U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers is sending a strong message to China and Russia after the two countries participated in a naval patrol near Alaska.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, warships from the two countries held naval exercises involving aircraft and helicopters and repelled a mock enemy air raid.

Rogers (R-Saks), who chairs the House Armed Services Committee, see this as a blatant attempt to “intimidate” the U.S.

“Continued cooperation between China and Russia is a stark reminder of the challenge we face: for the first time in history, the United States must deter two near-peer nuclear adversaries simultaneously." Chairman @RepMikeRogersAL https://t.co/QEIXQ6eM3v pic.twitter.com/oAMCWXMNP8

— Armed Services GOP (@HASCRepublicans) August 9, 2023

“Continued cooperation between China and Russia is a stark reminder of the challenge we face,” Rogers said. “For the first time in history, the United States must deter two near-peer nuclear adversaries simultaneously. It’s clear that China and Russia’s recent naval patrol was meant to intimidate the United States.”

The congressman also highlighted the need to pass this year’s National Defense Authorization Act.

By investing in the modernization of our nuclear deterrent, the bedrock of U.S. national security, the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act sends a strong message to both China and Russia: The United States cannot be intimidated.”

The 2024 NDAA spends 110% more than last year on nuclear weapons, raising it to $32 billion.

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee