WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement regarding the Department of Defense's announcement of the new director of the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence.

“After working tirelessly to ensure that civilian harm mitigation and response was addressed in the FY23 NDAA, I’m pleased to see a Director of the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence has been named and the seriousness with which Secretary Austin is treating this issue. Director McNerney has a critically important job in standing up the center and ensuring the Department of Defense improves its assessments and investigations of these tragic incidents, enables learning and sharing critical tools to mitigate harm, and improves the DOD’s ability to effectively respond when it occurs. Preventing civilian harm is a moral imperative, an example we must set when operating with partners and allies, and an essential element to operational success. I look forward to continuing to work with the Department to ensure that the center is successful in its mission.”
 
###