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U.S. Defense Spending Debate Heats Up Over Russia

The Wall St. Journal reports that “the deepening East-West standoff over Ukraine is triggering a shift in political pressures in Washington and adding fuel to a debate over U.S. military spending cuts.”  

“President Barack Obama is facing calls to rethink diplomatic strategies and exert a more forceful American response. At the same time, even self-professed Republican hawks aren’t urging military action, a recognition of limits on U.S. options.”  

“The facedown with Moscow is breeding demands for more strenuous action than the administration has so far taken. While the U.S. has said it may boycott the June Group of Eight summit in Sochi, for instance, lawmakers are urging that the U.S. lead a charge to evict Russia from the group.”  

“Lawmakers also have demanded more funding for missile defense programs across Europe and for strengthening Georgia and Moldova—two other former Soviet republics at odds with Moscow.”

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