WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today commented on the omission of submarine industrial base funding from a proposed supplemental funding request submitted to Congress by the White House:

“This request unwisely neglects the necessary submarine industrial base investments to ensure the success of the AUKUS agreement,” Wicker said. “President Biden has missed a near-term opportunity to send a clear signal of deterrence to China and a show of commitment to Australia.

“If we hope to realize the full potential of the AUKUS deal, it is imperative that the president articulate an achievable plan of action to increase American submarine production that meets both American and Australian needs. The enhanced security of the United States and our partners depends on our mutual collaboration and cooperation.”

Read more about Wicker’s position on improving the AUKUS agreement in a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed here. Read key reactions to Wicker’s position here, here, and here.