It would cost billions to build a base like Lajes today.

The decision means a total end to the U.S. presence at the facility.

Lajes has an unparalleled strategic value. Located on the Azore islands between Europe and the United States, it is like the Hawaii of the Atlantic Ocean, only closer to America's homeland.

While our strategic planners may not want to be in the Azores anymore, leaders of other nations feel differently.

Crucially, we cannot assume the Portuguese will exclude China or other bad actors from the site simply out of allegiance to the United States.

If we withdraw from Lajes, should we assume that Chinese and Russian submarines will suffer some mishap that prevents them from sailing beneath the Atlantic Ocean?

If we walk away and draw down, the Portuguese will be forced to make a very tough decision, which is, do we support the United States, which I think they want to do, or do we make a strategic decision to try to feed our families?

I don't believe that we should withdraw the presence there at all. In fact, I would argue that we should probably increase the presence at Lajes and draw down other facilities.

We do not want to make Azorians choose between their loyalty to the United States and the ability to feed their families.

If the U.S. Government wants to fulfill its responsibility to protect the United States, its people, and its interests, then I ask you to look at the map, and what location of the 29 locations on the map is most critical?

I intend to push India to remove barriers that prevent U.S. companies, farmers, ranchers, and workers from competing on a level playing field.