On the Issues: National Security

Veterans

Qasim understands we must serve and support our Veterans, not just with lip service, but with actual progress. As the younger brother of a US Marine Veteran, he’s seen first hand the struggles of former service-members, and is committed to use that experience to fight for change. Virginia’s First District is home both to the Marine Corps Base Quantico and the Dahlgren Naval Base, so change is more critical than ever for our District. That change includes but is not limited to:

Expanding funding for the VA to make sure our veterans get accessible, effective medical treatment whenever they need it.
Funding affordable housing for our veterans. As of January 2019, there are over 30,000 homeless veterans in the United States. No one who has served our country should be without a roof over their head.
In 2011, 1.3 million veterans relied on the VA for mental health-related issues, yet on average, 22 veterans commit suicide a day. We must give our veterans the access to mental health treatment they need.
Supporting low income veterans who are on Medicaid and SNAP.
Expanding support for military families who want to further their education, re-enter the civilian workforce, and start small businesses.

To read more on Qasim’s Compassion for Veterans plan, click here.

National Security

Qasim Rashid believes we must ensure every nickel spent on national defense helps prepare America for 21st century threats, including pandemic, climate change, and terrorism. Diplomacy matters, and an effective State Department will help reduce spending on the Defense Department. Even former Trump Secretary of Defense, James Mattis, told Congress, “If you don’t fund the State Department fully, then I need to buy more ammunition ultimately.”

The Defense Department has an important role to play in foreign policy and must have the resources necessary to protect. But we should not be running our foreign policy through the Pentagon. It’s time to invest in diplomacy, and take time during the COVID-19 pandemic to think about what national security truly means in a 21st century world.

After winning World War II, America and her allies created international organizations designed to bring democracy to people around the globe. US foreign policy must acknowledge our interdependent world and emphasize cooperation through these institutions. This includes the World Health Organization.
As a human rights lawyer, Qasim knows that we must rely on our core American principles of liberty and human dignity while navigating this interdependent world. These principles can and must coexist with a robust US national defense strategy.
The US Department of Defense understands how climate change will affect national security, and our military leaders know that a robust US national defense strategy must account for the disruption this will bring. Rising sea levels will threaten defense installations across the world, including Naval Support Facility Dahlgren in the First District as well as Langley Air Force Base and Norfolk Naval Base elsewhere in Virginia. Agricultural disruption will force people to leave their homes and cause migration of climate refugees across borders. Water could become as critical as oil. In Congress I’ll work to protect critical national security infrastructure in Virginia and across the US. And I’ll listen to military leaders so we can make sure they have the resources and people needed to defend America if attacked and protect US interests against the new threats climate change will bring.
As Eisenhower warned us, “the foundation of military strength is economic strength.” A robust national security establishment depends on a level economic playing field with thriving workers who have a chance to build family wealth.
The United States spends twice as much on national defense as China and Russia combined. We can spend this money more wisely and find ways to cut costs. US defense spending priorities must focus on foreign threats, assemble the defense infrastructure necessary to protect Americans from these threats, and support the men and women who defend our way of life, while they’re serving and after they serve.

Terms & Conditions

I agree to follow all recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and all local officials in regards to precautions and guidelines for COVID-19.

I hereby certify that I am over the age of eighteen (18) and make this agreement of my own free will, individually, in order to participate in the Compassion Through Action Program. If I am participating in Compassion Through Action as a volunteer and will be utilizing my vehicle for the program, I certify that I have a valid driver’s license, my vehicle is registered, and I carry the minimum insurance required by law.

I hereby acknowledge that my participation in the Compassion Through Action Program creates certain risks and liabilities that are outside the control of RASHID FOR CONGRESS. I understand that RASHID FOR CONGRESS is utilizing volunteers and working to assist those in need. As a result, RASHID FOR CONGRESS cannot control the actions of the volunteers or those who are seeking assistance. RASHID FOR CONGRESS is not responsible for the behavior or actions of the volunteers or those seeking assistance. The volunteers and those seeking assistance are not agents of RASHID FOR CONGRESS. I realize that liability may arise from negligence, gross negligence, recklessness, or carelessness of the volunteers or those seeking assistance.

I further acknowledge that it is my responsibility to consult a medical physician prior to participating in the Compassion Through Action program to determine if my participation is a risk to my health. If my participation in Compassion Through Action were to cause physical health issues at any time, I acknowledge that it is my duty to discontinue participation immediately and consult a physician.

In consideration for my participation in the Compassion Through Action Program, I hereby waive, release and discharge RASHID FOR CONGRESS and its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, members, representatives, managers, and agents, in addition to all successors, and assigns of the above from any and all liability for any damages that may result from my participation in the Compassion Through Action Program, including, but not limited to actions of any kind which may hereafter accrue to myself as a result of my participation in Compassion Through Action. I hereby indemnify and hold harmless the entities or persons mentioned in this paragraph from any and all liabilities or claims made by other individuals or entities as a result of my participation in Compassion Through Action.

I assume all risks of injury, loss and damage to myself and my personal and real property during my participation in Compassion Through Action, fully realizing that RASHID FOR CONGRESS and its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, members, representatives, managers, and agents, in addition to all successors, and assigns are held harmless from all liabilities, claims, demands, costs, losses, expenses or compensation of whatever nature for loss, damage or injuries to persons and property sustained by me; and the heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns of myself, from any damage or injury, to body or property, resulting from or in any way connected with my participation in Compassion Through Action.

I further agree to reimburse RASHID FOR CONGRESS and its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, members, representatives, managers, and agents, in addition to all successors, and assigns for all court costs and attorney fees in defending an action.

The Waiver, Release of Liability, and Assumption of Risk shall be construed broadly to provide a release and waiver to the maximum extent permissible under applicable law. I hereby certify that I have read this document and I understand its contents.

I agree and acknowledge that I am under no pressure or duress to sign this Agreement and that I have been given a reasonable opportunity to review these before signing. I further agree and acknowledge that I am free to have my own legal counsel review these terms if I so desire.

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On the Issues: National Security