Ellen Tauscher — American Politician born on November 15, 1951,

Ellen O'Kane Tauscher is an American politician and member of the Democratic Party who was the U.S. Representative for California's 10th congressional district from 1997 until her resignation in 2009 upon joining the State Department, where she served as the Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs until February 2012. She then served as Special Envoy for Strategic Stability and Missile Defense at the State Department until August 31, 2012... (wikipedia)

We know we cannot underestimate the importance of emergency planning in our region, nor can we assume we'll have ample warning time. If an earthquake or terrorist attack hits, we won't necessarily have advance alerts or opportunities to double- and triple-check our plans.
My heart goes out to victims and survivors of the Hurricane Katrina tragedy and to their families. This disaster will go down in history books as one of the largest natural disasters in U.S. history.
Preemption is the right of any nation in order to preserve its National Security; however, preemptive war is a tactic, not a strategy. When used as a strategy preemption dilutes diplomacy, creates an atmosphere of distrust, and promotes regional instability.
I also believe our country made a promise to veterans and their families. Veterans have kept their end of the bargain, and now, the VA is looking to pull out the rug.
An overstretched military undermines homeland security and our ability to meet threats around the world.