Rogers Warns of Russian & Chinese Military Activity Near Alaska and in US Backyard

Border Security and National Security

• ⚠️ Border security is directly linked to national security, as evidenced by the impact of President Biden's open border policies on illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
• 💡 Over 52,000 Americans died from fentanyl overdoses in the 12 months ending October 2024, with precursor chemicals largely originating from China.
• ✅ President Trump's decisive actions, including deploying 7,500 active duty troops, led to a 94% decrease in illegal crossings in February compared to the previous year.

Evolving Adversary Capabilities

• 🚀 America's adversaries are developing and fielding advanced air and missile capabilities, including hypersonic weapons, making the homeland no longer a sanctuary.
• ✈️ Chinese and Russian aircraft have increased activity around Alaska, including their first-ever joint bomber patrol.
• 🛰️ North Korea continues to test long-range missiles, with potential assistance from Russia, while China and Russia rapidly advance their strategic missile capabilities.

Spectrum Auction Risks

• 📡 An effort to auction off parts of the electromagnetic spectrum vital for DoD radar systems, including early warning and missile defense, is deemed alarming.
• 🛡️ Losing access to this spectrum would jeopardize President Trump's Golden Dome initiative and undermine overall US security.

China's Growing Presence in the Western Hemisphere

• 🌏 China's Belt and Road Initiative is expanding its influence through control of ports, space facilities, and 5G telecommunications in South America.
• ⛏️ China is acquiring critical minerals like copper and lithium essential for its military modernization, with these assets potentially being weaponized against the US.
• 🚢 Support for rolling back Chinese influence includes efforts to regain control of Chinese-run ports near the Panama Canal.

Russian Activity in the Region

• 🇷🇺 Russia remains active in the Western Hemisphere, providing training and arms to Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba, while also spreading anti-US propaganda.
• ⚓ Last summer, Russian warships conducted missile drills in the Atlantic before a port call in Havana, demonstrating a flexing of military muscle.
• ⚔️ Winning the strategic competition with China and Russia in the Western Hemisphere is critical for US security.