Ep 140: Roger Wicker on Defense Spending and Peace through Strength
Aug 27, 2024
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Roger Wicker, a U.S. Senator from Mississippi and ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, shares insights from his military background and current defense priorities. He advocates for increasing U.S. defense spending to 5% of GDP and stresses the significance of military readiness in a changing global landscape. Wicker emphasizes the need for modernizing the nuclear arsenal, reforming procurement processes for better equipment, and strengthening alliances, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and Europe, to counter rising threats.
Senator Wicker advocates for increasing U.S. defense spending to 5% of GDP to address evolving global threats and enhance military readiness.
He emphasizes that boosting military funding must go hand in hand with improving procurement processes and increasing shipyard capacity to ensure effective defense capabilities.
Deep dives
Increasing Defense Spending
Current defense spending in the United States is approximately 3% of GDP, which Senator Roger Wicker argues is insufficient given the evolving global threats. Wicker advocates for increasing defense expenditure to 5% to better prepare for potential conflicts, highlighting the heightened military risks faced by the U.S. today, including threats from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. He points to expert opinions, including former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, who support this increase as a necessary step for national security. The senator emphasizes that such spending is not just about numbers, but about readiness for a two-theater conflict that is increasingly likely.
Challenges of Military Readiness
Wicker discusses the challenges faced by the U.S. military, emphasizing that the current capabilities are inadequate for the four-pronged threats posed by global aggressors. He expresses concerns about the military's ability to respond effectively to simultaneous conflicts, arguing that lessons from past military engagements must inform future strategies. The senator also addresses how the U.S. needs to bolster its alliances and support Ukraine against Russian aggression, asserting that a united front will deter adversaries from acting recklessly. By strengthening NATO and aiding allies, he believes the U.S. can project strength and security globally.
Improving Defense Procurement
Increasing military funding alone will not solve defense challenges; it must be complemented by improvements in procurement and production capabilities. Wicker notes the necessity for more efficient acquisition processes and suggests multi-year contracts to secure better pricing and availability of essential naval vessels. He highlights that the U.S. currently lacks sufficient shipyards, which compromises the naval fleet's expansion and readiness. The senator expresses urgency in addressing these production gaps to ensure that the U.S. can meet its defense requirements and maintain a competitive edge over nations like China.