Cornyn: Schumer’s Delays on Defense Make America Less Safe

Summary

Senator John Cornyn criticizes the Senate's lack of productivity, blaming the Majority Leader for delaying key legislation, including government funding and the National Defense Authorization Act. He emphasizes the growing threats from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, and highlights the critical need for a prepared and modernized U.S. military. Cornyn warns that short-term continuing resolutions jeopardize national security and military readiness. He calls for bipartisan efforts to address these issues and stresses the importance of timely legislative action to protect American interests globally.

Takeaways

• 💼 The Majority Leader has exclusive control over scheduling Senate actions, which has caused delays in important matters like government funding and defense bills.
• 🛑 The lack of productivity in the Senate is viewed as malpractice, with a focus on partisan nominees and political votes rather than core governance tasks.
• 🛡️ China's military, particularly its navy, poses a significant long-term threat, with rapid expansion and capabilities that endanger U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific region.
• 🚀 There is concern that China might use its military advantages to invade Taiwan by 2027, creating a high-risk scenario for U.S. and allied defenses.
• 🇺🇦 Continued U.S. support for Ukraine is crucial in deterring aggression from Russia, with global security interconnected across different regions.
• 🇮🇱 Israel is under threat from Hamas, a group backed by Iran, the top state sponsor of terrorism, highlighting rising instability in the Middle East.
• 🌍 The strategic alliance between China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea is growing, posing a global security threat and requiring serious U.S. attention.
• 🔧 U.S. military readiness is declining due to outdated equipment, technology, and bureaucracy, which is hindering the nation’s defense capabilities.
• 📅 The looming government shutdown could have been avoided if the Senate Majority Leader had prioritized votes on necessary appropriations bills.
• 📉 Short-term continuing resolutions harm military planning and readiness, making it difficult for U.S. forces to operate efficiently and respond to global threats.

Q & A

Who is responsible for scheduling legislative action on the Senate floor?

The Majority Leader is responsible for scheduling legislative action on the Senate floor, and no other senator has the authority to do so.

What criticism does the speaker make regarding the Senate’s lack of productivity?

The speaker criticizes the Senate's lack of productivity, attributing it to the Majority Leader's failure to address key issues like government funding and the defense authorization bill, which he describes as 'malpractice.'

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of the National Defense Authorization Act?

The National Defense Authorization Act is vital because it provides the necessary authorities and resources for the military to prepare for and address global threats, and its delay could jeopardize military readiness.

What is the significance of September 30 according to the speech?

September 30 marks the end of the fiscal year and the deadline for funding the government and ensuring that the military has the resources it needs to face security challenges.

What global threats are highlighted in the report mentioned by the speaker?

The report highlights threats from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, emphasizing China's military expansion, Russia's aggression in Ukraine, and Iran's support for terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.

Why does the speaker express concern about continuing resolutions?

The speaker is concerned that short-term continuing resolutions hinder the military's ability to plan and operate effectively, especially in light of global conflicts and security threats.

How does the speaker describe China's military capabilities?

The speaker describes China as having the world's largest navy, with nearly 400 warships, and a missile capability that threatens U.S. aircraft carriers in the Indo-Pacific region.

What role does the speaker believe Congress should play in ensuring national security?

The speaker believes that Congress has a crucial role in passing legislation like the National Defense Authorization Act and funding bills to ensure military readiness and national security.

What historical reference does the speaker make to emphasize the importance of military preparedness?

The speaker references his father's service as a B-17 pilot in World War II and quotes former Secretary of Defense Bob Gates, who said that 'our holiday from history is over,' stressing the need for ongoing military strength.

Why does the speaker accuse the Majority Leader of delaying legislative action?

The speaker accuses the Majority Leader of deliberately delaying legislative action to enhance his negotiating power over a final package of spending bills, resulting in avoidable crises like government shutdown threats.