| In
the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, the American people
are perhaps more aware today than at any time since the end
of World War II of the importance of maintaining strong U.S.
international leadership and a military that is second to
none. My lifelong commitment to upholding these values began
as a young man. |
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I learned from my father, a member of the U.S. Foreign Service, that
the United States has a unique and important role to play in promoting
democracy and respect for human rights around the world. These lessons
have greatly impacted my work over the last 18 years on the Senate
Foreign Relations Committee, where I have promoted active and responsible
U.S. engagement in global affairs. I continue to work for full funding
of a robust international affairs budget to give U.S. diplomats the
tools they need to develop strong relationships with our friends and
allies and to promote our long-term economic, political and security
interests. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia and Pacific
Affairs, I continue to work to ensure that U.S. policies in the region
reflect the American commitment to peace, progress and human dignity.
My commitment to supporting a U.S. military that
is second to none is rooted in my service in the Navy during Vietnam,
commanding a swift boat in the Mekong Delta. My two tours in Vietnam
gave me a firsthand understanding of the sacrifice and courage of
those who have served and fought to defend our country. It also
taught me the grave responsibility that America's leaders have to
ensure that we do not demand these sacrifices lightly, nor take
them for granted. In my 18 years in the Senate, I have taken this
responsibility very seriously, working to ensure that the military
is deployed overseas only when the objectives are clear, the support
of the American people is solid, and the ability of the Armed Forces
to pursue their mission is unrestricted by political considerations.
I am also committed to providing quality health care and housing
to our military families, as well as ensuring competitive wages
for those who volunteer to serve our country. While I believe that
our limited defense dollars must be spent wisely and efficiently,
we must provide the training, equipment and technology that allow
our Armed Forces to successfully meet the daunting security challenges
of the 21st century.
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