Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Inhofe
U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today delivered opening remarks at a committee hearing to consider the nominations of: Celeste Wallender to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Affairs, Melissa Dalton to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs, and John Plumb to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy.
As Prepared for Delivery:
Thank you, Chairman Reed, and thanks to our witnesses for being with us and for their willingness to serve the nation.
In 2021, our nation’s top military and intelligence leaders told this committee that the world is more dangerous and complex than at any other point in our lifetimes.
Looking at what’s happening across the world, I agree with them.
The 2018 National Defense Strategy provides a roadmap to prioritize our security challenges. That’s why this Committee’s top priority has been ensuring we effectively implement it. I hope the 2022 NDS does not stray too far from our existing strategy.?
We have quite a few challenges in the areas you would oversee, if confirmed.
China’s military modernization continues at an alarming pace, and the massive growth in its arsenal of nuclear weapons and hypersonic missiles clearly shows that we’re watching an unprecedented strategic breakout.
Russia has built up well over 100,000 troops around Ukraine and is ready for yet another invasion if Putin gives the word.
Russia also recently tested an anti-satellite missile, creating a cloud of lethal debris that made astronauts scramble for safety. This again shows Putin’s blatant disregard for established norms.
Meanwhile, Iran continues to fund global terrorism and target American personnel and partners.
And rampant inflation is eating away at the defense budget—not only our troops’ pay and benefits, but also funding for training, maintenance, and weapons acquisition.
This administration seems unable or unwilling to effectively respond to growing dangers. This paralysis damages U.S. credibility and undermines the trust of our partners and allies.
Even now, the administration seems intent on upending decades-long security guarantees by watering down U.S. nuclear policies and exposing our allies to even greater threats – despite overwhelming objections from our allies.
We need a greater sense of urgency. We need strong civilian leadership that I hope you will provide, if confirmed, so I look forward to hearing your views today. Chairman Reed.