Council: Front and Center Feb. 22

North Korea Launches Another Rocket

On February 6, North Korea launched a satellite into space.  Like previous rocket tests, many experts believe the North is using the satellite launch as a pretense to further develop its missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons launch capabilities. Following the launch, Congress sent President Obama a new package of North Korean sanctions; the president signed the legislation on February 18. Read what our experts had to say about the latest launch and the need for diplomacy with North Korea. 

President Obama Releases 2017 Defense Budget Proposal

On February 9, President Obama released his fiscal year 2017 defense budget proposal, which includes $523.9 billion for the “base” budget and an additional $58.8 billion in the Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) slush fund account. Combined with other defense-related funding, this budget is higher than during any year of the Cold War. But hawks in Congress are already requesting an additional $15-23 billion. Read the Center’s full and easily digestible budget analysis to learn more.

Ted Cruz Calls for Drastic Military Spending Increases 

On February 16, Republican presidential candidate Senator Ted Cruz unveiled his defense strategy – and it’s a disaster. Even though gross domestic product (GDP) and defense spending have absolutely no connection, Cruz proposes spending at least 4 percent of GDP on defense every year of his presidency. This would increase defense spending by $2.6 trillion (with a T!) over eight years, according to one analysis. Stay tuned to see what our experts have to say about the Cruz proposal.

In the meantime, check out this graphic showcasing why General Selva, the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, says our military has not been gutted – a common complaint of many hawks in Congress and beyond.

General Hoar Leads Delegation to Jordan

Retired General Joseph Hoar, a member of the Center’s National Advisory Board, recently led a delegation of senior officers from the National Defense University to Jordan, where they met His Majesty King Abdullah II to discuss developments in Syria and Iraq, as well as international terrorism. Learn more about the high-level meeting.

Mark Kirk Insults Tammy Duckworth

Illinois Senator Mark Kirk, who currently holds an abysmal approval rating, is really feeling the heat. In a sign of pure desperation, he called Council-endorsed candidate Tammy Duckworth a “naïve fool not fit for office.” This is the same Tammy Duckworth who served as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army during the Iraq War. This is the same Tammy Duckworth who lost
both of her legs after her helicopter was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade.
This is the same decorated veteran Tammy Duckworth who has steadfastly endorsed the value of diplomacy over war. Learn more about Tammy and her remarkable career.

Nancy Rotering Campaign Heats Up

Council endorsed House candidate Nancy Rotering, the current Mayor of Highland Park, Illinois, is facing a tough primary against Brad Schneider. This week, her support for the successful Iran Deal, an agreement that Schneider opposes, was lauded by a supporter in a Letter to the Editor in the Chicago Tribune. Check out the letter to learn more about Nancy and her positions.

Defense Budget Briefing Book

We analyze the President’s defense budget request for you. See how current military spending stacks up to other years, and learn about the Administration’s specific proposals.

Nuclear Weapons Funding Up

President Obama’s plan to spend up to $1 trillion on nuclear weapons modernization is going full steam ahead, while other critical programs are cut. Read what our experts had to say about the budget.

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Funding Down

President Obama’s budget request for the 2017 Fiscal year, the last of his presidency, is a further disappointment to advocates of nuclear non-proliferation programs. Policy Analyst Greg Terryn runs through the
numbers.

European Reassurance Initiative lacks Reassurance

The Obama Administration has requested more funding for conventional
support to our European allies. Policy Analyst James McKeon explains why
this commitment does not necessarily reassure our allies.

Nuclear Modernization is too expensive 

Spending up to $1 trillion on nuclear weapons modernization
is an enormous sum. Two recent reports by experts at the Center for American Progress and the Center for Strategic and International Studies examine the upcoming costs and assess whether cuts can – and should – be made. Policy Intern Cassie Peterson breaks down the reports and offers her analysis.

Nuclear Weapons Spending Up, Non-Proliferation Spending Down

The President’s budget requests an increase in new nuclear cruise missile funding by 494 percent. At the same time, the Global Material Security program, a key non-proliferation initiative, is cut by 21 percent. Check out our graphic explaining the disparity and please share widely on social media.