kerry on Voting Record

   FactCheck: No, Kerry voted FOR 16 out of 19 defense packages

   BUSH_CHENEY CLAIM: “John Kerry has repeatedly opposed weapons vital to winning the war on terror: Bradley Fighting Vehicles, Patriot missiles, B-2 Stealth bombers, F-18 fighter jets and more.”

   CNN FACT CHECK:This claim is accurate, although it primarily references his votes on several large spending bills, as opposed to votes on specific programs. It also references old positions that Kerry now disavows. However, throughout his Senate career, Kerry voted to approve 16 of 19 annual Pentagon spending bills, which authorized spending for many of the systems that the Bush-Cheney campaign says Kerry opposed. It is true that Kerry opposed many weapons systems when running for the Senate in 1984, although as a presidential candidate he has said that he should not have taken those positions in 1984. In the Senate, he has voted repeatedly to eliminate the B-2 Stealth bomber program, most recently in 1992.

   Source: CNN FactCheck on 2004 statements by Bush and Kerry , Oct 29, 2004

   Zell: Kerry voted against weapons needed for War on Terror

   [Zell Miller says]: Kerry has opposed the very weapons system that won the Cold War and that is now winning the War on Terror.
   • The B-1 bomber, that Kerry opposed, dropped 40% of the bombs in Operation Enduring Freedom.
   • The B-2 bomber that Kerry opposed, delivered air strikes against the Taliban in Afghanistan and Hussein’s command post in Iraq.
   • The modernized F-14D, that Kerry opposed, delivered missile strikes against Tora Bora.
   • The Apache helicopter, that Kerry opposed, took out those Republican Guard tanks in Kuwait in the Gulf War.
   • The F-15 Eagles, that Kerry opposed, flew cover over our Nation’s Capital and this very city after 9/11.
   • I could go on and on and on: against the Patriot Missile; against the Aegis air-defense cruiser; against the Strategic Defense Initiative; against the Trident missile; against, against, against.
   This is the man who wants to be the Commander in Chief of our US Armed Forces? US forces armed with what? Spitballs? Source: Zell Miller’s 2004 Republican Keynote Convention speech , Sep 1, 2004

   Voted NO on cutting $221M in benefits to Filipinos who served in WWII US Army.

   Opponents argument for voting NAY:Sen. INOUYE. From the Spanish-American War in 1898, until the end of World War II, we exercised jurisdiction over the Philippines like a colonial power. In July 1941, we called upon the Filipinos to volunteer to serve the US under American command, and 470,000 Filipinos volunteered. An Executive Order in 1941 promised Filipinos if they fought for us, they could become citizens of the US and get all of the veterans' benefits. But in 1946, the Congress rescinded the 1941 act. Well, this veterans bill has a provision in it--a provision of honor--in which, finally, after six decades, we will restore our honor and tell the Filipinos: It is late, but please forgive us. Proponents argument for voting YEA:Sen. BURR. This bill is so much more than just a pension for Philippine veterans. It is $332 million in Philippine benefits, of which $221 million is devoted to a new special pension that does not exist [previously. Only that $221M would be cut]. Regardless of the outcome of my amendment, I support final passage of this bill. But we do have a difference as it relates to the pensions. I believe that there was not a promise made. We did not imply it. Those who made the decision on the 1946 Rescissions Act, they looked at the history very well.

   Sen. CORNYN. The problem I have with this bill is that the US Treasury is not bottomless, and the funding that is being provided to create this new pension would literally be at the expense of US veterans. The $221 million that is addressed by Sen. Burr's amendment would actually go back in to supplement benefits for US veterans. And while we appreciate and honor all of our allies who fought alongside of us in WWII, certainly that doesn't mean we are going to grant pension benefits to all of our allies, [like] the British or the Australians. Vote for the Burr Amendment because certainly our American veterans should be our priority.

   Reference: Burr Amendment; Bill S.Amdt. 4572 to S. 1315 ; vote number 2008-111 on Apr 24, 2008

   Voted YES on requiring FISA court warrant to monitor US-to-foreign calls.

