Greenville Leader

The Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs convened for its first hearing, chaired by Subcommittee Chairman Timmons. The session focused on evaluating the challenges to U.S. national security and the need to restore America's global leadership.

Chairman Timmons opened the hearing by expressing his eagerness to collaborate with Ranking Member Subramanyam and other subcommittee members. He emphasized the importance of understanding current national security challenges and restoring America's international strength.

Timmons criticized the previous administration's policies, stating they led to weakened global standing, compromised national security, and emboldened adversaries. "While the previous administration spoke of prioritizing American safety and leadership, its actions certainly told a different story – one of strategic drift, reactive policy making, and diminished deterrence," he remarked.

He highlighted issues in the Indo-Pacific region where U.S. allies question American resolve due to inadequate responses to challenges like those in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. In Europe, Timmons attributed Russia's aggression partly to President Biden's push for Ukraine's NATO membership without a clear strategy after Russia's invasion.

The chairman expressed concern over $124.9 billion allocated in security assistance to Ukraine over nearly three years compared to $89 billion spent in Afghanistan over two decades. He stressed the need for accountability and strategic oversight of financial support aligned with U.S. interests.

Cybersecurity was another focal point as Timmons noted ongoing threats from nation-states and criminal organizations exploiting digital vulnerabilities. He criticized past administrations' lack of urgency in addressing these threats despite repeated warnings from entities like the Government Accountability Office.

Timmons also addressed growing terrorist threats amid what he described as a poorly executed withdrawal from Afghanistan under President Biden’s administration. He pointed out increased attacks by Iran-backed groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthis following perceived lapses in deterrence.

On domestic issues, Timmons underscored border security concerns citing nearly 400 known or suspected terrorists apprehended crossing illegally since 2021. He praised President Trump's initiatives that reportedly reduced illegal crossings by over 90 percent within his first 20 days through measures like reinstating the "Remain in Mexico" policy and resuming border wall construction.

In conclusion, Timmons called for congressional support for President Trump's efforts aimed at restoring deterrence, modernizing defenses, and reaffirming an America-first national security posture: "President Trump is undoing the crippling policies of the Biden Administration and returning the globe to peace through American strength."