Final answer:
Policy-makers sought to address deficiencies in U.S. defenses by ensuring rapid means of egress for civilians, maintaining a large military force, and addressing concerns about escalating military budgets.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the general deficiencies policy-makers sought to address in regard to U.S. defenses was the need to ensure rapid means of egress for civilians in the event of a nuclear attack. This was one of the justifications for building interstate highways. Another deficiency that policy-makers aimed to address was the need to maintain a large military force to prevent future conflicts, which led to increased defense spending. Lastly, there was a concern about escalating military budgets and the potential danger they posed, as highlighted by President Eisenhower in his farewell address in 1961.