03/15/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/16/2023 12:26
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member on the Senate Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement in response to continuing reports on the specifics of the Biden administration's budget for the United States Navy:
<_u53a_p>"No matter the favored phrase of the day - 'divest to invest,' 'strategic pause,' 'capability over capacity,' - the President's defense budget is, in practice, sinking our future fleet," Wicker said. "A strong naval footing begins with readiness today and a plan to grow our battle force and command the seas tomorrow. President Biden is risking our maritime security by declining to work toward either of these goals."
<_u53a_p>"Even as the Chinese Communist Party makes its bid for rapid control of the Pacific, this White House is failing to offer a blueprint to secure our interests. There is no time to waste to make a monumental investment in American shipbuilding."
<_u53a_p>Among other issues, President Biden's proposed budget causes risks for future Navy programs by:
<_u53a_p>Wicker has long advocated for substantial investments in naval and defense infrastructure through legislation, such as the 2021 SHIPYARD Act, and measures in the annual defense authorization bill. Read more about Wicker's work on national defense here.<_u53a_p>
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