Poll Shows Public Demand for Increased National Security Spending
The Aerospace Industries Association released data from a study conducted on their behalf by Harris Poll showing that after discussing present and future security threats facing the United States, more than two thirds of registered voters (69 percent) say that given the evolving and increased threats to America's security, the U.S. government should increase spending on America's national security relative to the caps set more than three years ago. The same number (69 percent) says they would be more likely to support a candidate for public office who supports increased spending on national security. The study was conducted by telephone in November among over 800 registered voters.
"These numbers don't surprise me one iota – the public understands the need to invest in national security, and the aerospace technologies that help provide that security and propel economic advancement," said AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. "The new Congress should sit up and listen to them attentively."
A majority of voters across party lines (83 percent of Republicans, 63 percent of Independents and 60 percent of Democrats) share the sentiment that the U.S. government should increase national security spending relative to current budget caps. In addition, nearly four out of five voters (78 percent) say they believe threats to American security raised by increased activity from ISIS/ISL, al Qaeda and other groups in Syria and Iraq are increasing, including majorities of Republicans (90 percent), Independents (75 percent) and Democrats (69 percent). Finally, 73 percent say they believe the United States is less secure due to cuts of nearly $1 trillion over the 2012-2022 timeframe in planned budgets for the military, including majorities across the entire political spectrum (Republicans – 90 percent, Independents – 71 percent, Democrats – 55 percent).
"Public polls are at historic lows in terms of voter perceptions of Congress," Blakey said. "If this new Congress is to restore any faith in our political process, they can start in January by revisiting the budget caps to reflect today's national security needs."
The study was conducted November 13 – 16th, 2014 by telephone by Harris Poll on behalf of AIA among 818 registered voters nationally, with a sampling error of +/-3.6%.
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