Mike Rogers and colleagues question Department of Defense leadership on China threat
On Wednesday, March 29th, the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) questioned Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley during an oversight hearing. Members pressed Sec. Austin and Gen. Milley on the threat China poses to the United States and what we’re doing to deter China’s growing influence and military capabilities. Congressman Mike Rogers chairs the powerful committee which oversees the Department of Defense. In his opening remarks, Rogers made it clear that we must invest in “the men and women of our armed services and the modernization of our conventional and strategic deterrent” to maintain readiness in the face of China’s aggression. In an exchange with Chairman Rogers, Gen. Milley said, “That’s the reality of it. Our military, capability-wise, can fight in a lot of places with different types of contingencies. But if you’re talking about a serious conflict with a major great power war, realistically putting both China and Russia together is a very, very difficult thing.” “That’s the thing the committee needs to take note of, and the Congress is that for the first 15 years. I was here; we had a strategy that allowed us to fight two wars simultaneously and successfully defend the homeland,” Rogers said. “We have already had to drop that down to just one theatre, which is scary enough, and I worry that if we do have a disruption in our funding, our authorization, it could further erode that capability.” Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colorado) questioned Milley on China’s threat to the U.S. “[China has] a national goal to be a global — to be the global — coequal with the United States and superior militarily by mid-century,” Gen. Milley said in response. “They’re on that path to do that, and that’s really disturbing. That’s really bothersome. We’re going to have to not only keep pace, but we have to outpace that, and that will assure the peace.” Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Virginia) delivered his analysis of the threat the U.S. is facing from the Chinese Communist Party. Rep. Wittman showed the alarming growth of China’s capabilities from 1999 to today and projections for 2025. Rep. Wittman said, “Today we face the threat of our lifetime, the CCP is indeed that…we see the expansionist efforts by the Chinese Communist Party.” Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wisconsin) emphasized bipartisan support to turn Taiwan into a porcupine and pressed Secretary Austin on whether he is personally engaged in the effort to deliver a deterrence by denial capability. Secretary Austin responded, “Absolutely. There is not a week that goes by that I am not talking to commanders and staff on the problems, the challenges, that we face with China, me personally, and so that is a part of our battle rhythm, for lack of a better term and again, I think that that’s what it’s gonna take to do the kind of things that you just described.” In an exchange with Gallagher, Secretary Austin stated, “We need to make sure that we maintain a combat credible force that can deter any adversary from making a bad decision on any given day.” Mike Rogers is in his eleventh term representing Alabama’s Third Congressional District. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Mike Rogers calls for defense investments to face new threats to U.S.
On Wednesday, the powerful House Armed Services Committee held a hearing on the fiscal year 2024 Defense Department budget request. U.S. Representative Mike Rogers Chairs the Committee. Chairman Rogers said in his opening remarks, “The threats we face today are more formidable than at any point in the last 20 years.” “The President’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan has left us nearly blind in the worst terrorist hotspot on the globe,” said Rogers. “North Korea is lobbing ICBMs over Japan and threatening us with nuclear annihilation on a near-weekly basis. Iran continues to fund and equip terrorists targeting Americans. Last week, one American died, and seven were wounded when the Ayatollah’s terrorist proxies attacked our bases in Syria. We continue to sit by and watch as his regime aggressively pursues nuclear weapons. Undersecretary Kahl told us last month that the Ayatollah is 12 days away from having enough fissile material for a nuclear bomb. We absolutely cannot allow that to happen. Finally, the Ayatollahs exporting kamikaze drones and other advanced weapons to Russia. And Putin is using them to kill innocent civilians and further his brutal invasion of Ukraine.” “Putin is also threatening our NATO allies by deploying tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus, stepping away from New Start, and stepping up his harassment of American forces in Eastern Europe and Syria,” Rogers continued. “But most concerning is the strengthening alliance between Putin and Xi. Putin is literally fueling the Chinese Communist Party’s strategic nuclear breakout with Rosatom highly enriched uranium.” “In what former STRATCOM Commander Richardson described as “breathtaking,” the CCP has doubled the number of nuclear warheads in just two years,” Rogers added. “The CCP is starting to outpace us on new battlefields as well. The CCP has leapfrogged us on hypersonic technology. They are fielding what we are still developing. And their rapid advances in space were one of the primary reasons we established the Space Force.” “We all know the CCP is not building these new and advanced military capabilities for self-defense,” Rogers warned. “We watch their ongoing attempts to intimidate and coerce Taiwan and our allies and partners in the region. Just this week, they threatened the Navy with “serious consequences” after we exercised our right