Hinds Today

U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has expressed concerns over current defense spending levels. In his statement, he highlighted the inadequacies of the continuing resolution (CR) in addressing military funding needs.

Chairman Wicker remarked that even a CR with notable anomalies cannot compensate for actual reductions in military spending. He emphasized that relying on long-term CRs is unsustainable, particularly given what he described as "the most dangerous threat environment since World War II." He asserted that the Senate budget resolution's allocation of $150 billion for the military must be increased to meet defense requirements. This would involve both growth in defense discretionary spending and defense reconciliation spending to support President Trump's military rebuilding efforts.

Wicker stated, “Let me say this about the CR: We repeatedly say – House and Senate, Republican and Democrat – that we never need to do this again, and for some reason, something comes up. Some group is unwilling to compromise and look at the long picture. And we find ourselves in this position."

He further commented on the nature of this year's CR for the Department of Defense: “I guess we could least admit that it is a hybrid CR, in the sense that there are anomalies... But this is a shame on our process."

Addressing specific flaws in the CR, Wicker noted its failure to provide adequate military support against challenges from adversary nations such as Russia, North Korea, and Iran. He argued that it contradicts actions taken by the Senate through measures like the National Defense Authorization Act.

“Unless something changes," Wicker continued, "I'll have to swallow my words again this year and go ahead and pass it because the alternative is so unpalatable and so dangerous." However, he expressed doubt about whether $150 billion in reconciliation funding would suffice given past treatment of defense budgets.

In conclusion, Wicker acknowledged differing views within Washington regarding fiscal responsibility but maintained that more substantial funding might be necessary based on recent defense budget practices.