Candidate Notes on 2007-HJR67

2007-HJR67 on Dec 6, 2007

The resolution supports a base Defense Budget that at the very minimum matches 4% of gross domestic product:

• Whereas the defense of the US is contingent unconditional moral and monetary support from the Congress;
• Whereas the US is engaged in a long war with those who employ terror;
• Whereas current equipment is being worn out and damaged and must be rebuilt or replaced;
• Whereas there is a broad consensus that there must be significant personnel increases of 94,000 soldiers within the next 5 years;
• Whereas the defense budget is scheduled to drop in the coming years, to just 3.2% of GDP by 2012;

Whereas a defense budget of 4% of GDP is far lower than during the Cold War and almost a full percentage point lower than the 'hollow force' era following the Vietnam War;

Therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House, That it is the policy of the United States to commit a minimum of 4% of the Nation's gross domestic product to the base defense budget in order to meet the fundamental National security requirements of the United States.

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