   SUPPORTER'S ARGUMENT FOR VOTING YES:Sen. FEINGOLD: The Protect America Act (PAA) we passed last year was sold repeatedly as a way to allow the Government to collect foreign-to-foreign communications without needing the approval of the FISA Court. Now, this is something all of us support, every one of us. But the PAA actually went much further. It authorized new sweeping intrusions into the privacy of countless Americans. The bill the Senate is considering to replace the PAA does not do nearly enough to safeguard against Government abuse. So this amendment would provide those safeguards.

   [The PAA allows] acquiring all the calls and e-mails between employees of a US company and a foreign company, with no requirement to get a warrant and no requirement that there be some link to terrorism. So any American who works at a company that does business overseas should think about that.

   OPPONENT'S ARGUMENT FOR VOTING NO: Sen. BOND: The purpose of this bill is, and always has been, to enable the intelligence community to act to target foreign terrorists and spies overseas.

   The amendment, as it is drafted, will have a totally unexpected impact. It is difficult to explain, in an unclassified session, why this amendment is unworkable. There are only certain communications which the intelligence community is lawfully permitted to acquire, and which it has any desire to acquire, because to acquire all the communications from all foreigners is an absolutely impossible task.

   I cannot describe in a public setting how they go about ascertaining which collections are important. But to say that if Osama bin Laden calls somebody in the US, we cannot listen in to that communication, unless we have an independent means of verifying it has some impact or a terrorist threat--That is the most important communication we need to intercept.

   LEGISLATIVE OUTCOME:Amendment Rejected, 38-57

   Reference: Amendment to Protect America Act; Bill S.Amdt.3913 to S.2248 ; vote number 08-S012 on Feb 7, 2008

   Voted YES on limiting soldiers' deployment to 12 months.

   Vote on an amendment, SA2032, which amends HR1585, the Defense Authorization bill: To limit the deployment of a unit or individual of the Armed Forces for Operation Iraqi Freedom to no more than 12 consecutive months; and to limit Marine Corps deployment to no more than 7 consecutive months; except in time of national emergency.

   Proponents support voting YES because:

   Sen. HAGEL: The war in Iraq has pushed the US Army to the breaking point. When we deploy our military, we have an obligation to ensure that our troops are rested, ready, prepared, fully trained, and fully equipped. Today's Armed Forces are being deployed repeatedly for increasing periods of time. This is quickly wearing down the troops and their families, impacting the mental and physical health of our troops. Further, these deployments are affecting the recruiting and retention rates of the military. For example, the Army reached only a little over 80% of its recruiting goal for June. This is the second month in a row that the Army has failed to recruit the number of new soldiers needed to fill the ranks. And this is with $1 billion in large cash bonus incentives.

   Opponents recommend voting NO because:

   Sen. KYL: Time in theater and dwell times should be a goal, rather than an absolute fixed requirement that becomes the policy of the US military determined by congressional action. By mandating a certain policy for deployment time or dwell time, the Congress is engaged in the most explicit micromanaging of what is obviously a function for the Commander in Chief and military commanders to perform. This is not something Members of Congress are knowledgeable about or would have the ability to dictate in any responsible fashion. It also would be unconstitutional. Clearly, the dwell times of troops or the amount of time in theater is an obligation of the Commander in Chief, not something for the Congress to determine.

   Reference: Hagel Amendment to Defense Authorization Bill; Bill SA2032 to HR1585 ; vote number 2007-243 on Jul 11, 2007

   Voted YES on implementing the 9/11 Commission report.

