Jackson Purchase News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) addressed the Senate floor today on defense spending, emphasizing the importance of taking up the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with bipartisan support.

“Last week, the Armed Services Committee voted to recommend a $25 billion-dollar increase to topline defense spending," McConnell stated. He noted that this recommendation comes in response to a fourth consecutive budget request from the Biden Administration that "failed to keep pace with its inflation, much less with the threat of China."

McConnell underscored that if appropriated, this investment would be a crucial step toward preparing America’s armed forces for an increasingly dangerous global landscape. However, he criticized senior Senate Democrats for not taking national defense requirements seriously following the Committee's decision.

The Democratic Leader had previously claimed that “Democrats have led the way in ensuring our military is the best trained and best equipped fighting force in the world.” McConnell refuted this by highlighting Republican efforts to secure additional defense funding beyond what President Biden had requested.

He pointed out instances where Republicans had to intervene for adequate military funding, such as when additional appropriations were needed to replace older weapons provided to Ukraine. He also referenced actions by Senate Democrats that blocked significant investments in the defense industrial base during past legislative sessions.

McConnell stressed the evolving nature of modern warfare, citing examples from Ukraine, Iran, and China's military advancements. These developments highlight deficiencies in America's current capabilities and underline the necessity for urgent action.

“The Administration deserves credit for taking production of 155mm artillery shells seriously," McConnell acknowledged. However, he criticized them for not prioritizing other critical areas such as air and missile defense interceptors or long-range weapons with equal urgency.

He called on his colleagues to take national defense requirements more seriously and warned against complacency as adversaries continue to modernize their military capabilities rapidly.

Looking ahead, McConnell highlighted an upcoming summit in Washington where dozens of America's allies will gather. This meeting will celebrate recent steps toward stronger defense among NATO members but also serve as a reminder that America must remain proactive rather than reactive.

“The threats to our interests are too great to wait for our adversaries to strike," McConnell concluded. He urged leading Senate Democrats to demonstrate greater seriousness by bringing the NDAA to the floor without delay.