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I hope you saw my latest weekly column.



ROGER WICKER: A Strong Military Prevents Conflict
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One of Congress’s most important tasks is providing for the common defense.
Recently, the Senate Armed Services Committee took an important step by passing
its version of this year’s national security legislation. Called the National
Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the bill sets the priorities for our armed
forces. As the top Republican on the committee, I can attest that the NDAA
represents progress for the safety of our citizens and our service members. But
as we celebrate our nation’s independence this month, it is imperative that
Congress continue working to make this legislation even stronger. After all,
military might makes our freedom possible.


Peace Through Strength


American leaders have always thought that a strong defense is the best
offense. President George Washington, who also served as the general of the
Continental Army, said, “To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual
means of preserving peace.” A century later, President Theodore Roosevelt
famously said carrying a “big stick” would deter attacks. During the Cold War,
President Ronald Reagan pursued a strategy he called “peace through strength.”
He kept the Soviet Union from attacking the United States by dramatically
increasing the size and strength of the military.

Though our world is growing even more dangerous than the Reagan era, his
wisdom still applies. We should follow in the steps of these American leaders
by building and maintaining military strength that will keep any foe from even
considering a move against our interests.


Refocusing on Warfighting


In committee negotiations, I focused on countering threats from our top
adversaries, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. For example, the
legislation includes multiple provisions to oppose advances by Beijing in the
Indo-Pacific. It also includes oversight measures to correct some of the Biden
administration’s national security failures, such as the Chinese spy balloon
incursion, the ongoing border crisis, and fentanyl pouring into our country.
Additionally, the bill supports the manufacturing necessary for our armed
forces to catch up with China’s massive military buildup.

In a major victory for conservatives, our committee approved rules that I
proposed to reduce or eliminate misguided diversity initiatives at the
Pentagon. We introduced efforts to rein in the woke bureaucracy, and we passed
a bill I wrote called the Merit Act. I wrote that act to ensure merit, not
demographic identity, is the top factor in servicemember promotion. Laws like
these would force military leadership to focus on warfighting, not social
issues.

The NDAA would improve life for our servicemembers by giving them a 5.2
percent pay raise and increasing support for military families.

Our defense bill would also support Mississippi’s contributions to our
national security. It would invest in our shipyards, including an authorization
for nearly $2 billion to build an amphibious warship in Pascagoula. It would
invest in military manufacturing, including construction and research, and
increase commercial competition in the space sector, which has a large presence
in Mississippi.


Continuing the Fight


Now that the Senate Armed Services Committee has completed its work on the
NDAA, it will soon be time for the full Senate to consider it. Senate
Republicans will push to maintain the victories won in committee and address
any shortcomings. I will continue fighting to give our servicemembers the tools
they need to keep us safe in this increasingly dangerous world. As we celebrate
our nation’s independence, we must recommit to our tradition of peace through
strength.


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Thank you for your support,



Senator Roger Wicker

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