Congressman Paul Ryan
U.S. Representative Paul Ryan (R-Janesville) slams the president during his speech to a security conference in Washington Wednesday.
Ryan emphasizes the need to fortify the military, have a stronger vision for foreign policy, and not to prematurely leave Afghanistan.
During a meeting of the Center for a New American Security in Washington, the Janesville Republican criticizes President Obama for not backing up his own words with actions. “Our friends think we’re adrift, and our rivals think we’re sinking. Our credibility is at risk, and with it our security. So our job, as I see it, is to rebuild our credibility — both our resources and our reputation. We have to develop the full range of our power.” And, Ryan says, “That means we have to develop our military. But we shouldn’t be quick to use it.”
AUDIO: Ryan says if we want to lead our allies into the 21st century, then we need a military that’s ready for the 21st century. :45
The 2012 Republican vice presidential nominee explains, “We prepare for war so we can keep the peace.” Ryan says the United States has to convince friends and rivals that our country is strong. “Al Qaeda and its fellow travelers are in nooks and crannies all around the world. And all too often they hide in the shadows of their state sponsors. We should be ready to use every weapon in our arsenal to root them out: drone strikes, direct strikes, or economic sanctions. And we should deny weapons of mass destruction to their state sponsors.”
AUDIO: Ryan says the greatest threat to American leadership is our national debt. :27
Ryan tells the group the fight against terrorism is global, and the U.S. needs its partners to help fight it. He slams Obama for cutting defense budgets every year, and says it’s “hurting both our current and our future capabilities.” Ryan also stresses the importance of bringing the troops home from Afghanistan “as soon as possible,” he says, “but not before we finish the job.”