“Every day we live under a continuing resolution is a day we do damage to our military.” - Mac Thornberry, Chairman, House Armed Services Committee
Deterring Russia
THE PROBLEM:
Russia’s aggressive posture, coupled with their cyberwarfare activities and propaganda operations present a significant challenge to America and our European allies. After a post-Cold War pullback, America’s military is working to increase our presence in Europe- reassuring our allies and deterring an increasingly aggressive Russia.
WHAT WE ARE DOING TODAY:
Rebuilding our military strength in Europe requires rebuilding facilities and setting out new strategies to deter Russian threats. Budget cuts and CRs complicate the planning process and make it difficult to fund new military construction projects.
WHAT WE COULD BE DOING:
The House-passed FY18 NDAA authorizes an additional $1.2 billion over CR levels to deter Russia in Europe, and $306.9 million for military construction to beef up our presence in Europe- $193.3 million more than the CR levels. The NDAA also requires DOD to author a strategy to counter Russian threats, a strategy to increase our munition stockpiles in Europe, and a plan to counter Russian cyber warfare and information operations.