Jim Langevin's Campaign for Family Security

National security is also about family security -- the security that comes from knowing the things Americans depend on will be there when we need them.

Family security is about health care security: Every family in this country should have access to high-quality, affordable health care - both to prevent illness and disease, and to combat them when they strike. That's why I've proposed a system of universal health care that provides all Americans with the same kind of coverage members of Congress have, and it's why as we stand on the threshold of a new generation of medical breakthroughs that I've fought for federal support for stem cell research.

Family security is about education security: Our children should be learning in 21st-century schools that support cutting-edge technology. Our teachers should have better resources and more professional development opportunities. And high school seniors should consider it a right, not a privilege, to attend college, regardless of where they live or how much money their family has. That's why, in support of all these things, I've fought for increased funding for No Child Left Behind, Pell Grants and teacher training.

Family security is about economic security: While CEO's rake in record compensation, too many working families in Rhode Island are being left behind. We need a minimum wage that is truly a livable wage. We need to support the small businesses that are the real job creators in this state. We need to fund job training that can help workers transition into new fields when their jobs are threatened by a global economy. And as workers approach retirement, we need to make sure they have access to the pensions and Social Security benefits they have counted on.

Family security is about environmental security: We need to take steps now to ensure that the natural treasures we hold so dear are there for our grandchildren to enjoy. Rhode Islanders, surrounded as we are by such majestic natural resources, have a unique appreciation for the urgency of environmental protection, and I will work to make sure this perspective is echoed in Washington.

Family security is about housing security: In far too many communities, there is a dire shortage of affordable housing for low- and middle-income families. We need to provide federal support and incentives to create more affordable housing, and allow every family to achieve the dream of homeownership.

And family security is about energy security: Republicans in Washington are proposing even more giveaways to oil and gas companies, while Rhode Islanders are forced to choose between filling up the gas tank and other basic needs. But we cannot simply drill our way out of this crisis. That's why I support the New Apollo Energy Act, to provide a comprehensive national energy policy that guarantees access to affordable power, promotes clean and renewable energy sources and encourages conservation efforts.

To me, national security is family security, which is a combination of all of these issues and more. If our families are not secure, our country cannot be secure. From health care to homeland security, it will take the combined efforts of all of us to ensure that this generation, and those that follow, are safe in their communities and proud of their country.