I would like to thank Chairmen Frelinghuysen and Rogers, Ranking Member Visclosky, Secretary Hagel, General Dempsey, Undersecretary Hale, and the rest of our distinguished guests.
The global environment is growing increasingly volatile, with new threats emerging every day, exemplified by the current events in the Ukraine, Syria, and Venezuela. In the fiscal year 2015 bill, we need to work together to help the Department of Defense address very serious challenges, from ending major combat operations in Afghanistan, to addressing enduring threats from North Korea and Iran, and flashpoints in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
There are also pressing issues at home, such as the epidemic of sexual assaults and suicides among military members. We need to ensure that the quality of life for those service members staying in the military remains high while those transitioning out of the services are cared for properly.
I applaud the Department for submitting a 2015 request that stays within the caps permitted in existing law, which already directs more than 50% of all discretionary spending to defense. Barring an agreement to increase investments in both categories, the Department must live within its cap. Tough choices must be made, but as the 2014 Omnibus showed, our committee is up to the task.
I look forward to a discussion on the increased budget levels for cyber security and Special Operation Forces, as these are significant force multipliers for the future, and the proposed cost-saving measures. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the yet-to-be submitted OCO budget.
In times of fiscal constraint and uncertainty, it is hard to juggle all of these requirements, but we owe it to our service members and the nation to get it right.
Source: U.S. Department of HCA
