A top Senate Republican calls for a “generational” investment of $55 billion in defense spending to help the US avoid a world war.
Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) wrote an opinion article in The New York Times calling for a “significant” investment in US defense spending, arguing that a short-term increase is needed to avoid a global war.
Wicker, ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said he would publish a plan Wednesday that outlined proposals to address deficiencies in the military.
“For too long we have lived off Reagan’s military buildup; it’s time for updates and upgrades,” he wrote.
“My plan outlines why and how the United States should aim to spend an additional $55 billion on the military in fiscal year 2025 and increase military spending to a projected 2.9% of our national gross domestic product this year. to 5% in the next five years. seven years”, he added.
His proposals include increasing the number of US Navy ships to 357 by the end of 2035 and producing an additional 340 fighters for the Air Force fleet within five years. He also said the plan would “replenish the Air Force’s tanker and training fleets” and “accelerate the modernization of the Army and Marine Corps.”
Wicker cited Russia’s war with Ukraine and China’s military investments as reasons to increase U.S. defense spending.
“Worse still, these governments are helping each other, cooperating in new ways to avoid an American-led 21st century. Iran has provided Russia with drones for the battlefield and China is sending technical and logistical aid to help Mr. Putin’s war,” he said.
“They are also helping each other prepare for future fighting by increasing arms transfers and avoiding sanctions. Their unprecedented coordination makes new global conflicts increasingly possible,” he continued.
Wicker also told the Associated Press that it would be a “hill to climb” for his proposal to be approved. A major investment in the military would likely meet some opposition from lawmakers who want to reduce overall defense spending.
The Associated Press contributed.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