   Vote on passage of a bill to implement unfinished recommendations of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission) to fight the war on terror more effectively:
   • I: Improving Intelligence and Information Sharing within the Federal Government and with State, Local, and Tribal Governments
   • II: Homeland Security Grants
   • III: Communications Operability and Interoperability
   • IV: Emergency Management Performance Grants Program
   • V: Enhancing Security of International Travel
   • VI: Privacy and Civil Liberties Matters
   • VII: Enhanced Defenses Against Weapons of Mass Destruction
   • VIII: Private Sector Preparedness
   • IX: Transportation Security Planning and Information Sharing
   • X: Incident Command System
   • XI: Critical Infrastructure Protection
   • XII: Congressional Oversight of Intelligence
   • XIII: International Cooperation on Antiterrorism Technologies
   • XIV: Transportation and Interoperable Communication
   • XV: Public Transportation Terrorism Prevention
   • XVII: 911 Modernization
   • XIX: Advancement of Democratic Values

   Opponents recommend voting NO because:

   One of the authors of the 9/11 Commission report said, the President's announced strategy should be given a chance to succeed. That is what I think we should do, give this plan a chance to succeed. Our troops in theater, our commanders, and the Iraqi leaders all believe they can see early signs of success in this program, even though it has just begun, and they are cautiously optimistic that it can succeed. I think it would be unconscionable for the Congress, seeing the beginnings of success here, to then act in any way that would pull the rug out from under our troops and make it impossible for them to achieve their mission.

   Reference: Improving America's Security Act; Bill S. 4 ; vote number 2007-073 on Mar 13, 2007

   Voted YES on preserving habeas corpus for Guantanamo detainees.

   Sen. Specter's amendment would strike the provision regarding habeas review. The underlying bill authorizes trial by military commission for violations of the law of war. Excerpts from the Senate floor debate:

   Sen. GRAHAM [recommending NO]: The fundamental question for the Senate to answer when it comes to determining enemy combatant status is, Who should make that determination? Should that be a military decision or should it be a judicial decision? That is something our military should do.

   Sen. SPECTER [recommending YES]: My amendment would retain the constitutional right of habeas corpus for people detained at Guantanamo. The right of habeas corpus was established in the Magna Carta in 1215 when, in England, there was action taken against King John to establish a procedure to prevent illegal detention. What the bill seeks to do is to set back basic rights by some 900 years. This amendment would strike that provision and make certain that the constitutional right of habeas corpus is maintained.

   GRAHAM: Do we really want enemy prisoners to bring every lawsuit known to man against the people fighting the war and protecting us? No enemy prisoner should have access to Federal courts--a noncitizen, enemy combatant terrorist--to bring a lawsuit against those fighting on our behalf. No judge should have the ability to make a decision that has been historically reserved to the military. That does not make us safer.

   SPECTER: The US Constitution states that "Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it." We do not have either rebellion or invasion, so it is a little hard for me to see, as a basic principle of constitutional law, how the Congress can suspend the writ of habeas corpus.

   GRAHAM: If the Supreme Court does say in the next round of legal appeals there is a constitutional right to habeas corpus by those detained at Guantanamo Bay, then Sen. Specter is absolutely right.

   Reference: Specter Amendment; Bill S.AMDT.5087 to S.3930 ; vote number 2006-255 on Sep 28, 2006

   Voted YES on requiring CIA reports on detainees & interrogation methods.

   Amendment to provide for congressional oversight of certain Central Intelligence Agency programs. The underlying bill S. 3930 authorizes trial by military commission for violations of the law of war. The amendment requires quarterly reports describing all CIA detention facilities; the name of each detainee; their suspected activities; & each interrogation technique authorized for use and guidelines on the use of each such technique.

   Opponents recommend voting NO because:

   I question the need for a very lengthy, detailed report every 3 months. We will probably see those reports leaked to the press.

   This amendment would spread out for the world--and especially for al-Qaida and its related organizations--precisely what interrogation techniques are going to be used.

   If we lay out, in an unclassified version, a description of the techniques by the Attorney General, that description will be in al-Qaida and Hezbollah and all of the other terrorist organizations' playbook. They will train their assets that: This is what you must be expected to do, and Allah wants you to resist these techniques.

   We are passing this bill so that we can detain people. If we catch someone like Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, we have no way to hold him, no way to ask him the questions and get the information we need, because the uncertainty has brought the program to a close. It is vitally important to our security, and unfortunately this amendment would imperil it.

