Defense & Aerospace Report Podcast [Washington Roundtable Dec 08, ’23]
Dec 8, 2023
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Dr. Patrick Cronin, Michael Herson, Jim Townsend, Dr. Dov Zakheim, and Chris Servello join host Vago Muradian to discuss key elements of the draft National Defense Authorization Act, emergency aid for Ukraine, Israel's war on Hamas, and the Houthi attacks on the USS Carney. They also explore the ongoing border issues in the United States and provide insights into upcoming podcast topics on naval, maritime, space, and airpower.
The draft National Defense Authorization Act includes increased funding for the military and support for Taiwan, but certain provisions were dropped.
Negotiations for urgently needed aid to Ukraine face challenges due to Republican opposition and limited time in the legislative session.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of passing bills in support of Ukraine and Taiwan and the need for effective leadership and unified action in addressing global challenges.
Deep dives
Main Point 1: National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)
The NDAA, with an $886 billion budget, has been shaped by lawmakers and includes a 3% increase and a 5.2% proposed pay raise for military members. It also contains strong support for Taiwan and puts pressure on the Pentagon to provide promised equipment to Taiwan. However, certain provisions, such as the creation of a space national guard and elimination of the Pentagon's cape office, were dropped. The bill faces conservative opposition due to the exclusion of provisions related to DOD's abortion travel policy and transgender troops.
Main Point 2: Situation in Ukraine and aid negotiations
The aid for Ukraine, urgently needed for its ongoing conflict with Russia, has faced roadblocks in Congress. Some Republicans have tied the aid to the border issue, creating challenges for reaching a deal. While negotiations are ongoing, there is concern about the limited time remaining in the legislative session. The urgency of Ukraine's situation and the need for a resolution are recognized, but a deal is uncertain at this time.
Main Point 3: Concerns about the Middle East and China's actions
The podcast episode highlights growing concerns about the Middle East, including Israel's war on Hamas and the situation in Gaza. It also discusses China's increasing engagement and influence in the region, particularly its partnerships with Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The episode emphasizes the need for the U.S. to remain engaged and provide assistance to allies like Ukraine, while also addressing the overarching challenges posed by China's assertiveness and its impact on the transatlantic alliance.
Importance of supporting Ukraine and Taiwan
It is crucial for the United States to pass bills in support of Ukraine and Taiwan as a way of demonstrating that they are committed to these countries. The speaker emphasizes that if the United States claims to support Ukraine, they should pass the necessary bill to provide aid. Similarly, supporting Taiwan should also involve passing necessary legislation. The larger issue at hand is the need for the United States to back its words with action across the government and not complicate problems by failing to address them appropriately.
Challenges in leadership and lack of unity in Washington
The podcast discusses the lack of effective leadership in Washington and the challenges that arise from the absence of unity among policymakers. The speaker highlights the tendency to ring alarm bells without taking necessary actions, leading to a sense of complacency among the population. The lack of a clear and unified approach to addressing issues such as the Ukrainian crisis and the situation in the Middle East confuses allies and impedes progress. The call is made for stronger leadership that can bring unity and decisive action to tackle these challenges.
On this week’s Defense & Aerospace Report Washington Roundtable, sponsored by Bell, Dr. Patrick Cronin of the Hudson Institute think tank, Michael Herson of American Defense International, former Pentagon Europe chief Jim Townsend of the Center for a New American Security, former Pentagon Comptroller Dr. Dov Zakheim, and our producer and Cavas Ships podcast co-host Chris Servello join host Vago Muradian to discuss key elements of the draft $886 billion National Defense Authorization Act; what it will take to pass the emergency supplemental for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan; how much longer Ukraine can survive without additional military aid; lawmakers clear nearly 700 officers for promotion as a dozen four-stars continue to be blocked; the GOP’s three-seat House majority; messages China and other adversaries are drawing from the political theater in Washington; what’s next in Israel’s war against Hamas as international criticism of high civilian casualties mounts; how to stop the Houthi attacks on the USS Carney the Red Sea.
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