Jackson Purchase News

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell recently addressed the Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, California, emphasizing the urgency of restoring American military strength and industrial capacity. McConnell highlighted the need for immediate investment in defense capabilities to deter potential conflicts.

"The task before us is urgent. We can’t afford to miss opportunities to restore American hard power and industrial capacity before conflicts ignite," McConnell stated. He stressed the importance of investing in "long-range fires, munitions, air and missile defenses, shipbuilding, and more."

Reflecting on President Ronald Reagan's legacy, McConnell remarked, "President Reagan’s leadership was a source both of professional wisdom and personal inspiration to me." He emphasized the enduring value of Reagan's principle of "peace through strength."

McConnell criticized current defense spending levels, noting that "today, we spend roughly 3% of our GDP on defense," which he compared unfavorably to past investments during major conflicts such as World War II and the Cold War.

He called for a renewed commitment to alliances and partnerships while cautioning against complacency regarding America's global leadership role. "America will not be made great again by those who are content to manage our decline," he warned.

As he prepares to assume his new role as Chairman of the Defense Appropriations subcommittee, McConnell pledged to focus on strengthening U.S. military capabilities and maintaining credibility on the world stage.

McConnell concluded by urging decisive action: "We need to make the sort of investments in American primacy and hard power that the world hasn’t seen since Ronald Reagan was calling the shots."