McCain plan gains momentum amid North Korea threats

Sen. John McCain’s (R-Ariz.) push for a $7.5 billion fund to bulk up the U.S. military’s capabilities in the Asia-Pacific is gaining momentum as tensions with North Korea mount.

The commander of U.S. forces in the region threw his support behind the idea this week, and experts say that such a fund would signal U.S. commitment to the region.

“This kind of money can help us bring together our allies and partners,” said Patrick Cronin, senior director of the Asia-Pacific Security Program at the Center for a New American Security. “This could be a very good return on investment if we spend it well, including for deterrence on North Korea.”

Read the full article at The Hill.