[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 55 (Wednesday, March 26, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H1277]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    AMERICA MUST NOT BE IDLE WHILE ADVERSARIES ADVANCE CAPABILITIES

  (Mr. Self of Texas was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. SELF. Mr. Speaker, America and our European Union allies find 
ourselves at an inflection point. We have an amazing opportunity, and 
the actions we take today will shape the outcome for generations to 
come.
  The world is significantly more dangerous because of the Biden 
administration projecting American weakness to the world. Under the 
previous administration, America turned away from policies that had our 
adversaries quaking in their boots and instead bent a knee to the axis 
of evil. Make no mistake, China, Russia, and Iran are exerting 
influence across the globe that is causing harm and posing major 
threats to both the United States and our allies.
  It is vitally important that the United States and our European Union 
allies work together to find solutions that both combat these 
adversities and ensure that we stay ahead of them in the process. All 
three are trying to impose their will physically, psychologically, and 
diplomatically on Europe, and we must be fully prepared for whatever 
approach they take.
  As the chairman of the Europe Subcommittee of the Foreign Affairs 
Committee, I will continue to lead both reauthorization of the State 
Department and regional efforts under the leadership of Chairman Mast.
  A significant part of our focus is achieving the policies that put 
America's interests first while building our relations with allies 
abroad against our common adversaries.
  We have taken major steps in the right direction under President 
Trump and his administration, but there is still more work to be done. 
Our NATO partners must step up to the plate and give 5 percent of their 
GDP for the protection of Europe as America shifts its focus to the 
Indo-Pacific region. The CCP has made significant advances in warfare, 
and we must remain vigilant while also building up our defense 
industrial base in order to be prepared for any scenario.
  America must not remain idle while our adversaries are advancing 
their capabilities. The Europe Subcommittee will do our part.

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