U.S. Representative Jack Bergman, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Readiness, submitted remarks on Mar. 18 during a joint hearing focused on the readiness of U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) and the Maritime Administration (MARAD) for Fiscal Year 2027.
Bergman said there is an urgent need to address aging strategic sealift and tanker fleets, highlighting concerns about China’s shipbuilding capacity and its implications for U.S. military logistics. The hearing brought together General Randall Reed, Commander of TRANSCOM, and Stephen Carmel, Administrator of MARAD, to discuss these challenges.
"We are in the midst of a readiness crisis," Bergman said in his statement. He congratulated Carmel on his recent confirmation and thanked Reed for visiting the Great Lakes Maritime Academy in Michigan. Bergman also acknowledged "the heroic efforts of our mobility forces operating in the CENTCOM AOR and acknowledge[d] the tragic loss of the six KC-135 air men and women who lost their lives during combat operations against Iran." He emphasized that overcoming logistical challenges is critical as adversaries seek to exploit vulnerabilities through cyber-attacks and other means.
Bergman referenced last year’s National Defense Authorization Act, which designated TRANSCOM as one of several senior officials responsible for integrating global contested logistics posture management. He expressed interest in learning more about TRANSCOM’s strategy for this responsibility as well as its role as single manager for global bulk fuel management.
The House Armed Services Committee includes members such as Reps. Joe Wilson, Michael R. Turner, and Robert J. Wittman according to the official website. The committee oversees national defense programs and agencies under U.S. Code according to the official website, with Rep. Mike Rogers serving as chair during the 118th-119th Congress according to the official website. It influences legislation through processes like community project funding via the National Defense Authorization Act according to the official website and operates under jurisdiction defined by Rule X of House Rules according to the official website. The committee plays a key role in congressional oversight related to national defense according to the official website.
Bergman concluded by expressing hope that TRANSCOM would continue submitting unfunded priorities lists annually and looked forward to witness testimony addressing near-peer competition challenges globally.
