U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito recently addressed the Senate, critiquing President Biden’s national security policies. As vice chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, Capito highlighted various global challenges that she attributes to what she describes as the administration’s “weak” leadership.
In her prepared remarks, Capito stated: “I rise today to bring attention to the dangerous world that President Biden and his administration are leaving behind: a world engulfed in the flames of war in Europe and the Middle East, and teetering on the brink in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.”
Capito expressed concerns over adversaries testing American resolve, claiming that this instability poses risks to U.S. citizens. She further argued that Biden’s foreign policy lacks strong deterrence measures.
Contrasting Biden with former President Donald Trump, Capito remarked on Trump’s leadership style: “Whereas President-elect Donald Trump led with strength, defeated the ISIS caliphate, paved a path to peace in the Middle East with the Abraham Accords…”
Capito emphasized China’s military growth during Biden’s term, stating: “In 2020, the Defense Intelligence Agency assessed that China had about 200 nuclear weapons and would reach 400 by 2030. Now…the same agency counts about 500 nuclear weapons in China.”
The senator also pointed out increased aggression from Iran under Biden’s tenure: “Under Joe Biden, Iran has been able to supercharge its support for terrorist proxy groups by increasing its lucrative oil exports without consequence.”
Capito called for immediate congressional action on national defense policies ahead of Trump’s return to office: “Congress must take up the [National Defense Authorization Act] immediately…”
Her remarks underscored a belief that strong deterrence is vital for U.S. national security and advocated for renewed efforts under Trump’s upcoming administration.
