National Defense in the Caribbean

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. PLASKETT. Madam Speaker, I rise to speak on my amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that directs the Department of Defense, in conjunction with the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security, to assess the standing U.S. military force posture in the Caribbean Basin and the value, feasibility, and cost of increasing U.S. military capacity in the region.

The Caribbean region has long been a place of geopolitical exertion of power by foreign forces. Presently, China has planted flags in numerous Caribbean nations through investment and infrastructure. The United States is vulnerable from a national security posture.

This amendment is bipartisan, with support from our colleague representing the island of Puerto Rico, Congresswoman Gonzalez-Colon. This amendment is warranted, given the importance of the U.S. national security apparatus to capably fight transnational crime and protect U.S. national and regional security in the region. Too often, the Caribbean is ignored, and this amendment ensures that our Third Border is not forgotten as it confronts increasing regional political instability, hostile foreign engagement, and transnational criminal activity.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source