Senator Kevin Cramer warns that China’s rapid industrial growth, particularly in defense-related manufacturing, poses a significant threat to US national security. The senator argues that the US must reform its permitting process to facilitate the rapid expansion and rebuilding of its defense industrial base.
China’s Industrial Might
China dominates global manufacturing, with steel production exceeding America’s by roughly 12-to-1 and shipbuilding capacity roughly 230 times that of the US. This disparity has significant implications for the US’s ability to deter conflict or prevail in a war.
The senator notes that the US has been hindered by a complex and time-consuming permitting process, which has led to delays and increased costs for defense infrastructure projects. In contrast, China can build and produce defense-related materials at a much faster pace and lower cost.
Reforming the Permitting Process
To address this issue, Senator Cramer advocates for permitting reform, which would allow for the rapid expansion and rebuilding of the US defense industrial base. This would involve streamlining the permitting process, reducing bureaucratic obstacles, and increasing funding for defense-related infrastructure projects.
The senator has worked with Democrats to build consensus on this issue and notes that there is bipartisan precedent for permitting reform in non-security related laws. He argues that permitting reform is essential for US national security and that it is time for Congress to take action.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
