Lawmakers and national security mavens praise Donald Trump's robust plan for national defense-Washington Times, Jennifer Harper

10/22/16, "Lawmakers, security mavens praise Donald Trump’s robust plan for national defense," Washington Times, Jennifer Harper

"A lengthy list of lawmakers and security experts have stepped forward to praise Donald Trump's robust plan for national defense, which includes common-sense proposals like simply re-building a depleted US miltary.

The list includes a dozen members of Congress, led by Reps. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee and Jeff Miller, chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. Also on the roster: a spate of retired generals and admirals and federal officials, including Michael Wynne, former Secretary of the Air Force.

“We believe that Mr. Trump, in consultation with us and distinguished experts in the national security community, will work with active military leadership and Congress to establish and implement a serious and comprehensive long-term plan to rebuild our services,” they note in an open letter [dated Oct. 19].

“Mr. Trump's intention to reform the Defense Department, including a full audit and focused acquisition reform, is much needed and long overdue. His commitment to a comprehensive ballistic missile defense is indispensable in a world of rogue actors and missile proliferation. And we appreciate his understanding of the cyber threat and the steps we must take to defeat it,” the group continued.

“We believe that Donald Trump is a better choice than Hillary Clinton to move our military in the right direction as President of the United States,” they concluded.

Mr. Trump's list of additional security advisors includes Sens. Tom Cotton, Richard Burr, Bob Corker and Jim Inhofe, Rep. Darrell Issa and Mr. McCaul.

In recent weeks, the nominee has also won the endorsement of 354,200 law enforcement officers, including the Fraternal Order of Police, National Border Patrol Council and National Immigration and Customs Enforcement Council.

“We need a person in the White House who doesn’t fear the media, who doesn’t embrace political correctness, who doesn’t need the money, who is familiar with success, who won’t bow to foreign dictators, who is pro-military and values law enforcement, and who is angry for America and not subservient to the interests of other nations. Donald Trump is such a man,” noted the Border Patrol officers in their endorsement.

Last month, Mr. Trump garnered endorsements from 120 retired admirals and generals plus 25 Medal of Honor recipients who praised his support of the military and declared he had “the temperament to be commander in chief.”"



..........................