Ranking Member Ruben Gallego

Opening Statement (As Prepared)

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I’d like to thank Chairman Bergman for his leadership and for organizing today’s subcommittee markup. I’d also like to thank the members of this subcommittee for developing this markup package in a bipartisan fashion.

The mark ensures that our Special Operations Forces and the Defense Intelligence Enterprise have the authorities, force structure, and people they need to accomplish their mission as we continue to focus on great power competition.

The mark also improves our Security Cooperation efforts within the Department by investing in workforce development to speed our security cooperation and FMS programs but also maintain rigorous oversight.  And, on Ukraine and the rest of the world, the bill tasks GAO with additional oversight of end-use monitoring of U.S. provided equipment.

I would also like to highlight one provision in particular, “Support of Special Operations for Irregular Warfare” – more commonly know as Section 1202 from the Fiscal Year 2018 NDAA.

Last year we worked in a bipartisan manner to pass a modification to 1202 that would make this essential authority permanent

Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get there in last year’s final NDAA. This year, however, I believe we have a path forward.

Lastly, I echo the Chairman’s comments about the great committee staff and personal office staff. They are essential in ensuring the ISO mark represents the hard work and priorities of the subcommittee. I look forward to continuing to work together to ensure our priorities carry through to the full committee markup and throughout the NDAA process.

With that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back.

 

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