Wicker: Outlines peace through strength agenda
By Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.)
Acting Today Can Prevent War Tomorrow
In the new year, Republican majorities will be sworn into the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, and President Trump will take the oath of office. Our top priority will be fulfilling the constitutional mandate, “to provide for the common defense” – and we have our work cut out for us. As President Biden departs the White House, he will leave America with a world that is much more dangerous than it was on his Inauguration Day.
Dangers Increased Under Biden
Regrettably, the Biden administration has consistently failed to show resolve against our enemies’ increasing aggression. On its watch, Russia created Europe’s largest conflict since World War II. President Biden has feared Putin’s threats of escalation more than the consequences of Russian victory, tying Ukraine’s hands instead of allowing the nation to defend itself to the hilt. He weakened Israel’s hand in hostage negotiations as our ally fought against Iran-backed terrorists. For over a year, Houthis have lobbed bombs at our ships in the Red Sea. The White House has thrown up its hands and let the terrorist missiles fly.
There is a deeper consequence of President Biden’s inaction. The United States can handle each of these hotspots individually. But our enemies have been collaborating, forcing us to focus on multiple fronts simultaneously. In Russia’s war against Ukraine, North Korea and the Houthis have contributed troops, and Iran has provided military technology. Beijing and Moscow have formed a “no-limits” partnership, and their coast guards now patrol the Arctic together.
In the face of these rising dangers, the White House has allowed the United States military to grow weaker. At exactly the wrong moment, President Biden has let a recruitment crisis fester and has failed to update our equipment. The Chinese Communist Party has poured money into a massive military buildup, but President Biden has asked for cuts to our defense budget – even as he exceeds spending caps for non-defense issues.
Restoring Peace Through Strength
From time to time, the United States has been forced to make a concerted effort to update our national defense capabilities. Now is such a time. Next year, as the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I hope to continue implementing my “21st Century Peace Through Strength” agenda, which I published this year. That work will involve significant – but temporary – investment. The price is worth the reward: Recovering our military might will tap into the American economy and cost far less than a war.
The funding will help us rebuild the U.S. Navy. It will move us toward the 355-ship minimum set in the SHIPS Act, a bill I authored and President Trump signed into law. Right-sizing our Navy will protect the commerce that undergirds our way of life and will make our enemies think twice before threatening us.
President Biden’s senior Air Force officials have stalled progress on the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. Under President Trump, I am optimistic that we can resume this crucial initiative. NGAD would supplement the F-22 Raptor, helping counter the massive investments China has made in its aerial capabilities.
The White House has also waffled on its support for America’s nuclear defenses. It has grossly mismanaged the Sentinel program and resisted Congress’ bipartisan direction to build the sea-launched cruise missile. We need both for our nuclear deterrent to continue protecting us.
The United States faces significant national security challenges, but we are up to the task before us. In the new year, Congress has a chance to kickstart these and other defense initiatives, helping restore the strength that sustains peace.
Note: This article is the weekly Wicker Report from U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, written by the Senator and provided by his office. Any opinions expressed here are that of the author and not necessarily that of this publication.
