Quick Bytes
- Sen. Roger Wicker proposes a $55 billion increase in U.S. defense spending.
- The plan aims to prevent global conflict by modernizing the military.
- Investments include expanding the Navy fleet and Air Force capabilities.
- Wicker cites rising threats from Russia and China as justification for the hike.
Senator Advocates for Major Defense Spending to Deter Global War
In a recent call to action, Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), a key member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has advocated for a substantial $55 billion increase in defense spending. This move is presented as a crucial step to modernize the U.S. military and prevent potential global conflicts.
Outlined in an op-ed for The New York Times, Wicker’s plan details a significant investment aimed at revitalizing the military force that has been coasting on past advancements. He suggests that the U.S. should aim to increase military spending to 5 percent of the GDP over the next five to seven years, starting with the 2025 fiscal year. The proposal includes expanding the U.S. Navy fleet to 357 ships by 2035 and adding 340 fighter jets to the Air Force within five years. Additionally, it calls for the replenishment of the Air Force’s tanker and training fleets and the acceleration of modernization efforts for the Army and Marine Corps.
The senator’s push for increased defense funding is driven by the escalating military activities of adversaries like Russia and China, whose cooperation and mutual support pose a growing threat to global stability. Wicker emphasizes that their alignment and efforts to evade sanctions could lead to new conflicts, making a strong case for his proposed defense investment.
Despite the urgency of his message, Wicker acknowledges the challenges ahead in gaining approval for his plan, as it faces potential opposition from lawmakers advocating for reduced military expenditures.
Image Credits
- Getty Images: Senate Republican calling for ‘generational’ $55B defense investment.
