---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Fri, 15 Sep 95 15:40:26 EST
From: Larry_Craig@craig.senate.gov
To: Stephen Lyons <slyons@uidaho.edu>
Subject: Re: Defense spending
Dear Stephen:
Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns regarding
military spending. I appreciate having the benefit of your
thoughts.
As you know, the U.S. military is currently undergoing a broad
restructuring and drawdown as a result of changing defense needs
and smaller budgets that have come with the end of the Cold War.
By 1999, it is expected that defense spending will be reduced to
2.8 percent of the GDP, the lowest level since before World War
II. However, as we downsize our military, it is paramount that
we don't overlook the fact that we still have some very real
security needs. In short, our security needs have not ended, but
changed. We continue to live in a rapidly changing world with
many unstable nations. Failure to prepare for future conflict
would gravely jeopardize the ability of our military forces to
fulfill their mission to protect our country. We need to provide
for a lean, yet effective fighting force which will be prepared
to deal with any future crises successfully. I have never
supported giving the Pentagon a blank check. Through wise and
careful use of adequate defense dollars, our security needs can
be met.
Again, thank you for taking the time to share your concerns. I
hope you will continue to let me know where I may be of help.
Sincerely,
Larry E Craig
United States Senate
larry_craig@craig.senate.gov