Congressional Democrats To Unveil Real Security Agenda

Today I will join retired U.S. general Wesley Clark and House and Senate Democrats to unveil a new national security agenda that will enhance our military capability, destroy terrorist networks, strengthen homeland security, and free America from its dependence on foreign oil.

I am pleased to see my party stand together with a real agenda for protecting America's citizens. America is tired of seeing its military stretched thin, its ports contracted out to foreign countries, and thousands of citizens forgotten in the Gulf Coast without homes, electricity, or running water. It is time to restore America's faith in its government by making national security a top priority.

Our Real Security Agenda would:

Establish Unparalleled Military Strength

• Rebuild a state-of-the art military by making needed investments in manpower and equipment.
• Enact a GI Bill or Rights that guarantees all troops – active, reserve, or retired – and our veterans, adequate pay, health care, and mental health services.
• Work with our nation's Governors to strengthen the National Guard to ensure it is fully manned and equipped to meet missions at home and abroad.

Destroy Terrorist Networks

• Eliminate Osama Bin Laden, destroy the al Qaeda terrorist network, and end the threat posed by the Taliban.
• Double the size of our Special Forces and increase investment in intelligence.
• Seize all loose nuclear materials by 2010 that terrorists could use to build nuclear weapons or "dirty bombs".

Renew America's Commitment to Homeland Security

• Implement all the bipartisan 9/11 Commission recommendations including securing our national borders, ports, airports, and mass transit systems.
• Screen 100% of all cargo that enters the United States.
• Prevent foreign outsourcing of our national security infrastructure such as ports, airports, and mass transit.

Energy Independence

• Achieve energy independence by 2020 by eliminating reliance on oil from the Middle East and other unstable regions of the world.
• Increase production of alternative fuels including bio-fuels and clean coal. Promote hybrid and flex fuel vehicle technology. Enhance energy efficiency and conservation incentives.