California’s affordability crisis threatens America’s defense industrial base

America is investing billions to build the world’s most advanced ships, aircraft, missiles, autonomous systems and satellites. But those investments mean little if we do not have the welders, machinists, technicians, engineers and mechanics to build and maintain them.

California should be leading that effort.

The state is home to more than 30 major defense installations and one of America’s most important aerospace and defense ecosystems. These industries offer skilled workers good careers ...