Defense appropriators are resisting intense bipartisan pressure to reverse the Navy's decision not to procure a second Virginia-class submarine for FY25.
The U.S. is continuing to find ways to fortify defenses across the Pacific to deter China and counter its influence. The Philippines is key to that effort.
In the last three years, the U.S. has expanded its number of security partners, deepened existing agreements and encouraged them to work closely together.