   Reference: Rockefeller Amendment; Bill S.AMDT.5095 to S.3930 ; vote number 2006-256 on Sep 28, 2006

   Voted YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act.

   This vote reauthorizes the PATRIOT Act with some modifications (amendments). Voting YEA extends the PATRIOT Act, and voting NAY would phase it out. The official summary of the bill is:

   A bill to clarify that individuals who receive FISA orders can challenge nondisclosure requirements, that individuals who receive national security letters are not required to disclose the name of their attorney, that libraries are not wire or electronic communication service providers unless they provide specific services, and for other purposes.

   Opponents of the bill say to vote NAY because:
   • Some may see the vote we are about to have as relatively trivial. They are mistaken. While the bill we are voting on makes only minor cosmetic changes to the PATRIOT Act, it will allow supporting the PATRIOT Act conference report that was blocked in December. Cosmetic changes simply don't cut it when we are talking about protecting the rights and freedoms of Americans from unnecessarily intrusive Government powers.
   • The White House has tried to make life uncomfortable for Senators. It has suggested they are soft on terrorism, that they don't understand the pressing threat facing this country, that they are stuck in a pre-9/11 mindset. Those attacks should be rejected.
   • We can fight terrorism aggressively without compromising our most fundamental freedoms against Government intrusion. The Government grabbed powers it should not have when it passed the original PATRIOT Act and we should not be ratifying that power grab today. The PATRIOT Act reauthorization conference report is flawed. S. 2271 pretends to fix it but I don't think anyone is fooled, least of all our constituents.
   • Because the Republican leadership obstructed efforts to improve the bill, the "police state" provisions regarding gag orders remain uncorrected. The Senate should get down to the serious business of legislating real fixes to the PATRIOT Act.
   Reference: USA PATRIOT Act Additional Reauthorizing Amendments; Bill S. 2271 ; vote number 2006-025 on Mar 1, 2006

   Voted NO on extending the PATRIOT Act's wiretap provision.

   Vote to invoke cloture on a conference report that extends the authority of the FBI to conduct "roving wiretaps" and access business records. Voting YES would recommend, in effect, that the PATRIOT Act be extended through December 31, 2009, and would makes the provisions of the PATRIOT Act permanent. Voting NO would extend debate further, which would have the effect of NOT extending the PATRIOT Act's wiretap provision. Reference: Motion for Cloture of PATRIOT Act; Bill HR 3199 ; vote number 2005-358 on Dec 16, 2005

   Voted YES on restricting business with entities linked to terrorism.

   Vote to adopt an amendment that makes US businesses and their subsidiaries liable to prosecution for dealing with foreign businesses which have links to terrorism or whose parent country supports terrorism. Voting YES would:
   • Empower the President under the Trading with the Enemy Act to prohibit US businesses and their subsidiaries from transacting with foreign businesses identified as having links to terrorism.
   • Forbid US businesses and their subsidiaries from engaging in transactions with any foreign business whose parent country has been identified as a supporter of international terrorism.
   • Require the President to publish a list of foreign businesses identified as having links to terrorism, and bans US ownership or control of foreign businesses engaged in transactions with such businesses.
   • Call for US businesses to disclose in their annual reports any ownership stake of at least 10% in a foreign business that is itself engaging in transactions with a proscribed foreign business.
   Reference: Stop Business with Terrorists Act of 2005; Bill S AMDT 1351 to S 1042 ; vote number 2005-203 on Jul 26, 2005

   Voted YES on restoring $565M for states' and ports' first responders.

   Amendment intended to protect the American people from terrorist attacks by restoring $565 million in cuts to vital first-responder programs in the Department of Homeland Security, including the State Homeland Security Grant program, by providing $150 million for port security grants and by providing $140 million for 1,000 new border patrol agents. Reference: State Homeland Security Grant Program Amendment; Bill S AMDT 220 to S Con Res 18 ; vote number 2005-64 on Mar 17, 2005

   Voted YES on adopting the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

   Adoption of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty would ban nuclear weapons testing six months after ratification by the 44 nations that have nuclear power plants or nucelar research reactors.
   Status: Resolution of Ratification Rejected Y)48; N)51; P)1 Reference: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty; Bill Treaty Document #105-28 ; vote number 1999-325 on Oct 13, 1999

   Voted YES on allowing another round of military base closures.

