A war between the United States and China is far more likely in the next 10 years than is commonly understood. But if China defeats the U.S. in that war, Congress will share much of the blame.

On Wednesday, Reps. Jared Golden (D-ME) and Elaine Luria (D-VA) succeeded in their effort to amend the 2023 defense policy bill in the House Armed Service Committee. Their amendment wastes precious dollars by maintaining five of the Navy’s littoral combat ships. As USNI News notes, the House amendment follows similar Senate action. Top line: Congress is failing in its responsibility to prioritize the nation’s defense.