Stronger Security Abroad
Maria believes that we must keep our country safe and secure, and that we can help advance that goal by using our power and influence to promote freedom and democracy. Our nation has a unique responsibility to help end poverty, injustice and human rights abuses around the world. Maria believes we must to a better job of fulfilling that responsibility, from engaging in real diplomacy to achieving stability in Iraq so we can bring our troops home.
Fighting Terrorism
Because we face the ongoing threat of terrorism at home and abroad, Maria has fought for increased funding and new technology to keep Americans safe and strengthen our aviation security. Maria has called for increased international cooperation to bring terrorists to justice. And she is pushing for legislation to stop terrorists from using identity theft to enter our country.
Achieving Stability and Bringing Our Troops Home
Maria strongly opposes the establishment of permanent military bases in Iraq. She believes that 2006 must be a year of transition, when we bring more of our troops home and work to achieve stability through greater international cooperation. The U.S. must step up political and diplomatic efforts to bring stability to Iraq and rally the world to help Iraq succeed on its own. We must get the Iraqi people on their feet and U.S. troops home. In April, Maria took her concerns to the White House about the Bush administration's current course in Iraq. President Bush has failed to provide the leadership we need to build international support and ensure that Iraqi security forces can take over security. Maria knows that we have a responsibility to do better.
Providing Our Troops with the Resources They Need
Maria has worked to protect our National Guard and Reserve troops, including Washington's 81st Brigade, from extended deployments. Washington's 81st Brigade has exceeded its authorized troop level and has received only sixty percent of the equipment it needs. Maria knows we must do better. She helped push through the Senate $445 million to equip Army and Marine vehicles in Iraq and Afghanistan with armor to help protect our troops from roadside bombs. Maria continues to push for more funding to provide our troops with needed body armor.
Fighting Poverty, Funding Health Care and Promoting Human Rights
Maria has pushed to require the U.S. government to develop effective strategies for combating global poverty and improving our national security. Maria wrote a provision, passed by Congress, to require a full reporting of the impact of global poverty on our national security. This year, Maria voted to provide millions of dollars in international aid to promote democratic institutions, human rights, and the rule of law. Maria has worked to secure funding for the global fight against AIDS/HIV and tuberculosis. She cosponsored and worked to pass bipartisan legislation to promote freedom of the press around the world.
Ending Violence in Darfur
Violence in Darfur has left hundreds of thousands dead and millions displaced. Maria believes that we must rise to this challenge and continue to push for peace in Darfur, and that we must work with the United Nations, NATO, and African Union to make sure people get the humanitarian assistance they need. Maria has worked to deliver millions in emergency funding for disaster and famine assistance efforts to Darfur.
Securing Women's Rights Abroad
Maria has worked to protect women's rights around the world. She has fought to end the global gag rule, worked to secure essential health care resources to women, and pushed for equality in Iraq, Afghanistan and other areas around the globe.