to sail through international waters in the South China Sea. And we’ve heard from Combatant Commanders over the past month about how the CCP has used economic coercion to gain footholds on new continents. We also heard about their efforts to expand their military presence in Africa and sign new security agreements in South America and the Middle East. Finally, we all know from the spy balloon incident that XI and the CCP are no longer hesitant to take provocative action against the American homeland. These are just a few of the growing threats confronting our nation. How we respond to them is the biggest test we face as Americans.” Rogers said that the U.S. must respond to these growing threats “with sustained investment in the men and women of our armed forces and the modernization of our conventional and strategic deterrent. These investments are going to be expensive, but neither the President nor Congress can shy away from them. We no longer have the luxury of time.” Rep. Jim Banks said in a statement, “We now have a Space Force, the end of operations in Afghanistan, a Russian war in Ukraine on the eastern flank of NATO and the ever increasing threat of the PRC military in the South China Sea and in other locations throughout the world.” Rep. Mike Gallagher said, “I’ve repeatedly expressed my concerns about the Department’s pace for growing and modernizing the ships, aircraft, and weapons required for the potential fight with China. If we accept that we need more time to build the platforms required for a kinetic conflict, it’s my genuine belief that our ability to robustly use information and cyber operations should provide us with the opportunity to “buy time to maneuver” for our kinetic forces.” Rep. Rob Wittman said, “The National Defense Strategy is clear in its focus on China as our nation’s pacing threat. During my previous tenure as Ranking Member on the Seapower and Projection Forces subcommittee, we oversaw critical capabilities of the long-range strike and long-range logistics portfolios. They are essential components for executing INDOPACOM’s military strategy and enabling operational success of the joint force competing against the tyranny of distance in response to ever-increasing Chinese aggression.” “I am worried about the Department’s current direction regarding the composition of the U.S. military’s tactical fighter force structure and required capabilities,” Wittman continued. “I am concerned that our existing force structure is optimized for a counter-insurgency fight and is not prepared to address the challenges posed by expected threats in the INDOPACOM area. As I review the plans for each service, two threads are particularly concerning. First, our fighter force structure continues decreasing. And second, we are not able to deliver replacement aircraft at affordable prices to achieve similar quantities going forward. Meanwhile, our adversaries continue out-pacing us, building and fielding their own lethal fighter capacity and capabilities.” On March 9, the Biden Administration submitted an $842 billion budget request to the Department of Defense for FY2024. Rogers is in his eleventh term representing Alabama’s Third Congressional District. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Mike Rogers and Adam Smith announce subcommittee rosters on House Armed Services Committee
On Wednesday, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers and Ranking Member Adam Smith announced the following Chairmen, Ranking Members, and subcommittee rosters for the 118th Congress selected by Chairman Rogers and the Democratic Committee Caucus. “We must ensure that our military focuses on lethality and capability,” Chairman Rogers said. “Over the next two years, the House Armed Services Committee will provide our warfighters with the resources and weapons they need to deter and, if necessary, defeat any adversary anywhere in the world.” Chairman Rogers named Rob Wittman as Vice Chairman, and Ranking Member Smith named Pat Ryan as Vice Ranking Member. Alabama Congress members Terri Sewell and Dale Strong also serve on the Armed Services Committee. “The State of Alabama has long played a central role in advancing U.S. defense capabilities, and as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am excited to do my part to support the brave men and women working to keep our nation safe and secure,” said Rep. Sewell. “We in Alabama’s 7th Congressional District are proud to be home to Maxwell Air Force Base, the 187th Fighter Wing, the 117th Air Refueling Wing, and countless men and women in uniform that profoundly serve our country. I look forward to leveraging my position on the Armed Services Committee to advocate for their needs in this new Congress.” “When I was sworn in as your Representative, I took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution,” said Rep. Strong. “My first responsibility is to provide for a strong national defense. Serving on the Armed Services Committee will allow me to directly advocate for the commonsense policies that strengthen our national security and best serve America’s men and women in uniform.” The House Armed Services subcommittee Chairmen, Ranking Members, and rosters, with members listed in order of subcommittee seniority, are as follows: Cyber, Information Technology, and Innovation: Mike Gallagher (R-Wisconsin) – Chairman Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) Lisa McClain (R-Michigan) Pat Fallon (R-Texas) Dale Strong (R-AL05) Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas) Jen Kiggans (R-Virginia) Nick LaLota (R-NY) Rich McCormick (R-Texas) Ro Khanna (D-California) – Ranking Member Seth Moulton (D-Massachusetts) Bill Keating (D-Massachusetts) Andy Kim (D-New Jersey) Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan) Jared Golden (D-Maine) Pat