Sending missiles to Ukraine could leave U.S. vulnerable.
Some members of Congress are calling for President Biden to invoke the Defense Production Act amid concerns that the diversion of Javelin anti-tank and Stinger anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine could leave the United States itself militarily vulnerable
Next week, the president is planning to visit a Lockheed Martin facility in Alabama that makes Javelins. Having a ready supply of such potent and proven weapons is seen as vital not only to Ukraine but to ensuring Taiwan is prepared for a potential Chinese invasion.
Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut warned of a potential Javelin shortage. “The United States military has probably sent about one-third of its Javelin anti-tank missiles to Ukraine—one third of our supply given to them,” he said. “Replenishing U.S. stocks or those weapons would require 32 months.”
Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island, a veteran, raised similar concerns. “We have a significant usage rate for the Stingers that we’re moving over there—Javelins also—and we have to not only be able to help the Ukrainians, we have to maintain our stocks,” he said.
Representative Michael McCaul of Texas also expressed concerns on the three-year backlog in delivering weapons to Taiwan.
The Defense Production Act gives the president executive power to authorize companies to prioritize certain areas of production. Senator Blumenthal warned, “we will run out of these key arms” unless the president uses it.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the senators and representatives seeking to ensure the nation has adequate defenses.
- For the president and his advisors as they assess the inventory of the U.S. against the military aid promised to Ukraine.
Sources: The Hill, Axios
