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Congressional candidates weigh in on defense spending

For the next few weeks, the Sun-Gazette will feature issues considered by candidates for the 12th Congressional District.

Answers to a single question each candidate is asked will appear each Sunday.

The U.S. House candidates are Republicans Tom Marino and Doug McLinko and Democrats Judy Herschel and Marc Friedenberg.

The district, as redrawn this year, includes Lycoming, Bradford, Centre, Clinton, Juniata, Mifflin, Northumberland, Perry, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, and Wyoming counties, either in whole or in part.

This week’s question:

The U.S. spends more money on national defense than China, Saudi Arabia, Russia, the United Kingdom, India, France and Japan combined.

Should the U.S. cut defense spending? If so, to which programs should those dollars be diverted?

Marino: “I don’t think the U.S should cut defense at this point. Under the Obama Administration, we pretty much decimated defense. From my experience in foreign affairs, and when I travel around world, the bottom line is the world looks to us for defense. I know it’s working pretty much with North Korea. Iran is pretty much afraid of us. Russia’s military at this point is not up to us. Once we get military up to where it should be, then we need to pay much more attention to the subcontractors who do work for the federal government. Let’s see how this present level of spending works to protecting our borders.”

McLinko: “No, the U.S. should not cut defense spending. We need to protect our borders and build a wall. I agree with the Omnibus Bill. I don’t agree with its provisions for Planned Parenthood and sanctuary cities. If we have a threat somewhere, we need to go in there and take care of it. I believe in carrying a big stick and peace through strength.”

Herschel: “I do believe that having a strong military is very important. I do think we can hold back on the spending. Now is the time for us to invest in many areas. Public education and infrastructure are examples. I don’t want to minimize how important it is to have a strong military. I believe we can take a very hard look at where we are spending our money right now.”

Friedenberg: “I don’t think the U.S. should cut defense spending. I think there is a lot of waste built into the system though. There is a huge markup. I think it adds to the fat for defense spending. The issue of cyber security is one of the most pressing issues we face. We do spend money on cyber security and that’s great. It’s something we need to be much smarter about.”

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