However, major deficiencies in the Act are significantly contributing to Missouri s current farm crisis. Congress must amend the Freedom to Farm Act to restore reasonable safety net measures - such as increased marketing loan assistance to help our family farmers get through severe economic downturns in the agricultural sector. In addition, we must continue to open new markets for agricultural exports and assist our farmers in developing value-added products. We must maintain the strongest military in the world, and it must be combat ready at all times. Our first military priority is to protect our people and our freedom.
Military personnel are our greatest national security asset.
Increased funding is needed to address readiness shortfalls, anti-terrorism initiatives, and critical personnel and retention issues. I have voted for legislation to increase pay and benefits of our brave servicemen and women, and to ensure full health coverage for our veterans. We should only consider military deployment when compelling national interests are at stake. Describe your political philosophy. The guiding principle of my political philosophy is to trust free people to make consequential decisions.