By Rep. Adrian Smith
This week, world events have emphasized the importance of American readiness to keep our country safe and stand with our allies across the globe. The fall of Bashar al-Assadโs regime in Syria is another reminder many regions of the world do not enjoy the freedom and stability we do in the United States. It also underscores the need for decisive U.S. leadership as Assadโs rogue allies, such as Russia and Iran, may grow increasingly desperate.
In East Asia, China has mobilized its naval forces at a level not seen since the mid-1990s. As a result, ensuring the security of Taiwan and other U.S. allies in the Western Pacific region took on renewed urgency. As South Korea faces a political crisis, and North Korean troops fight on the side of Vladimir Putin against Ukraine, the U.S. must continue to demonstrate strength.
While there are signs Hamasโ will to fight is waning, maintaining robust support for Israelโs efforts in Gaza is necessary for securing the release of the hostages taken by Hamas in their brutal October 7th attack, including U.S. citizens, who have yet to be released.
This week, in a speech decrying Assadโs fall in Syria, Iranโs Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei blamed the U.S. and Israel for the loss of its strategic ally as his audience cheered with chants of โDeath to Israel!โ and โDeath to America!โ As Iranโs desperation to secure nuclear weapons grows, it is vital the United States demonstrates a steady hand and does not telegraph weakness. Yet, in a move typical of its weak foreign policy, two days after the 2024 election, the Biden-Harris administration permitted the Iranian regime to access $10 billion through accounts in Iraq and Oman.
Deterrence of terrorism and aggression plays an essential role in promoting stability in the Middle East and around the world. However, deterrence is only effective when our enemies know we are willing to back up what we say with action. It is no accident the election victory of President Trump has been accompanied by increased cooperation from Egypt in Gaza and substantial progress on the efforts to free the hostages kept by Hamas.
To prioritize the wellbeing of American servicemembers and reinforce American defense efforts, I supported House passage of the National Defense Authorization Act this week. As our military faces historic recruiting challenges, the legislation would enact a 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and a 4.5 percent pay raise for all other servicemembers. It will support National Guard deployment at our southwest border to intercept illegal aliens and drugs. It would also increase funding for efforts to strengthen Taiwanโs defense and includes measures to combat Chinese espionage in our military, supply chains, and research institutions, while prohibiting the Department of Defense from funding abortion travel and gender treatment for minors โ little-used services which only district from the agencyโs vital mission.
Nebraska has long been a standout leader in national security. The Third District was home to many airfields which facilitated training missions for pilots during World War II and today plays an important role in strategic missile defense. I was proud to support the recent activation of the new 95th Wing at Offutt Air Force Base. Modern war technologies make defense readiness and efficient nuclear command and control more critical than ever before, and the 95th Wing will serve to strengthen these capabilities at Offutt. I am grateful for the cooperation of the entire Nebraska delegation in this effort, and I commend the outstanding servicemembers and people of our state for this accomplishment.
๏ปฟGlobal security challenges have brought strategic readiness to the forefront of American defense policy. Adversity requires we stand up to those who seek to threaten our freedom-loving allies and undermine U.S. interests. I am committed to ensuring our countryโs military is equipped to do its job and our servicemembers receive the support they deserve.