In this episode of Cyber Focus, host Frank Cilluffo speaks with Congressman Mike Rogers, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. Representing Alabama's 3rd District, Rogers outlines his top defense priorities, including boosting defense spending, acquisition reform, and preparing for cyber and space warfare. He also shares insights on missile defense, the strategic role of Huntsville, the future of the national cyber workforce, and the growing energy demands of AI. Rogers offers a candid look at how Congress is adapting to emerging threats and why he believes space and cyber will define the future of national security.

Main Topics Covered:

• The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) process and bipartisan cooperation
• Calls to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP and enforce acquisition reform
• Evolving threats in space, cyber, and unmanned warfare domains
• The future cyber workforce and talent exchange between government and industry
• Strategic importance of Huntsville, including missile defense and Space Command
• Grid security, EMP threats, and energy challenges posed by AI infrastructure

Key Quotes:

We are at the lowest level of defense spending as a percentage of GDP since before World War II. It is dangerously low, 2.9% of GDP. We really should be closer to 5%. – Rep. Mike Rogers

You can put a multi-million warehouse stockpile of drones together and we can upgrade them every week or every month without touching them. And those are the kind of changes that we need to make sure that we can move with the speed of relevance. – Rep. Mike Rogers

Guam has a big target on it. Number one target by China. If we get into a conflict... it will be target number one. – Rep. Mike Rogers

We're going to be doing swarms [of underwater drones] just like we're doing swarms in the air. You're going to find the use of unmanned fighter jets is going to be very commonplace. We're already doing some of that now, but it's going to be a lot. – Rep. Mike Rogers

"There will be a lot of battles fought where there's not a gun fired. It's going to be through cyber and through space." – Rep. Mike Rogers

Relevant Links and Resources:

U.S. Space Command Official Website

Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering

Southeast Regional Cybersecurity Collaboration Center

One Second After by William R. Forstchen

Guest Bio:

Mike Rogers is the U.S. Representative for Alabama's 3rd Congressional District and Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. A leading voice on national defense and space policy, Rogers has served in Congress since 2003 and was instrumental in the creation of the U.S. Space Force. He is a strong advocate for strengthening the defense industrial base, modernizing military capabilities, and advancing cybersecurity and national security interests at home and abroad.