As Senator Shelby at our Senate testimony hearing last March pointed out to us, we must maintain what we have before we can build new, and I think he hits the mark head-on.

I am deeply concerned, however, that the administration's failure to direct the appropriate resources to the crisis at the southern border has resulted in shifting the burden to the Guard.

Because the administration has refused to fund the construction of a comprehensive barrier along the border, it has been compelled to send the National Guard to deal with the consequences.

Regrettably, this was all predictable and avoidable.

Deterrence requires spending our limited resources on both offensive and defensive weapons.

A lot of people, including this Senator, believe that the request is not enough considering the problems in the world.

We have got to get our arms, one, around the inflation first, and then try to boost our defense capabilities in a dangerous world.

The Department of Navy has played and will continue to play a critical role in the defense of our Nation.

I am concerned about this--what this communicates to both our allies and our adversaries.

I remain concerned that the Air Force budget request is insufficient considering the needed modernization across the inventory with a rapidly evolving threat.

A complex and evolving security environment requires a serious commitment to our national defense.