Defense
As the Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I am dedicated to ensuring our Armed Services have the tools and training required to maintain our national security. We must restore the military readiness that eroded after two decades of war, and modernize our capabilities to curb the advances of aggressive adversaries, such as Russia and China, and hold corrupt regimes, like those in Iran and North Korea, accountable for their actions. Our national security interests demand we send our adversaries a strong message. As the world’s lone superpower, stepping back from international affairs only emboldens authoritarian regimes to fill that void.
The resources we put towards the defense of our nation tells the rest of the world more about our country than any strategy or policy could hope to do. I intend to send clear messages about our priorities through the annual Defense Appropriations Act. I will show our nation that we are investing in an efficient, effective military that is accountable, harnessing innovation, and is proactively engaged on both global and domestic stages while taking care of its most valuable asset, its people. Our national security budget will show our partners and allies that we support a global security posture that recognizes America cannot face today’s complex threats alone. Finally, it will unequivocally demonstrate to our adversaries that America is the world’s lone superpower because we will have, and always will have, the world’s most advanced, capable, and ready military force backed by the best and brightest of American innovation and entrepreneurship. We are a nation that seeks peace through strength; but will be prepared to fight and win at a moment’s notice if required.
Locally, our region plays a vital role in national security. The Naval Surface Warfare Center – Corona Division, March Air Reserve Base, and other southern California military installations are key players in our ability to wargame, project power, and deploy our Forces around the world. We must continue to invest in these critical assets and ensure they are positioned to play a vital role well into the future.