Joe Wilson

The Trump administration has presided over the defeat of ISIS's so-called caliphate.

The complexities of the Middle East pose enduring challenges to U.S. interests in the region and have vexed both Republican and Democratic administrations alike.

Can you describe how this budget will address shortfalls in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities?

The Iron Dome says it provides 'the best value to the Army based on its schedule, cost per kill, magazine depth, and capability against specified threats.'

It is very encouraging.

It is very encouraging to see the focus on readiness.

That is very encouraging.

It is very encouraging to see the focus on readiness.

The acquisition requires an 'above threshold reprogramming' request for FY19 funds.

It is extraordinary.

The Iron Dome is a very capable system. It is got basically 100 percent track record in combat.

That is very encouraging. And Ms. Secretary, it is very encouraging the Army plans to field two batteries of the Iron Dome system.

I am grateful to represent the people of the Second District of South Carolina which is the home of Fort Jackson.

I think, strategically, we want Turkey in the F-35 program.

I am reluctant to go down the path of a NATO passing judgment on democracies within that club while trying to set the standards that we want to uphold.

I think that, through engagement rather than isolation, rather than ostracizing our allies, being engaged, and I think that helps with the congressional body.

My approach is a little bit different perhaps than as Dr. Farkas outlined. I think our premise should be to keep our allies as our allies.

I do not think NATO is doing enough, and I think the key is an integrated strategy between NATO and the European Union.

But the Russian challenge to us is likely to remain asymmetric. Therefore, we should double down on our support, working with the European Union to strengthen resilience of democratic societies through efforts that range from diversifying…

I think Bulgaria is underappreciated in terms of our ability to push back on those influences.

I think Bulgaria has been the fundamental story of how you create a Europe whole and free, where former adversaries become allies.

I have suggested that we should not just support what is happening on the part of the Venezuelan people, but think about how we work with Colombia, Brazil, and back the regional countries.

We should have a strategy that thinks about how Beijing and Moscow do not become allied in their efforts, but that we drive that wedge.

I think the reality is we are facing a declining Russia which is seeking to disrupt our interests, and doing so pretty effectively.

I think we need to recognize that the challenge we are facing from the Kremlin today is not temporary and we should not plan as such.