Foreign Policy

"In addition to securing an essential component of our freedom, my legislation would reject the legal limbo of indefinite detention, and bring to justice anyone who would do us harm. We can keep America safe AND protect our civil liberties."

The Congressman voted against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which would expand U.S. involvement in the war in Afghanistan, permit indefinite detention on American soil, and commit to building a multi-billion dollar missile program on the East Coast that the Pentagon says is unneeded and many experts say would not work. Throughout the NDAA process, Congressman Garamendi advocated for vital institutions in Northern California, including Travis and Beale Air Force Bases, the national labs in Livermore, research universities, and high-tech businesses.

"While including some good provisions, overall this bill takes us in the wrong direction," said Congressman Garamendi. "In order to protect funding for crucial defense programs and investments in our economic prosperity, we have to be a responsible guardian of public funds. Cut where we can to protect what we need. Instead, this bill would establish an unending escalated commitment in Afghanistan, wasting billions of dollars propping up a corrupt Karzai government, and it would create new Pentagon projects that defense officials say are wasteful."

“Col. Davis's candid testimony reinforced my own conviction that there is no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan, only the prospect of continued shedding of American blood in a war that is not ours to fight”

"Our brave American servicemembers who are engaged in combat in Afghanistan have selflessly risked everything – many serving four or five tours of duty. It’s time we let them return to their families," Congressman Garamendi said. "We have fought in Afghanistan’s internal civil war on behalf of the corrupt Karzai government for long enough. There is no combat solution to this conflict. I am encouraged by Secretary Panetta’s indication that combat operations will end in 2013, and I urge the administration to make it happen."

Congressman John Garamendi today voted in favor of the modified National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).The new NDAA is significantly improved from the version the House voted on earlier in the year, and it includes provisions vital to maintaining the strength of our Armed Forces.... "This legislation puts personnel first and does right by Travis Air Force Base and other bases in Northern California."

"For decades, Colonel Qaddafi led a brutal regime that murdered, maimed, tortured, intimidated, and imprisoned the Libyan people. Qaddafi also invaded neighboring countries and sponsored terrorism around the world – including the murder of 270 innocent people, among them 189 Americans, in the infamous Lockerbie airplane bombing. I am hopeful that Qaddafi's demise marks a new, brighter chapter for the Libyan people."