For all of those who serve our community and our great Nation, you deserve the same courage from your Congressional Representative as you display every day.

 Last summer, Congress voted to increase their own credit (the debt ceiling debate). Part of this compromise (see Representation vs. Compromise) was mandatory cuts (over 10%) to the military budget if Congress could not agree on spending cuts. They didn’t agree. The military is being cut. Congress still has no budget. Congress is out of credit again. As your Congressman, I will never allow you, our military members, to pay the penalty for Congressional incompetence.

 This reverse logic doesn’t stop at the federal government. Local officials frequently threaten police and firefighter reductions whenever budgetary discipline is expected from them. As your Congressman, I will conduct a Congressional inquiry to determine who received funding ahead of police and firefighters in such cases. Those who protect and serve will no longer be used as cover for politicians’ pet pork.

 The brave men and women who defend our borders should not be subject to political pandering, mixed messages, and downright betrayal. As your Congressman, I will never allow another agent to be out-gunned and out numbered.

 The pensions and benefits of public servants are promises. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Police, Firefighters, and Border Agents risked their lives daily for our safety and security. Promises were made to them and their families about the pensions and benefits they would receive. As your Congressman, I will fight for your pensions and benefits. Anything less than complete implementation would bring dishonor on our Nation.

 I know you occupy positions of honor and carry the public trust. I also know your retirements have been paid in advance each and every time you have gone out into danger on our behalf. Thank you.