Continuing their advocacy for a robust national defense, Defense Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert and Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole have raised concerns about China's rapid military expansion. The lawmakers emphasized the necessity of strengthening the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps to maintain American military dominance. As China builds the world's largest navy, surpassing the United States in ships, submarines, and advanced fighter aircraft, there is an urgent call for decisive investments in American defenses.
Subcommittee Chairman Calvert highlighted the extraordinary operational demands on the "Navy and Marine Corps" amid increasing global instability. He underscored "the critical role our fleet plays in maintaining freedom of navigation and the security of global commerce." He warned that "China is on pace to surpass the U.S. Navy in firepower," noting their numerical superiority in hypersonic weapons and advanced fighters.
Calvert also pointed out the transformation within the Marine Corps into "a lighter, more agile, and distributed force capable of operating inside contested maritime space," which he described as a necessary shift to enhance tactical posture.
Chairman Cole supported these points, commending the "bravery and professionalism shown by our Sailors and Marines." He stated that their mission "has never been more consequential or expansive." Addressing shipbuilding challenges, Cole noted that delays impact operational readiness and create strategic risks as China expands its fleet rapidly. He stressed efforts to "strengthen industrial base capacity" and improve program execution accountability.
Cole further emphasized recruitment challenges, reinforcing efforts to improve service members' housing, family support programs, and health care.
The FY26 oversight hearing included testimony from Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, Acting Chief of Naval Operations Admiral James Kilby, and Commandant of the Marine Corps General Eric Smith. Discussions focused on revitalizing the defense industrial base, enhancing maritime deterrence, modernizing force structure, and sustaining America's strategic edge amid growing threats.