Ryan (D-New York) Chris Deluzio (D-Pennsylvania) Intelligence and Special Operations: Jack Bergman (R-Michigan) – Chairman Austin Scott (R-Georgia) Elise Stefanik (R-New York) Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi) Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) Nancy Mace (R-South Carolina) Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas) Cory Mills (R-Florida) Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona) – Ranking Member Bill Keating (D-Massachusetts) Jason Crow (D-Colorado) Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan) Sara Jacobs (D-California) Jeff Jackson (D-North Carolina) Jimmy Panetta (D-California) Military Personnel: Jim Banks (R-Indiana) – Chairman Elise Stefanik (R-New York) Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) Jack Bergman (R-Michigan) Michael Waltz (R-Florida) Brad Finstad (R-Minnesota) James Moylan (R-Guam) Mark Alford (R-Missouri) Cory Mills (R-Florida) Andy Kim (D-New Jersey) – Ranking Member Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pennsylvania) Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) Marilyn Strickland (D-Washington) Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii) Don Davis (D-North Carolina) Terri Sewell (D-AL07) Steven Horsford (D-Nevada) Readiness: Michael Waltz (R-Florida) – Chairman Joe Wilson (R-South Carolina) Austin Scott (R-Georgia) Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) Carlos Gimenez (R-Florida) Brad Finstad (R-Minnesota) Dale Strong (R-AL05) Jen Kiggans (R-Virginia) James Moylan (R-Guam) John Garamendi (D-California) – Ranking Member Jason Crow (D-California) Mikie Sherrill (D-New Jersey) Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) Marilyn Strickland (D-Washington) Gabriel Vasquez (D-New Mexico) Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii) Don Davis (D-North Carolina) Seapower and Projection Forces: Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi) – Chairman Rob Wittman (R-Virginia) Scott DesJarlais (R-Tennessee) Mike Gallagher (R-Wisconsin) Jack Bergman (R-Michigan) Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) Nancy Mace (R-South Carolina) Jen Kiggans (R-Virginia) Mark Alford (R-Missouri) Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut) – Ranking Member John Garamendi (D-California) Donald Norcross (D-New Jersey) Jared Golden (D-Maine) Sara Jacobs (D-California) Chris Deluzio (D-Pennsylvania) Jimmy Panetta (D-California) Strategic Forces: Doug Lamborn (R-Colorado) – Chairman Joe Wilson (R-South Carolina) Mike Turner (R-Ohio) Elise Stefanik (R-New York) Scott DesJarlais (R-Tennessee) Don Bacon (R-Nebraska) Jim Banks (R-Indiana) Michael Waltz (R-Florida) Dale Strong (R-AL05) Seth Moulton (D-Massachusetts) – Ranking Member John Garamendi (D-California) Donald Norcross (D-New Jersey) Salud Carbajal (D-California) Ro Khanna (D-California) Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pennsylvania) Gabriel Vasquez (D-New Mexico) Tactical Air and Land Forces: Rob Wittman (R-Virginia) – Chairman Mike Turner (R-Ohio) Doug Lamborn (R-Colorado) Sam Graves (R-Missouri) Don Bacon (R-Nebraska) Lisa McClain (R-Michigan) Pat Fallon (R-Texas) Carlos Gimenez (R-Florida) Nick LaLota (R-New York) Rich McCormick (R-Georgia) Donald Norcross (D-New Jersey) – Ranking Member Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut) Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona) Salud Carbajal (D-California) Mikie Sherrill (D-New Jersey) Pat Ryan (D-New York) Jeff Jackson (D-North Carolina) Steven Horsford (D-Nevada) Rogers was elected to his eleventh term representing Alabama’s Third Congressional District. Before his congressional service, Rogers represented Calhoun County in the Alabama State Legislature. Rogers also served on the Calhoun County Commission. He is an attorney. He and his family live in Saks. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Members of Congress voice concerns on impending DoD vaccine deadline
U.S. Representatives Mike Rogers and Jerry Carl joined by Rep. Rob Wittman and other colleagues in sending a letter to President Joe Biden and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin voicing their concerns on the impending vaccination deadlines for Department of Defense contractors. The letter points to the serious long-term costs that a vaccine mandate will have both on our defense industrial base and our overall national security. The letter stated, “Our defense industrial base is not a monolithic entity – the hardworking patriots who comprise the backbone of the industry come from diverse backgrounds. As such, though many contract workers have opted to receive vaccination, many have not, and the reasons are abundant.” The members also voiced concern about the loss of important skilled veteran workers. “Those who adamantly refuse the vaccine will accept termination. We will lose critical experience in skilled labor. We will lose opportunities for mentorship and on-the-job training from veteran craftsmen. In the long-term, we will miss quality control standards. We will face endemic cost overruns and rework as decades of lessons are not passed to the next generation.” The members also pointed to the long-term damage this will do for our ability to deter adversaries. “Perhaps most concerning to us lies in the near-term. When the deadlines and cost estimates aren’t met, who shoulders the responsibility? If a contractor loses key members of its workforce due to a post-negotiation customer demand, the customer is to blame. The Department of Defense is the customer and will ultimately be at fault when the industrial base falters at a crucial turning point in our deterrence of China.” The letter was also signed Elise Stefanik, Vicky Hartzler, Doug Lamborn, Joe Wilson, Jack Berman, Blake Moore, Scott Desjarlais, and Bill Posey.
