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I hope you saw my latest weekly column.



ROGER WICKER: Schumer Stalls Defense Bill to Focus on Partisan Agenda
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One of the most important jobs of our government is to provide for the common
defense as outlined in the Constitution. Each year, Congress takes up this task
by assessing the needs of our military and setting funding levels necessary to
keep us safe. This process results in the National Defense Authorization Act, a
bill that has been passed annually since 1961. Congress should be taking up
this all-important legislation now. Unfortunately, Senate Majority Leader Chuck
Schumer has shelved the bill in order to confirm more of President Biden’s
partisan nominees, leaving our military uncertain about its future.

This delay is not for a lack of consensus. As a member of the Senate Armed
Services Committee, I helped negotiate this year’s defense bill, which passed
out of committee by an overwhelming vote of 23-3. Three months later, however,
the bill still has not been considered by the full Senate. Last week, I joined
23 Republicans in calling on Senator Schumer to take up this legislation. Even
Democrat Chairman Jack Reed has expressed frustration, saying, “We need to get
this done as soon as we can.” Senator Schumer’s partisan delay is risking our
national security.

Delay Will Hurt Military at Critical Time

We are living through a uniquely dangerous period in world history. Russia’s
brutal invasion of Ukraine, which began in February, showed that dictators
still believe they can attack their neighbors without any consequences.
Thankfully, we have provided Ukraine with high-end weapons that have helped
turn the tide of the war, but they will need our continued support. Meanwhile,
our greatest rival, China, is rapidly growing its navy and trying to keep our
ships from entering the West Pacific. They are also threatening our ally Taiwan
and intimidating Guam, a U.S. territory where thousands of American sailors are
based. Now is a critical time to show strength so that our adversaries realize
there is no point in challenging us. Sending this message requires that we
authorize next year’s military funding without delay.

President Biden’s budget request woefully underestimated our military’s needs.
In June, the Senate Armed Services Committee responded by authorizing $45
billion more than the President’s request. Our legislation includes a
much-needed 4.6 percent pay raise for our troops, new resources for military
families, and authorization of new contracts to support our defense industrial
base. As part of the bill, I secured $250 million for a new amphibious
transport dock and $23 million for a personnel barracks craft, both of which
will be built in Mississippi. The bill will also allow the Navy to procure up
to 15 guided missile destroyers and will boost the number of Mississippi-built
amphibious ships from 28 to 31. These ships are vital to projecting American
strength and preventing war with China.

Schumer Wasting Time and Taxpayer Money

Senator Schumer seems poised to wait until after the midterm elections to
consider the defense bill. This means our military will be unable to pivot to
new priorities, resulting in billions of dollars in waste and delaying critical
investments we need to prevent war in the Pacific. This is irresponsible and
unnecessary. Senate Democrats should end this partisan delay and take up the
bill immediately so that our service members can make the plans necessary to
protect our country.



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Senator Roger Wicker






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