Hoosier State Today

On March 14, 2025, an op-ed by Senator Todd Young and General David Berger was published in The Hill. The column emphasizes the need for a National Economic Security Strategy to counter China's growing influence. According to Young and Berger, "As America confronts an ambitious economic and military peer in China, we desperately require a more coherent playbook for protecting and using our significant economic tools and assets."

The authors argue that current strategies are insufficient. They cite the "Davidson Window" as an example of why a broader approach is necessary. This term refers to the perceived period of maximum risk for a potential Chinese takeover of Taiwan. A brief discussion during a House Armed Services Committee hearing in 2021 led Congress to allocate billions more for military readiness.

Young and Berger acknowledge that lethal hardware is crucial for deterrence but point out that the U.S. lacks the capacity to mass-produce such equipment rapidly. They note, "Despite that inconvenient truth, too many voices in the defense community continue to seek ever larger appropriations." They stress that public support for hard-power solutions will wane unless these efforts are part of a larger strategy ensuring both deterrence and economic security.

They propose involving the entire executive branch in developing this strategy, along with consultation from private sectors. The CHIPS and Science Act is highlighted as a step towards formalizing this process by directing a strategy on national competitiveness.

Tariffs are discussed as another aspect needing clarity within this broader framework: "President Trump is rightly focused on ensuring that American industry and consumers get the best possible deal while holding foreign trade partners to fair standards." Clear strategic objectives behind tariffs could aid businesses and policymakers.

The op-ed suggests expanding the scope of strategies mandated by legislation like the CHIPS Act to include various policy areas beneficial to economic security. Additionally, they recommend Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth implement measures from the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act promptly.

Young and Berger call for investments in domestic manufacturing bases, including modern defense industries, emphasizing ending procrastination regarding economic security strategies: "Our collective procrastination with our economic security strategy must end — and end now."

They conclude by recalling historical perspectives on military power serving prosperity: "What was the purpose of this Navy? Not to empower conquest, but to provide security... so that Americans’ ingenuity... might be put to their highest and best use."

Todd Young serves as Indiana's senior senator while Gen. David H. Berger (ret.) previously held commandant duties at Marine Corps.