ROGERS PRESSES NAVY ON HOW A DIMINISHED BUDGET WEAKENS NAVAL FORCE FOR FUTURE CONFLICT WITH CHINA 

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Mike Rogers, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, had an exchange with Admiral Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. In the Exchange, Adm. Gilday told Ranking Member Rogers that under President Biden’s budget the Navy’s budget has declined, putting our naval forces in a weak position for potential future conflict with China.

In his opening remarks, Ranking Member Rogers noted that, “It is almost as if the President developed this budget with little understanding of what is required to deter conflict and, if necessary, win the next war.  Quite simply, this budget has little to do with pacing China. I refuse to support it. We should be expanding and modernizing our naval capabilities as called for by the Trump administration.  I’m disappointed the Biden Administration doesn’t see the threat from China the same way.”

 A TRANSCRIPT IS BELOW:

ROGERS: 

“Admiral, you painted a pretty ugly picture for the future of the Navy. Given that fact, do you feel like this budget is adequate to help you take on those challenges?”

ADMIRAL GILDAY: 

“Sir, I think it’s important to understand that based on the top-line that we have, that we can afford a Navy of about 300 ships.  What we’re trying to do with our investment strategy is to balance those investments across the readiness of the fleet today.”