We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s history; we must decide if the United States will retain its global primacy, or if we will concede our position to the malign intent of Communist China. As Vice Ranking Member on the House Armed Services Committee, I have worked to ensure we bring the capability of our Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force closer to meeting the reality of the threats facing the United States and to project power around the globe to deter our adversaries.

As Vice Ranking Member, my work on the House Armed Services Committee is critical to the well-being of the Commonwealth of Virginia. In Virginia, national security is economic security. From the 27 military bases, to our robust shipbuilding industry, to the thousands of defense-related jobs here in Virginia, our Commonwealth leads the nation in supporting our men and women in uniform. Our state is crucial to the mission and success of the U.S. military and our nation’s overall defense. In turn, defense spending makes up a fifth of our economy and is the largest, single driving factor in the economic prosperity of the Commonwealth. 

As a Member of the Armed Services Committee since I came to Congress in 2007, I have worked to ensure we bring the capability of our Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force closer to meeting the reality of the threats facing the United States and to project power around the globe to deter our adversaries.  I refuse to deprive our servicemembers the resources they need to be successful in their missions. I will continue to lead the fight to provide the right capabilities to support our warfighters, deter our adversaries, and keep our troops safe.