Loretta Sanchez for U.S. Senate
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 4, 2016
CONTACT: Press Office, 714-774-0236
Former Congressman and House Armed Services Chair Howard P. “Buck” McKeon Endorses Loretta Sanchez for U.S. Senate
“Loretta has the National Security and Foreign Relations Experience Needed in the Senate,” Says McKeon
Orange, CA – The Loretta for U.S. Senate Campaign announced the endorsement of former Congressman Howard Philip “Buck” McKeon (R-CA) in her bid to replace retiring Senator Barbara Boxer. The former Chairman of the Armed Services Committee cited her work in keeping the nation and American troops safe as reasons for his backing.
“I have worked closely with Loretta for many years and have seen firsthand her ability to put partisanship aside and work with Democrats and Republicans to help move policies forward that better protect our troops and the homeland,” said former Congressman McKeon. “She has traveled all over the world to meet with our military leaders and has earned the respect of her colleagues and that of foreign leaders. Loretta comes from a military family and she understands the challenges and sacrifices that they go through. Her military knowledge and committee experience is needed in the Senate and that’s why I encourage my fellow Californians to join me in supporting Loretta Sanchez for U.S. Senator.”
“I am extremely honored to have the vote of confidence of my friend and former colleague,” said Rep. Loretta Sanchez. “As Senator, I will apply my legislative experience to represent all the people of California and will use my foreign relations knowledge to fight for America’s national security interests here and abroad. My 20-years of national security experience speaks to my capacity to be ready to work on day-one.”
During her tenure on the Armed Services Committee, Congresswoman Sanchez often visited American troops overseas, witnessing firsthand the courage and strength of the military men and women serving overseas. As a member of the Congressional Military Families Caucus, Rep. Sanchez also understands the unique challenges that veterans face as they return to civilian life. She has advocated for full funding for veterans’ healthcare programs, increased services for wounded veterans, and expedited payment of GI Bill benefits.
A champion for women in the military, Congresswoman Sanchez has never wavered in fighting for female military interests. Despite powerful opposition, she successfully revised Article 120 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to include a meaningful sexual assault statute that punishes offenders, empowers survivors of abuse and establishes a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual assault. In addition, Congresswoman Sanchez led the fight to increase public awareness and accountability of sexual assault in the military through the development of various policies, including a Sexual Assault Database and her Track it to Prevent it Act, included in the 2009 and 2014 National Defense Authorization Acts.
California is home to the second-largest population of women serving in the military and Rep. Sanchez has been the leader in expanding opportunities in the military for women. She will continue to fight for expanded health care access for women in the military including treatments for infertility and in-vitro fertilization.
As a U.S. Senator, she will continue to ensure that the federal government is fulfilling its obligations to the men and women in uniform and honoring veterans of all ages for their sacrifices and service.