Montross, Va. – House Armed Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chairman Rob Wittman (VA-1) released the following statement in reaction to the Department of Defense’s release of new strategic guidance, “Sustaining U.S. Global Leadership: Priorities for 21st Century Defense”:
“This new defense strategy announced by the Administration today misses the mark. It leaves several questions unanswered, asks for unacceptable “trade-offs” from a force that will be asked to do more with less, and potentially compromises commitments to U.S. allies. I have long-stated that our military must be driven by sound strategy, not budgets, and that our top priority must be the safety and security of this nation. This announcement today lays the groundwork for a future military strategy driven by budget cuts. We cannot ignore challenges with our fiscal future, but also must be vigilant to evolving 21st century threats from those who wish us harm. My resolve is to ensure that this nation does not face unacceptable risk or is put in a situation where our military is not resourced to do the job the country needs it to do. Our men and women in uniform must be equipped with the necessary equipment, support and benefits they need and deserve. I will be looking carefully at not only this strategy but also the Fiscal Year 2013 Department of Defense budget to be released in February and will continue to support policies that keep America as the leading global force.”
Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee. He also serves as the Co-Chairman of the Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus.
