Vice President Mike Pence said Friday that the "era" of cutting the U.S. defense budget is over during his commencement address at the Naval Academy graduation, where some 1,000 midshipmen became commissioned officers.
While speaking at the ceremony, Pence vowed that he and President Donald Trump would ensure the military will have the resources it needs to carry out its duties. Pence touted recent actions taken by the Trump administration.
"And to the families who are gathered here today and all these rising officers, I say President Donald Trump and I will not rest, we will not relent until we rebuild our military, restore the arsenal of democracy, and ensure our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guard have all the resources that you need to accomplish your mission and come home safe," Pence said. "That is our pledge to each of you."
Pence noted that Trump's federal budget proposal seeks to increase defense spending. The proposed budget would increase the base Pentagon budget by about $52.8 billion , or 9.8 percent, for fiscal year 2017.
"Let me be clear, the era of budget cuts of the armed forces of the United States is over," Pence said to applause. The vice president added that Trump is "reaffirming America's role as leader of the free world."
Pence also told the newly commissioned officers that the best approach to ensure peace is through a strong military.