capability at precisely the time when demand for United States military strength has increased. (6) Fifteen years of continuous war has stymied military modernization, focused training on asymmetrical warfare over large-scale conflicts. (7) Secretary of Defense James Mattis stated that alliances provide avenues for peace, fostering the conditions for economic growth with countries that share the same vision, while tempering the plans of those who would attack other nations or try to impose their will over the less powerful . (b) Sense of congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) the United States is an ally rich nation and our potential competitors—such as Russia, China, and North Korea—are ally poor