As an intelligence officer in the U.S. Air Force, I’ve seen the threats our country faces firsthand. Keeping our country safe starts with strengthening our national defense, supporting our veterans, and securing our border.

While I served our country as an airborne intelligence officer, I flew reconnaissance missions off the coasts of Russia and China. After 9/11, I deployed three times to the Middle East and flew over 700 combat hours. I also served as Director of Cybersecurity at the White House’s National Security Council combating cyber-attacks from foreign adversaries. Through these jobs, I’ve learned firsthand that battlefields are just as likely to be digital as physical.  As a result, we must provide adequate training to U.S. national security personnel and support innovative technology to counter cyber attacks. As a member of the House Financial Services Committee, this also includes protecting our financial institutions and digital assets.

Another important component of ensuring our country is safe is improved border security. We have a humanitarian crisis at our Southern Border with apprehensions and crime happening at levels we’ve never seen before. The border needs to be secured, and we need to prioritize this now before crime gets worse. We can secure our border while also prioritizing legal immigration reform.

Finally, we also must support those who have put their life on the line to serve.  In Congress, I’m working to prioritize access to veteran health benefits, better resources for mental health, and assistance to help military families.  I will always support America’s veterans.

The bottom line is that a safe nation is a strong nation, so I will keep fighting in Congress to prioritize our national defense, veterans, and border security.