National security

 

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Public Wants Increased National Security Spending, Poll Finds

By: Homeland Security Today Staff

12/17/2014 ( 4:18pm)

More than two thirds of registered voters (69 percent) say that given the evolving and increased threats to America’s security, the US government should increase spending on America’s national security relative to the caps set more than three years ago, according to a new poll.

The poll was conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), which released data Wednesday from the study.

The same number (69 percent) also said they would be more likely to support a candidate for public office who supports increased spending on national security. The study was conducted by telephone in November among over 800 registered voters.

“These numbers don’t surprise me one iota -- the public understands the need to invest in national security and the aerospace technologies that help provide that security and propel economic advancement,” said AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. “The new Congress should sit up and listen to them attentively.”

A majority of voters across party lines (83 percent of Republicans, 63 percent of Independents and 60 percent of Democrats) share the sentiment that the US government should increase national security spending relative to current budget caps.

The poll found that, knowing that military budgets have been cut by nearly $1 trillion since 2012. 73 percent of the respondents said they believe the US is less secure due to cuts in military budgets, including 55 percent of Democrats surveyed in the poll.

Similarly, 69 percent said they believe the US is less secure because military officials say they will be unable to fulfill their missions and protect the country unless spending caps are raised. And the impact (US seems less secure) seems real to most voters, the poll found.

In addition, the study found, nearly four out of five voters (78 percent) say they believe threats to American security raised by increased activity from ISIS/ISIL, Al Qaeda and other groups in Syria and Iraq are increasing, including majorities of Republicans (90 percent), Independents (75 percent) and Democrats (69 percent).

Finally, AIA said, 73 percent say they believe the United States is less secure due to cuts of nearly $1 trillion over the 2012-2022 timeframe in planned budgets for the military, including majorities across the entire political spectrum (Republicans – 90 percent, Independents – 71 percent and Democrats – 55 percent).

“Public polls are at historic lows in terms of voter perceptions of Congress,” Blakey said. “If this new Congress is to restore any faith in our political process, they can start in January by revisiting the budget caps to reflect today's national security needs.”

Source: http://www.hstoday.us/single-article/public-wants-increased-national-security-spending-poll-finds/bf5da8b135304216cc449dea32e9a3bb.html