   Vote on an amendment to allow one round of military base closures beginning in 2001 as determined by an independent panel. Reference: Bill S.1059 ; vote number 1999-147 on May 26, 1999

   Voted NO on cutting nuclear weapons below START levels.

   The Kerrey (D-NE) amdt would strike bill language requiring that U.S. strategic nuclear forces remain at START I levels through the end of fiscal 2000 unless Russia ratified START II.
   Status: Motion to Table Agreed to Y)56; N)44 Reference: Motion to table Kerrey Amdt #395; Bill S. 1059 ; vote number 1999-149 on May 26, 1999

   Voted YES on deploying National Missile Defense ASAP.

   Vote that the policy of the US is to deploy a National Missile Defense system capable of defending against limited ballistic missile attack as soon as it is technologically possible, and to seek continued negotiated reductions in Russian nuclear forces. Reference: Bill S 257 ; vote number 1999-51 on Mar 17, 1999

   Voted YES on military pay raise of 4.8%.

   Vote to pass a bill to authorize a military pay raise of 4.8% in 2000 and annual pay increases through 2006 of 0.5% above the inflation rate. The bill would also provide additional incentives to certain enlisted personnel who remain on active duty. Reference: Bill S.4 ; vote number 1999-26 on Feb 24, 1999

   Voted NO on prohibiting same-sex basic training.

   Byrd Amdt (D-WV) that would prohibit same-sex military barracks and basic training.
   Status: Amdt Rejected Y)39; N)53; NV)8 Reference: Byrd Amdt #3011; Bill S. 2057 ; vote number 1998-180 on Jun 25, 1998

   Voted NO on favoring 36 vetoed military projects.

   Overturning line-item vetoes of 36 military projects vetoed by President Clinton.
   Status: Bill Passed Y)69; N)30; NV)1 Reference: Line Item Veto Cancellation bill; Bill S. 1292 ; vote number 1997-287 on Oct 30, 1997

   Voted YES on banning chemical weapons.

   Approval of the chemical weapons ban.
   Status: Resolution of Ratification Agreed to Y)74; N)26 Reference: Resolution of ratification of the Chemical (Comprehensive) Weapons (Convention) Ban; Bill S. Res. 75 ; vote number 1997-51 on Apr 24, 1997

   Voted NO on considering deploying NMD, and amending ABM Treaty.

   Vote to consider establishing a policy requiring the deployment of a national missile defense system by the end of 2003. The bill would also urge discussions with Russia to amend the ABM Treaty to allow deployment of the system. Reference: Bill S 1635 ; vote number 1996-157 on Jun 4, 1996

   Voted NO on 1996 Defense Appropriations.

   Approval of the 1996 Defense Appropriations bill.
   Status: Bill Passed Y)62; N)35; NV)3 Reference: Defense Approps Bill FY 96; Bill S. 1087 ; vote number 1995-397 on Sep 5, 1995

   Establish Maritime Security grants for ports and vessels.

   Kerry co-sponsored the Port and Maritime Security Act
   Directs the Secretary of Transportation to:
   • identify vessel types and U.S. port facilities that pose a high risk of being involved in a transportation security incident
   • assess vulnerability of U.S. port facilities and vessels that may be involved in a transportation security incident.
   • Requires owners or operators of vessels or facilities to prepare a vessel or facility security plan for deterring a transportation security incident to the maximum extent practicable.
   • Requires such plans to be consistent with the National Maritime Transportation Security Plan.
   • Requires transportation security cards for entry into a secured area of a vessel or facility.
   • Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish maritime safety and security teams to protect vessels, harbors, ports, facilities, and cargo in U.S. waters.
   • Establishes a grant program for port authorities, facility operators, and State and local agencies required to provide security services.
   • Directs the Secretary of Transportation to assess the effectiveness of antiterrorism measures maintained at specified foreign ports and make recommendations for improvements for foreign ports that do not maintain effective antiterrorism measures
   Became Public Law No: 107-295. Source: Bill sponsored by 15 Senators 01-S1214 on Jul 20, 2001

   Federalize aviation security.

