Cochran Statement on President Trump’s Request for Additional Defense Funding
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today welcomed President Donald Trump’s request to Congress for $5.9 billion in additional appropriations to strengthen missile defense and improve security and counterterror operations.
The Trump administration submitted a budget amendment to Congress that seeks $4.7 billion in emergency funding for missile defense, including $700 million to repair two damaged antimissile-capable U.S. Navy warships. The request also includes $1.2 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations funding to support U.S. operations in Afghanistan.
“The President’s request demonstrates that missile defense and military readiness remain a high priority for the President and our military and diplomatic leaders. Providing additional funding for missile defense programs would reinforce the United States’ commitment to defend itself and its allies,” Cochran said. “I hope the Senate and House will act expeditiously on this request to ensure resources are in place to protect our national security interests.”
Cochran, who also chairs the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, met with Secretary of Defense James Mattis last Thursday to discuss the Administration’s plan. Members of the subcommittee also met last week with Mattis and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford to discuss funding and strategy matters.
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