Page 2 - ARUBA TODAY

A2 UP FRONT
Tuesday 19 december 2017
Trump doctrine: Economic security is national security

By JONATHAN LEMIRE growing threat to our na-
HOPE YEN tional security.” The Trump
Associated Press plan removes that deter-
WASHINGTON (AP) — Presi- mination — following the
dent Donald Trump de- administration’s threat to
clared a new national se- pull out of the Paris climate
curity strategy on Monday, accord. The strategy sets
echoing the message of his a goal of being an “ener-
2016 campaign as he de- gy-dominant nation” but
clared “America is in the does say that the United
game and America is go- States “recognizes the im-
ing to win.” portance of environmental
In a speech at the Ronald stewardship.”
Reagan Building and In- In his remarks, Trump
ternational Trade Center, stressed his “serious plan to
Trump faulted previous U.S. defend our homeland.” He
leaders for failing to look called anew for construc-
out for the nation’s citizens. tion of a border wall with
He promised to seek open- Mexico, pledged to end
ings to cooperate with ri- “chain migration” of im-
vals, but added that “we migrants’ relatives and to
will stand up for ourselves close “loopholes that un-
and we will stand up for our dermine enforcement” of
country like we have never President Donald Trump speaks on national security Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, in Washington. Trump immigration restrictions.
stood up before.” says his new national security strategy puts “America First.” The strategy emphasizes
Trump’s strategy envisions (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) that U.S. economic secu-
nations in constant com- dent argued that he has al- tional relationships if fully defend its sovereignty from rity is national security. In his
petition, brushes aside ready seen improvements implemented. It focuses friend and foe alike. While remarks, Trump called for
Obama-era warnings on since taking office, pointing on four main themes: pro- the administration often “firm action against unfair
climate change and af- to the economy’s strong tecting the homeland, pro- says that “America First” trade practices and intel-
firms that the United States performance, his withdraw- moting American prosper- does not mean “America lectual property theft.”
will unilaterally defend its al from the Trans-Pacific ity, demonstrating peace Alone,” the national secu- The strategy also details
sovereignty, even if that Partnership on trade and through strength and ad- rity strategy makes clear the threats of “rogue re-
means risking existing the his intent to exit the Paris cli- vancing American influ- that the United States will gimes,” like North Korea. It
agreements with other mate accord. ence in an ever-competi- stand up for itself even at says that China and Rus-
countries that have been “America is coming back tive world. the cost of alienating allies. sia “challenge American
a crucial part of the United and coming back strong,” Trump’s doctrine holds that The last national strategy power, influence, and inter-
States’ foreign policy since he said. nation-states are in per- document, prepared by ests, attempting to erode
the Cold War. The strategy from the Re- petual competition and President Barack Obama American security and
Revisiting many of his cam- publican president could that the U.S. must fight on in 2015, declared climate prosperity.”q
paign themes, the presi- sharply alter U.S. interna- all fronts to protect and change an “urgent and

McConnell unveils wish list to attach to spending bill

By ANDREW TAYLOR would be the main item of protections for immigrants
Associated Press congressional business re- brought to the country ille-
WASHINGTON (AP) — The maining after Republicans gally as children and whom
Senate’s top Republican wrap up action on their have often known no other
Monday announced a hard-fought tax bill. Law- home that the U.S.
lengthy wish list that he makers are eager to head Republicans leaders don’t
hopes to attach to a must- home for the holidays. want to take on the po-
do spending bill this week, GOP leaders are aiming litically explosive issue of
but there’s no agreement for Tuesday votes in both immigration this year but
with the chamber’s Dem- House and Senate on the promise it will be taken
ocrats and little time to tax measure, which would care of next year. And GOP
waste. be the biggest win by far leaders have so far reject-
The government would for President Donald Trump ed Democratic demands
partially shut down if Wash- on Capitol Hill. that domestic agencies
ington can’t pass another As Republicans controlling and foreign aid accounts
stopgap spending bill by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., accompanied Congress hashed out their receive spending increas-
midnight Friday. at right by Secretary for the Majority Laura Dove, walks to the tax measure, however, a es at parity with the $60-
Majority Leader Mitch Mc- chamber as Republicans in the House and Senate plan to pass stack of unfinished legisla- 70 billion or more increase
Connell is eyeing the mea- the sweeping $1.5 trillion GOP tax bill on party-line votes, at the tion has piled up. Nego- that Republicans want to
sure as a shortcut to power Capitol in Washington, Monday, Dec. 18, 2017. tiations have produced award the Department of
(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
several other items into law, But top Senate Democrat curing spending increases some progress but many Defense.
including hurricane relief, Chuck Schumer has other for domestic agencies to disagreements remain. In the House, GOP leaders
a renewal of a children’s priorities, chiefly protection match huge budget in- Perhaps most significantly, have announced a plan
health insurance program from deportation of immi- creases sought by defense Democrats are demanding to pair a huge Pentagon
and funding to stabilize grants commonly referred hawks for the Pentagon. that Trump fulfill pledges funding bill with record
“Obamacare” insurance to as “Dreamers” and se- The must-pass spending bill to address the immigra- spending increases with a
markets. tion issue, which involves stopgap.q