   Kerry co-sponsored the Aviation Security Act
   Establishes the Transportation Security Administration, including:
   • civil aviation security, and related research and development activities;
   • day-to-day Federal security screening operations for passenger air transportation and intrastate air transportation;
   • policies, strategies, and plans for dealing with threats to transportation;
   • domestic transportation during a national emergency, including aviation, rail, and other surface transportation
   • management of security information, including notifying airport or airline security officers of the identity of individuals known to pose a risk of air piracy or terrorism or a threat to airline or passenger safety.
   H.R. 2951 is the corresponding House bill. Became Public Law No: 107-71. Source: Bill sponsored by 31 Senators and 25 Reps 01-S1447 on Sep 21, 2001

   Small business in developing homeland security technologies.

   Kerry introduced a resolution on small businesses

   Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) small business participation is vital to U.S. defense and should play an active role in assisting the military, Federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies, and State and local police to combat terrorism through the design and development of innovative products; and (2) Federal, State, and local governments should aggressively seek out and purchase innovative technologies and services from, and promote research opportunities for, American small businesses to help in homeland defense and the fight against terrorism. Passed/agreed to in Senate.

   Source: Resolution sponsored by 26 Senators 02-SR264 on May 8, 2002

   Rated 20% by SANE, indicating a pro-military voting record.

   Kerry scores 20% by SANE on peace issues

   Peace Action, the merger of The Committee for a Sane Nuclear Policy (SANE) and The Freeze, has effectively mobilized for peace and disarmament for over forty years. As the nation's largest grassroots peace group we get results: from the 1963 treaty to ban above ground nuclear testing, to the 1996 signing of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, from ending the war in Vietnam, to blocking weapons sales to human rights abusing countries. We are proof that ordinary people can change the world. At Peace Action we believe...

   • That every person has the right to live without the threat of nuclear weapons.
   • That war is not a suitable response to conflict.
   • That America has the resources to both protect and provide for its citizens.
   As the Pentagon’s budget soars to $400 billion, 17% of American children live in poverty. For what the US will spend on Missile Defense in one year we could: put over a million children through Head Start OR provide healthcare for over 3.5 million children OR create over 100,000 units of affordable housing OR hire over 160,000 elementary school teachers. At Peace Action our priorities are clear.

   The ratings are based on the votes the organization considered most important; the numbers reflect the percentage of time the representative voted the organization's preferred position.

   Source: SANE website 03n-SANE on Dec 31, 2003

   Extend reserve retirement pay parity back to 9/11.

   Kerry co-sponsored extending reserve retirement pay parity back to 9/11
   Congress makes the following findings:
   1. Since September 11, 2001, members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces have been sent into harm's way and fought alongside members of the regular components of the Armed Forces.
   2. Between September 11, 2001, and December 7, 2007, more than 600,000 members of the reserve components have been mobilized in support of military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and for other contingency operations.
   3. More than 142,000 members of the reserve components have been mobilized more than once during this same period.
   4. On December 7, 2007, the conference report for H. R. 1585 offered an earlier retirement benefit for members of the reserve components who are mobilized in support of contingency operations.
   5. The House of Representatives and the Senate agreed to the conference report on December 14, 2007.
   6. However, the conference report only considers service performed after the date of the enactment, and this effective date fails to recognize the service and sacrifice made by members of the reserve components since September 11, 2001.
   Source: Reservists Parity for Patriots Act (S.2836/H.R.4930) 07-S2836 on Dec 19, 2007

   Study & address suicides among veterans.

