Benjamin Wittes Quotes

I would say national security is work in progress.

National security, both internal and external, is a challenge.

Many threats to the homeland begin overseas, and that's where we need to be.

One of our pillars has to be national security - our nation's security both domestically and abroad.

Counter-terrorism is not solely a military matter.

With terrorism becoming the increasing tactic of choice, the military component would become a smaller component of our national security system.

Our nation must manage significant national security challenges over the next several years. We are already facing a potential conflict with Iraq, new challenges on the Korean peninsula, and key decisions in the president's plans to transform the military.

Look, we constantly live looking at the issue of the threat of terrorism.

Intelligence is our first line of defense against terrorism, and we must improve the collection capabilities and analysis of intelligence to protect the security of the United States and its allies.

Why has an administration that talks so much about terrorism and homeland security demonstrated so little competence when it comes to securing the homeland?

The administration asserts that two thirds or three quarters of al-Qaeda’s managers have been captured or killed, and that al-Qaeda must therefore be on the ropes. Why spend vast sums defending against it?

The safety and security of the nation depends more so than ever before on intelligence.

The counterterrorism strategy known as CONTEST aimed to reduce the risk to the UK and its interests overseas from terrorism, so that people can go about their lives freely and with confidence.

Our best line of defense, trying to keep this nation safe and secure, is an effective intelligence-gathering capability, with robust congressional oversight.

Our safety and security is more important than ever, and Congress needs to take an active role in enforcing international agreements that support global security.

I'm honored to sit on the House Intelligence Committee and am proud to chair the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities.

As a national security aid, I worked with our military to strengthen our national defense.

I believe when the country feels threatened it is important that we are seen to be working together to find an appropriate structure for dealing with terrorists in our midst.

Counterterrorism isn't really about the nunchakus, the guns and gadgets. It's about psychology.

Improving our national intelligence capabilities should remain a top priority and a continual process.

I believe the war on terror is the vital discussion of this decade and of our generation, probably. To win the war on terror, you need a good offense and a good defense. On defense, I regret to say, basically, this administration has not come close to doing what is necessary.

You can't get closer to the heart of national sovereignty than national security and intelligence services.

I think that the American people should rest assured and be assured that every federal agency that has a role to play in this terrorism is working overtime now, taking every necessary action to protect our great citizens.

We all must recognize that homeland security funds should be allocated by threat and no other reason.

Let me remind you all that the first task of American foreign policy is to reduce threats to the United States.