Event Recaps

Democracy = National Security, an Issue One event


  • William Gray

Even as the United States faces threats from North Korea and terrorist groups abroad, while foreign powers such as China continue to grow in influence, the greatest threat to America’s national security is from within: the overwhelming dysfunction crippling our government. Deep divisions between the nation’s political parties, the outsized power of money and special interests in the policymaking process, a paralyzed legislative branch largely incapable of compromise and a lack of leadership from the Trump administration are creating confusion at home and power vacuums overseas.

Please join Issue One’s ReFormers Caucus and John Hamre, President & CEO of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) for a press conference attacking the roots of dysfunction in Washington  and the unveiling of a bold and bipartisan prescription for returning government to the American people, backed by a legislative framework to solve this crisis. 

Speakers include:

  • John Hamre, President & CEO, the Center for Strategic and International Studies
    • 26th U.S. deputy secretary of defense (1997-1999) 
    • Fmr. Defense Policy Board Chair
  • Tim Roemer, ReFormers Caucus Co-Chair
    • Fmr. Ambassador to India (2009-2011)
    • National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission), Commissioner
    • Fmr. Indiana Democratic Congressman (1991-2003)
  • Zach Wamp, ReFormers Caucus Co-Chair
    • Fmr. Tennessee Republican Congressman (1995-2011)
  • Connie Morella, ReFormers Caucus Co-Chair
    • Fmr. Maryland Republican Congresswoman (1987-2003)
  • Richard Lugar
    • Fmr. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair (2003-2007)
    • Fmr. Indiana Republican Senator (1977-2013)
  • Porter Goss*
    • Fmr. Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (2005-2006)
    • Fmr. Director of Central Intelligence (2004-2005)
    • Fmr. House Intelligence Committee Chair (1997-2004)
    • Fmr. Florida Republican Congressman (1989-2004)
  • Lee Hamilton*
    • Fmr. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair (1993-1995)
    • Fmr. House Intelligence Committee Chair (1985-1987)
    • Fmr. Indiana Democratic Congressman (1965-1999)
  • Gen. James Jones (Ret.)
    • Fmr. National Security Adviser (2009-2010)
    • Fmr. Supreme Allied Commander Europe (2003-2006)
    • Fmr. U.S. Marine Corps Commandant (1999-2003) 
  • Nick Penniman, Executive Director, Issue One
  • More to be announced 

* denote that speakers will attend the event by phone. 

RSVP here today!

Event details:

September 20, 9:30a.m. ET

The Center for Strategic and International Studies

1616 Rhode Island Ave NW

Washington, D.C. 20036