Central ND News

Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) engaged Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q. Brown, Jr. during a Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing on Tuesday. The focus of the discussion revolved around the Department of Defense budget request for Fiscal Year 2025 and the Future Years Defense Program.

Senator Cramer raised various critical points during the hearing, including concerns about intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), defense budgets, energy assets, and China's defense capabilities. He questioned General Brown about the wisdom of continuing to decrease the defense budget to below three percent of the GDP, to which General Brown responded by affirming his commitment to advocating for the necessary resources for the Joint Force.

In a probing inquiry to Secretary Austin, Senator Cramer highlighted the role of energy as a weapon in conflicts involving Russia, Ukraine, and Iran. He expressed reservations about the effectiveness of sanction waivers for Iran and emphasized the importance of cleaner energy sources. Secretary Austin acknowledged the significance of energy resources in impacting a country's military capability, underscoring the need to address the current battlefield effectively.

Furthermore, Senator Cramer articulated concerns about the Air Force's approach to ISR assets, particularly the elimination of legacy assets and future programs. He emphasized the importance of addressing the escalating concerns related to ISR capabilities, urging for a more comprehensive strategy to meet modern challenges. General Brown acknowledged the complexity of the ISR landscape and emphasized the importance of leveraging space capabilities to enhance intelligence gathering.

Senator Cramer concluded his questioning by stressing the urgency of matching China's pace in modernization priorities. He emphasized the need to overcome bureaucratic barriers and foster innovation within the military to keep pace with evolving threats. Senator Cramer urged for a collaborative effort to enhance the speed and agility of military operations.

The exchange between Senator Cramer, Secretary Austin, and General Brown underscored the multifaceted challenges facing the U.S. military in an evolving global landscape, emphasizing the need for strategic investments and innovative approaches to maintain a competitive edge.