In the News

President Obama's decision to scrap a long-planned European-based missile defense shield was not only met with concern among our European allies, but more importantly, has sounded alarms here at home where the president's action would leave the nation vulnerable to Iranian long-range missile attack. .

The focus of my remarks this morning is to provide a congressional perspective on missile defense; my reactions to recent missile defense decisions by the Obama Administration, including its announcement to scrap plans to deploy missile defense assets in Poland and the Czech Republic; and the implications of such decisions. .

Not only will President Obama's plan have serious consequences for our struggling economy, but would likely result in higher costs for American families and businesses, and place at risk Medicare benefits for millions of seniors. Unfortunately, real reforms that could actually improve the current system are being ignored by both the president and the majority in Congress. .

Vacant homes in many neighborhoods throughout our state are a stark reminder that mortgage foreclosures continue to play a major role in destabilizing the foundation of our economy. Predatory and subprime mortgages, combined with substantial job losses, have led to increasing home foreclosures, home abandonment, and falling housing prices throughout Ohio. The problem affects us all. .

Some 20 years after the fall of the Soviet Union, NATO's role as a stabilizing force is still necessary and should not be marginalized as the White House searches for new ways to court Moscow. .