Inhofe Statement on Heritage Foundation's Index of Military Strength

Statement

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, made the following statement on the release of the Heritage Foundation's 2019 Index of U.S. Military Strength. This report is a comprehensive review of American capabilities, as well as our allies and adversaries.

"The Heritage Foundation's report clearly shows that while recent increases in defense spending have started repairing the military, we have not yet undone almost a decade's worth of underinvestment and overuse. The key takeaway--the U.S., at only "marginal' strength, can only fight in a single major regional conflict and would be unable to deter an opportunistic adversary in another region. As we look to implement the President's National Defense Strategy, which names both China and Russia as near-peer adversaries, we cannot afford to continue to be marginal.

"Congress delivered adequate, on-time funding for the military this year. We must make that the rule--not the exception. I'm already working to end sequestration and ensure our military receives sufficient funding so our capacity, capability, and readiness can grow to meet necessary requirements. Failure to do so would be putting at risk our position, our role in the world, and the lives of our men and women in uniform."

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