Lawmakers are preparing to wrestle with a new request from the top U.S. military commander in the Pacific, who is seeking to boost a special fund to counter China by billions of dollars, though it could likely mean cutting other priorities. Adm. Phil Davidson, chief of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, told the Senate Armed Services Committee today he is seeking $4.7 billion in fiscal year 2022 for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, an increase of $2.5 billion from FY-21. In a recent report obtained by Inside Defense, Davidson said INDOPACOM would need $22.7 billion for the fund between FY-23 and FY-27. Davidson told the committee today the FY-21 funding for the PDI was "a good first start," but said more is needed to meaningfully counter China in the region and assure U.S. allies of Washington's commitment. "Our allies and partners in the region are looking for surety," he said. "The investments we make specific toward the PDI will be recognized."
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