   Kerry co-sponsored studying & addressing suicides among veterans

   Veterans Suicide Study Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs conduct a study to determine the number of veterans who have committed suicide between January 1, 1997, and the date of the enactment of this Act. Congress makes the following findings:

   • Suicide among the veteran population is a serious problem.
   • There is lack of information on the number of veterans who commit suicide each year.
   • Study Required- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a study to determine the number of veterans who have committed suicide between January 1, 1997 and the date of the enactment of this Act.
   • Coordination- In carrying out the study, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall coordinate with the Secretary of Defense; Veterans Service Organizations; and States' public health offices and veterans agencies.
   • Report to Congress- Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress a report on the study and the findings of the Secretary.
   Source: Veterans Suicide Study Act (S.2899/H.R.4204) 08-S2899 on Apr 22, 2008

   Repeal Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell, and reinstate discharged gays.

   Kerry signed HR1283&S3065

   Repeals current Department of Defense policy [popularly known as "Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell"] concerning homosexuality in the Armed Forces. Prohibits the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard, from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation against any member of the Armed Forces or any person seeking to become a member. Authorizes the re-accession into the Armed Forces of otherwise qualified individuals previously separated for homosexuality, bisexuality, or homosexual conduct.

   Nothing in this Act shall be construed to require the furnishing of dependent benefits in violation of section 7 of title 1, United States Code (relating to the definitions of 'marriage' and 'spouse' and referred to as the 'Defense of Marriage Act').

   Source: Military Readiness Enhancement Act 10-HR1283 on Mar 3, 2010

   Restore habeas corpus for detainees in the War on Terror.

   Kerry co-sponsored restoring habeas corpus for detainees in the War on Terror

   A bill to restore habeas corpus for those detained by the United States; to the Committee on the Judiciary.

   Sen. SPECTER. "I introduce this legislation, denominated the Habeas Corpus Restoration Act. Last year, in the Military Commissions Act, the constitutional right of habeas corpus was attempted to be abrogated. I say "attempted to be abrogated" because, in my legal judgment, that provision in the Act is unconstitutional.

   "It is hard to see how there can be legislation to eliminate the constitutional right to habeas corpus when the Constitution is explicit that habeas corpus may not be suspended except in time of invasion or rebellion, and we do not have either of those circumstances present, as was conceded by the advocates of the legislation last year to take away the right of habeas corpus.

   "We have had Supreme Court decisions which have made it plain that habeas corpus is available to non-citizens and that habeas corpus applies to territory controlled by the US, specifically, including Guantanamo. More recently, however, we had a decision in the US District Court applying the habeas corpus jurisdiction stripping provision of the Military Commissions Act, but I believe we will see the appellate courts strike down this legislative provision.

   "The New York Times had an extensive article on this subject, starting on the front page, last Sunday, and continuing on a full page on the back page about what is happening at Guantanamo. It is hard to see how in America, or in a jurisdiction controlled by the United States, these proceedings could substitute for even rudimentary due process of law."

   Source: Habeas Corpus Restoration Act (S.185/H.R.2826) 2007-S185 on Jun 22, 2007

   School assistance to survivors of injured federal police.

   Kerry co-sponsored the Federal Law Enforcement Dependents Assistance Act

   A bill to provide educational assistance to the dependents of Federal law enforcement officials who are killed or disabled in the performance of their duties.

   Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to provide educational assistance to the dependents of civilian Federal law enforcement officers who are killed or are permanently and totally disabled in the line of duty.
   Corresponding House bill is H.R.4111. Became Public Law No: 104-238. Source: Bill sponsored by 12 Senators and 11 Reps 96-S2101 on Sep 20, 1996

   Click here for 19 older quotations from John Kerry on Homeland Security. Click here for definitions & background information on Homeland Security. Click here for VoteMatch responses by John Kerry. Click here for AmericansElect.org quiz by John Kerry. Click here for MyOcracy.org quiz by John Kerry. Click here for a Wikipedia profile of John Kerry. Click here for a Ballotpedia profile of John Kerry.
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