The primary responsibility expressly outlined for the federal government in the Constitution is providing for the national defense. Congress faces no greater duty than ensuring that members of our armed forces have the training, equipment, and funding necessary to protect citizens of the United States and our interests abroad.

America faces rising security challenges on multiple fronts, including the re-emergence of strategic competitors like Russia and China; the nuclear ambitions of Iran and North Korea; instability across the Middle East; and the critical need to continually pressure terrorist groups, including ISIS and Al Qaeda. 

Congressman McHenry has consistently voted to provide our troops with the resources and support they need. Years of budget cuts have seriously impaired the readiness of the United States military. That is why the Congressman supported the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, which helps restore readiness and provides additional assistance to military families. He also voted to provide our troops with a 3.1% pay increase, their largest in a decade.

Congressman McHenry believes Israel is one of our most sacred allies, and, as the only democracy in the Middle East, we must support their security. As Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, he consistently works to combat the hateful Boycott, Divest, and Sanctions (BDS) movement that has been employed to delegitimize and isolate the state of Israel. Congressman McHenry is also a strong supporter of the memorandum of understanding which provides $38 billion in foreign aid to Israel over ten years.