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Examining Worldwide Threats to National Security: Expert Testimony from Defense Intelligence Leadership
U.S. Senator Roger F. Wicker, the highest-ranking Republican on the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, recently led a hearing on worldwide threats to national security. The committee heard expert testimony from Director of National Intelligence Avril D. Haines and Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency Lieutenant General Jeffrey A. Kruse.
During the hearing, Senator Wicker highlighted the perilous global security environment, emphasizing the challenges posed by great power competition and violent Islamic extremism. He stressed the importance of close collaboration between the intelligence and defense communities in addressing these threats.
One key issue raised by Senator Wicker was the need for a better understanding of China’s defense spending. He expressed concern that current estimates may underestimate the true extent of China’s military budget, pointing to reports indicating a significant increase in their defense spending for 2024.
Senator Wicker also highlighted the growing cooperation among adversarial countries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, describing them as a new “axis of evil” that poses a significant threat to U.S. interests. He called for greater awareness among the American public about the dangers posed by these adversaries and urged the intelligence community to provide specific examples of this new threat.
In closing, Senator Wicker emphasized the importance of continued efforts to strengthen national security, including restoring the industrial base to a wartime footing, supporting allies, and equipping service members with innovative technologies. He thanked the witnesses for their service and for their insights into the pressing national security challenges facing the United States.
