U.S. Must Reinforce its Diplomatic Presence Around the World

KINDERHOOK, NY … October 27, 2016 — John Faso, who is running for the 19th Congressional district, today joined Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY21), local and regional emergency response and law enforcement agencies, students and local stakeholders in a frank discussion about national security and emergency preparedness.

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY21), local and regional emergency response and law enforcement agencies, students and local stakeholders in a frank discussion about national security and emergency preparedness.

During the roundtable discussion, which was led by Rep. Stefanik, Vice Chair, House Armed Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Readiness at the nonpartisan Oneonta Vets Club in Oneonta, Faso emphasized the need to strengthen our military, modernize our weapons systems and ensure our forces are well equipped around the globe — while also streamlining expensive and burdensome procurement procedures.

“The United States’s presence must be known and felt in unstable regions around the world,” Faso said. “We must respond to security threats at home and abroad while simultaneously reinforcing our diplomatic presence. We need leaders in Congress who understand the complex threats that face us and are willing to stand up to the president when necessary, and work with fellow lawmakers to ensure our nation’s safety.”

Read more about Faso’s national security plans here.

In attendance were law enforcement and emergency responders from Delaware, Schoharie and Otsego counties. Specific topics that came up from stakeholders were serious threats from Iran, ISIS, radical islamic terrorism, the potential spread of nuclear weapons around the world, securing our own borders and preventing acts of terrorism at home and abroad. Also discussed were issues of opioid abuse, treatment and response; the need for better cell service and broadband and the securing resources for law enforcement.

“We face a wide range of serious threats throughout the world that threaten the safety and security of our nation,” said Rep. Stefanik. “We need people in Congress who understand these dangers and can work with others to ensure our national and homeland defenses are up to the challenge. I believe John Faso is that kind of leader, and I’m grateful for his participation in today’s important discussion.”

Faso is running on the Republican, Conservative, Independence and Reform lines in November’s general election.

Faso is running to fill the seat now held by Congressman Chris Gibson (R), who is not seeking re-election. As a member of the New York Assembly, Faso developed and pushed proposals that led to real balanced budgets – including the first reduction in state spending in decades while closing a $5 billion deficit. He championed legislation that made a difference for tens of thousands of families such as the STAR program and education and real property tax reform. A former board member of the Rockefeller Institute of Government, Faso also served for three years as a member of the Control Board that worked to fix the financial and managerial issues of the City of Buffalo and its school system.

Mr. Faso and his wife, Mary Frances, a registered nurse, are the proud parents of two children. They have lived in Kinderhook, New York, for more than three decades.

John Faso (R-Kinderhook) is former Republican leader of the state Assembly and candidate for Congress in the 19th Congressional district. To learn more about Faso, visit johnfaso.com.

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