The Commission on the National Defense Strategy proposed in a recent report significant entitlement cuts and tax increases to drastically increase military spending. But they refuse to say by how much.
The report complains that the American people “have been inadequately informed” about the threats the country faces. But if they wish to be taken seriously, the commissioners will need to spell out what Americans will be expected to pay to sustain the sprawling force they claim is necessary.
Congress established the commission to review the 2022 National Defense Strategy, its implementation and the state of the global strategic environment. Lawmakers probably knew the conclusion before a single word was written. Half of the members of the 2022 National Defense Strategy Commission participated in a previous iteration back in 2018, including Amb. Eric Edelman, whom Republicans selected to serve as vice chair. Democrats chose former Rep. Jane Harman (D-Calif.) as chair.
Given its makeup, the 2022 National Defense Strategy Commission largely echoes the sentiments expressed in 2018. That panel argued that the U.S. was unprepared for “great power competition” and recommended that lawmakers increase defense spending by 3 to 5 percent above inflation annually. The 2022 National Defense Strategy Commission advocates for more spending in fiscal year 2027 and beyond, even while noting that real growth in defense spending in 2023 exceeded 6 percent. Apparently, 5 percent isn’t enough for the commissioners after all.
Read the full article on The Hill.
The Commission on the National Defense Strategy proposed in a recent report significant entitlement cuts and tax increases to drastically increase military spending. But they refuse to say by how much.
The report complains that the American people “have been inadequately informed” about the threats the country faces. But if they wish to be taken seriously, the commissioners will need to spell out what Americans will be expected to pay to sustain the sprawling force they claim is necessary.
Congress established the commission to review the 2022 National Defense Strategy, its implementation and the state of the global strategic environment. Lawmakers probably knew the conclusion before a single word was written. Half of the members of the 2022 National Defense Strategy Commission participated in a previous iteration back in 2018, including Amb. Eric Edelman, whom Republicans selected to serve as vice chair. Democrats chose former Rep. Jane Harman (D-Calif.) as chair.
Given its makeup, the 2022 National Defense Strategy Commission largely echoes the sentiments expressed in 2018. That panel argued that the U.S. was unprepared for “great power competition” and recommended that lawmakers increase defense spending by 3 to 5 percent above inflation annually. The 2022 National Defense Strategy Commission advocates for more spending in fiscal year 2027 and beyond, even while noting that real growth in defense spending in 2023 exceeded 6 percent. Apparently, 5 percent isn’t enough for the commissioners after all.
Read the full article on The Hill.
