During Thursday’s meeting of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa) raised concerns over the U.S. Navy’s fiscal year 2023 budget proposal.
Shelby, who serves as committee vice chair, opened his remarks before Navy leadership by speaking to the “critical role” the U.S. military’s maritime branch plays in protecting the homeland.
“Secretary Del Toro, Admiral Gilday, and General Berger, welcome and thank you for being here. I look forward to hearing more about the budget request for the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps for fiscal year 2023,” said Shelby. “The Department of the Navy has played and will continue to play a critical role in the defense of our nation. The capabilities that it has and the future capabilities that it pursues communicates our resolve to both our adversaries and our allies.”
He added, “While it is important that the Navy continue to man, train, and equip a ready force, we must also prioritize key modernization priorities. These priorities include hypersonic weapons and recapitalization of the Navy’s nuclear arsenal, all while keeping a sharp watch on our adversaries.”
According to Shelby, the department’s budget ask is insufficient in meeting the Navy’s demands due to the nation’s current inflation crisis.
“China and Russia continue to make unprecedented expenditures in advanced weapons, demonstrating new capabilities and their commitment to increased capacity,” continued the senator. “While the U.S. seeks to maintain military superiority, it is concerning that the total funding requested for the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps does not even keep pace with inflation. I am concerned about what this communicates to both our allies and our adversaries.”
Shelby concluded, “Therefore, I look forward to hearing how the fiscal year 2023 budget request proposes to meet the needs of the Navy and Marine Corps while preserving our current and future advantages.”
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
