Political Quotes

“Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment No. 256 included in this en bloc. The United States and its allies are engaged in a global strategic competition with China and Russia. While Europe and the Indo-Pacific are the primary theaters of this contest, China and Russia are increasing their malign influence in the global south, including in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. My amendment directs the Department of Defense to assess the impact of Russia's influence in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean on the national security and economic interests of the United States. This builds upon my amendment included in the fiscal year 2023 NDAA, which directed the Department of Defense to assess the standing U.S. military force posture in the Caribbean, given U.S. national and regional security interests in the region. Mr. Chair, I urge support of my amendment in amendments en bloc No. 4.”