U.S. Rep. Howard "Buck" McKeon

As Americans, it is our duty to ensure that our troops are well equipped to fulfill their missions and return home safely. As the Representative of the 25th District of California and Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, I take this duty very seriously.

Our men and women who fight for our freedoms deserve the best funding, training and equipment. We must never sacrifice their protection.

The fiscal crisis in Washington has posed grave threats to the security of our nation. The defense of our country accounts for 20% of our federal budget, however 50% of our overall spending cuts are now being forced on the backs of our service men and women.

We cannot solve the fiscal crisis on the backs of our troops or what will happen the next time that we are attacked?

Not only will these dangerous cuts drastically impact our armed service members, but it threatens thousands of jobs right here at home.  The aerospace and defense industries are the lifeblood of many of our communities here in the 25th District.

I am committed to making sure that we do not break our promises to our heroes and that we keep our nation safe in a world of increasing security threats. A robust national defense is crucial to the long-term success of our communities and our country.

We cannot afford this dangerous hit on our troops, national security and American jobs.  Please take a moment to watch this video about our community and saving our national defense.

Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon, R-Santa Clarita, represents California’s 25th congressional district.