Alabama Congressman Mike Rogers has emerged as one of the nation’s leading advocates for space defense technology. During a panel discussion hosted by the Reagan Presidential Library, he pressed the need for stronger research and development that could lead to greater military power. According to him, a commitment to space is an important component of the effort to bolster America’s strength.

Rogers, who serves as the chair of the House Armed Services strategic forces subcommittee, was joined by other leading defense experts like General David L. Goldfein, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, and former Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher, who chairs the California Governor’s Military Council.

During the event, Rep. Rogers said that space is often viewed as the “red-headed stepchild” of the armed services, but added that it was an important component of our nation’s defense strategy.

“What we have got to recognize is that our adversaries know that we cannot fight and win a war without using space,” he said. “And they have developed offensive capabilities that we have not done a good enough job of being prepared to respond to.”

He added that adversaries of the United States need to understand that if they go after our space-based assets, that our country will issue a “severe response.”

“We have to remember that the world is watching,” he said. “When our allies and our adversaries see us flying 52 year-old B-52 bombers, openly acknowledging that we intend to fly it until they’re 80 years-old… That is not showing a commitment to nuclear deterrent that our enemies need to see.”

On a lighter note, Rogers concluded his appearance with a prediction about Alabama football.

“I do think Alabama’s going to win the SEC Championship. And in January the national championship.”