Withdrawn / Biden on National Security
Words: Biden supported the PATRIOT Act and the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations, but opposes warrantless wiretapping and the suspension of habeas corpus. He voted in favor of invading both Afghanistan and Iraq, but has since said his support for the latter was a mistake (due to mismanagement). He also feels that “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” is antiquated and unworkable: “It is ridiculous to turn away brave and patriotic Americans who volunteer to serve solely because of their sexual orientation–especially in light of the Defense Department’s recent decision to extend tours of duty in Iraq.”
Actions: Biden was rejected for military service for medical reasons, but would have been eligible in a national emergency. He voted AGAINST amending the ABM Treaty to allow the deployment of the missile defense system (1996), FOR banning chemical weapons (1997), AGAINST prohibiting same-sex basic training (1998), FOR a military pay raise (1999), FOR deploying National Missile Defense (1999), AGAINST cutting nuclear weapons to below START levels (1999), FOR another round of military base closures (1999), FOR adopting the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (1999), FOR the authorization for the use of force in Iraq (2002), FOR restoring $565M for states’ and ports’ first responders (2005), FOR restricting business with foreign companies with links to terrorism (2005), AGAINST the PATRIOT Act’s wiretap provision (2005), FOR reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act (2006), FOR requiring CIA reports on interrogation techniques (2006), FOR preserving habeas corpus for Guantanamo detainees (2006), and FOR implementing the 9/11 Commission report (2007). Peace Action has given Biden a rating of 80% and the Center for Security Policy has given him a rating of 21%.
