Washington, D.C. - Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) announced the following upcoming Committee events.
Wednesday, April 27
Joint Subcommittee Hearing: Advancing U.S. Interests: Examining the President’s FY 2017 Budget Proposal for Afghanistan and Pakistan
10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 27 in 2172 Rayburn House Office Building
Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa
Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman
Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
Rep. Matt Salmon (R-AZ), Chairman
Invited Witnesses Include.
The Honorable Richard Olson
U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan
U.S. Department of State
Mr. Donald L. Sampler, Jr.
Assistant to the Administrator
Office of Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs
U.S. Agency for International Development
Chairman Ros-Lehtinen on the hearing: “The President’s FY 2017 budget request for Afghanistan and Pakistan represents a significant portion of his total foreign operations request. Afghanistan continues to struggle with a resurgent Taliban, a persistent ISIS presence, a corrupt governance system, and a fragile economy, while Pakistan continues to be more of an obstacle than a partner in our efforts to fight the Taliban and other terrorist groups. As a U.S. ally, Afghanistan’s stability remains incredibly important to our national security and it is essential that the administration remains militarily, politically, and economically engaged in Afghanistan for the long-term. This hearing will allow members to assess how our assistance to Afghanistan and Pakistan can be better utilized, including by leveraging aid to Pakistan, ensuring proper attention is being paid to Afghan counter-narcotics efforts, and giving the Afghan government the chance to succeed."
Chairman Salmon on the hearing: “The Administration has requested nearly $2 billion in foreign assistance for Afghanistan and Pakistan in FY2017. Despite billions in aid and over a decade of U.S. troops on the ground, there are substantial questions about the Administration’s overall strategy. Pakistan, in particular, seems to follow a strategy of doing just enough to continue the flow of aid, without making any real progress in the fight against the numerous terrorist organizations operating in country. At this hearing, we will discuss the Administration’s strategy for the region and hope to hear its plan for meaningful improvements."
Wednesday, April 27
Subcommittee Hearing: Examining FY 2017 Funding Priorities in the Western Hemisphere
2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27 in 2172 Rayburn House Office Building
Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere
Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Chairman
Invited Witnesses Include.
Mr. Francisco Palmieri
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary
Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs
U.S. Department of State
Luis Arreaga, Ph.D.
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary
Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs
U.S. Department of State
Ms. Elizabeth Hogan
Acting Assistant Administrator
Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean
U.S. Agency for International Development
Chairman Duncan on the hearing: “This hearing will examine the Administration’s budget request for Latin America and the Caribbean. As our country is $19 trillion in debt, I believe we have a responsibility to the American taxpayer to ensure that every dollar spent in the Western Hemisphere directly supports U.S. national interests. In this region, U.S. engagement goes a long way, and I believe we have many opportunities to deepen our cooperation with our friends in particular. At the same time, it is critical that we continually reassess our programs to prevent waste, duplication, and inefficiency. This hearing will provide an opportunity to hold the Administration accountable for its efforts and record in the region."
Wednesday, April 27
Subcommittee Hearing: South Sudan’s Prospects for Peace and Security
2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27 in 2200 Rayburn House Office Building
Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations
Rep. Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ), Chairman
Invited Witnesses Include.
Panel I
The Honorable Donald Booth
Special Envoy to Sudan and South Sudan
U.S. Department of State
Mr. Bob Leavitt
Deputy Assistant Administrator
Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance
U.S. Agency for International Development
Panel II
Mr. John Prendergast
Founding Director
Enough Project
Mr. Matt Wells
Program Officer
Center for Civilians in Conflict
Luka Biong Deng Kuol, Ph.D.
Global Fellow
Peace Research Institute Oslo
Augustino Ting Mayia, Ph.D.
Director of Research
The Sudd Institute
Chairman Smith on the hearing: “South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, is teetering on the verge of becoming a failed state," said U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), chairman of the Africa and Global Human Rights Subcommittee. “As one of the nations that played a major role in South Sudan’s independence, the U.S. Government should make every effort to prevent this East African nation from falling into chaos. This hearing will examine the current situation and U.S. options."
Thursday, April 28
Hearing: America as a Pacific Power: Challenges and Opportunities in Asia
10 a.m. on Thursday, April 28 in 2172 Rayburn House Office Building
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman
Invited Witnesses Include.
The Honorable Antony J. Blinken
Deputy Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
Chairman Royce on the hearing: “At a time when North Korea is expanding its nuclear arsenal and China is aggressively pressing territorial claims, it is critical that the United States work closely with our partners to advance shared values including democracy, human rights and open markets. Strengthening relationships with South Korea, Taiwan and others will help promote stability and prosperity throughout the region. This hearing will provide members a chance to question a top State Department official about U.S. policy for a region that is incredibly important to our future."
Thursday, April 28
Subcommittee Hearing: U.S. Policy Toward Lebanon
2 p.m. on Thursday, April 28 in 2172 Rayburn House Office Building
Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa
Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman
Invited Witnesses Include.
The Honorable Gerald M. Feierstein
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary
Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs
U.S. Department of State
Andrew Exum, Ph.D
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle East Policy
U.S. Department of Defense
Chairman Ros-Lehtinen on the hearing: “For two years, Lebanon has been at a political impasse, unable to break the presidential gridlock that has prevented its leaders from governing effectively and addressing the growing and pressing needs of the country. The Syrian conflict and its resulting humanitarian crisis has the potential to destabilize the fragile nation, while regional actors jostle for influence over this strategically important country. This hearing is an important follow-up to our hearing last month on Hezbollah and it will allow our Members to hear how the administration plans to secure and advance U.S. interests in Lebanon and how it is addressing the economic, security, humanitarian and political challenges that threaten to tip the balance for Lebanon."
***See foreignaffairs.house.gov for updates.
***Coverage note: All Foreign Affairs Committee proceedings are webcast live at foreignaffairs.house.gov/live-video-feed.
