Our National Security
Thanks to the exceptional men and women of our armed services and our intelligence community, our nation is safer today than it was a decade ago. We defeated the number one threat to America, Osama bin Laden, took down many of the leaders of al Qaeda and weakened the Taliban. But many challenges remain in the ever changing global environment.
The most pressing issue facing us is Iran. Iran is hostile to the United States, Israel, and many other western nations. It is a volatile and unstable regime that is bent on developing nuclear weapons and exerting its influence on other Middle Eastern countries that are in various states of instability and evolution after the initial “Arab Spring” uprising. To ensure America’s security, we should consider all option in preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, including taking all possible diplomatic steps to deter Iran.
Terrorism also remains a paramount concern. Although we have defeated Osama bin Laden and severely weakened al Qaeda, terrorists are still out there and still threaten the United States. We must remain vigilant about terrorism and be adept in fighting it in all its incarnations. Last but not least, as we withdraw from Afghanistan and bring an end to an over decade long war, we must ensure that we are not turning the country over to enemy hands.
Securing our Local Communities
As a deputy sheriff, I understand the unique challenges our law enforcement personnel faces. But I also know how well our police officers and firefighters can function if provided with the resources to protect our communities. Our first responders are an integral part of our local communities in creating a sense of security and trust. Politicians need to stop using public safety issues to score political points that drive wedges between law enforcement and the people they serve.
Rich's Priorities:
Creating Jobs
The most important issue we face as a nation is strengthening our economy and creating jobs. Whether it was running Southern Arizona’s first trauma center, or helping run one of the world’s leading health and wellness companies, I’ve learned a few things about building a business and creating jobs. Too few politicians in W…
Fixing a Broken Immigration System
I have a unique perspective of the complexities of this issue – I’m Hispanic and have worked along the border as a deputy sheriff and doctor for more than 25 years. I’ve witnessed first hand how our nation’s immigration system is broken. I’ve seen the human cost of not having a workable solution. I’ve see…
Balancing the Budget Responsibly
We can’t afford for Washington to continue to play the same old political games with the budget. Just in the last year, we have seen repeated threats of government shut downs, gone to the brink of default and listened to overheated rhetoric that gets us nowhere. If members of Congress were running a business or were on a c…
Holding Washington Accountable
Washington has proven over and over again that it is in need of adult supervision to do the right thing. As long as Congress can't responsibly reduce the budget deficit, I propose we cut their pay until they complete their jobs. And we ought to also freeze it until they do their job and balance the budget. Congress needs to start feel…
Preserving Social Security and Medicare
While Social Security faces challenges in the future, we must approach it from a position of preserving, not destroying, this retirement security. This is a program that belongs to the American people – we all pay into it. I do not support efforts to privatize Social Security and strongly oppose the use of the Social Security Trust Fu…
Our National Security
Thanks to the exceptional men and women of our armed services and our intelligence community, our nation is safer today than it was a decade ago. We defeated the number one threat to America, Osama bin Laden, took down many of the leaders of al Qaeda and weakened the Taliban. But many challenges remain in the ever changing global envi…
Protecting Women's Health Care
Throughout my time as U.S. Surgeon General, I remained steadfast in my belief that every woman should have access to comprehensive health care, including retaining access to reproductive health care options and FDA-approved prescription contraceptives. As a medical doctor, I know that a woman’s access and choice of reproductive healt…
Providing for our Veterans
I’m a disabled veteran and former combat medic, I know the struggles our service men and women go through in the field, in addition to transitioning into civilian life. Veterans have placed their lives on the line to protect our country. They are entitled to the benefits they have earned and deserve. I have had the honor of ser…
