2nd CD Jim Steiner - Paul Hodes' Failure as to Energy Issues and National Security

  Steiner for CongressP.O. Box 2008Concord, NH   03302FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:New Hampshire and Congress Benefit from Jim Steiner in Congress, as Someone With Experience on National Security IssuesCandidate for Congress Jim Steiner on Paul Hodes' vote in the last 24 hours against a national security assessment to address energy costs:  "In a close vote, where Paul Hodes' vote could have made a real difference, he missed a chance to show he understands the relationship between national security and our dependence on overseas oil by failing to vote in favor of a national intelligence assessment that would have addressed the national security implications of our increasing energy costs.  House Roll Call 502.  Two weeks ago Paul voted against supporting national security when it came time to support the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act ("FISA") legislation." Said Steiner, "it is inexcusable that Paul puts the security of this country on a back burner as if it is academic.  His votes take a 'rolling the dice' gamble that nothing will happen, rather than an approach to be pro-active in providing our intelligence services with the means to protect all Americans.  As to FISA., even his own party voted in support of the law recently signed by President Bush. Every American appreciates that there is a linkage between our dependence on foreign oil supplies and our overall national security. This bill would have addressed a more refined assessment of that link. It is necessary and Paul's help defeating such a close vote leaves the country once again playing defense as to intelligence and security issues."Beginning with the September 9 primary, and then in November, voters have the chance to send Jim Steiner to Congress, the only candidate with actual experience and education in national security issues, at a time such expertise is invaluable.  In addition to his studies in national security at West Point, his military service, and attendance at other courses tailored to national security, in June 2001 Steiner attended and completed the National Security Seminar held at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania as part of the Army War College program. No other candidate has the foundation of leadership and experience that Jim Steiner will bring to Congress from New Hampshire. The proposed assessment Paul Hodes voted down would have addressed the following critical issues: 

• The national security implications of continued dependence on international energy supplies;
• The national use of energy resources as leverage against the United States by Venezuela, Iran, or other potential adversaries of the United States as a result of increased energy prices;
• The national security implications of increases in funding to current or potential adversaries of the United States as a result of increased energy prices;
• An assessment of the likelihood that increased energy prices will directly or indirectly increase financial support for terrorist organizations.