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Good morning . Uh , subcommittee on 

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defense will come to order . Uh , we 

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have a number of members who are going 

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to be straggling in . There's some 

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various markups up , so I apologize for 

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that . But , uh , to keep everybody on 

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time , we'll go ahead and begin the 

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subcommittee hearing . Uh , today , the 

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subcommittee will convene for an open 

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budget hearing to receive testimony on 

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the National Guard and reserve forces . 

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We're pleased to be joined by our 

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witnesses , General Steven Nordhaus , 

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Chief of the National Guard Bureau , 

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Lieutenant General Robert Harder , 

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Chief of the Army Reserve and 

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Commanding General US Army Reserve 

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Command , Rear Admiral Lauer , half , 

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uh , I mean , uh , lower half , Richard 

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S . Lofgren , acting Chief of the Navy 

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Reserve . Lieutenant General Leonard 

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Anderson , commander of the US Marine 

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Corps Reserve , and Lieutenant General 

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John Healey , Chief of the Air Force 

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Reserve . A warm welcome to you all and 

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thank you for your years of 

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distinguished service . I want to 

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congratulate Lieutenant General Healey 

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on his upcoming retirement this summer . 

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The men and women of the National Guard 

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and reserves play a critical role in 

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supporting our national security 

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efforts at home and abroad . They 

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sustain peace and respond to crisis , 

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whether they're managing California 

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wildfires or strengthening the 

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international relationships through the 

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state partnership program . The 

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department's counterdrug program 

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remains a key priority of mine . And 

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the work done through the National 

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Guard Counter Drug Program and National 

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Guard Counterdrug schools program 

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continues to have an incredible impact 

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on our communities . Our military force 

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structure depends on the ability of 

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guard and reserves to surge when called . 

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We ask a lot of them , particularly 

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this past year , as demonstrated by 

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their role in Operation Epic Fury , I 

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would like to take a moment to 

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acknowledge the guardsmen and 

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reservists , as well as all service 

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members who have made the ultimate 

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sacrifice serving our country in this 

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conflict . With heightened requirements , 

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they're tasked with balancing both a 

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civilian career and their military 

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service . It's important our guard and 

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reserves are properly resourced and 

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that we continue to support them and 

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their families . In fiscal year 2027 , 

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for the first time , the president's 

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budget request includes funding for the 

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National Guard and reserve equipment 

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account . The committee has long 

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supported the guard and reserves here , 

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and we look forward to hearing more 

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about how this change will impact your 

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modernization efforts . I'd also like 

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to hear from all of you on how the 

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components you're thinking about on 

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modernization , current capability gaps , 

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areas where Congress can be helpful , 

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and additionally , the Guard and 

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reserves require proper facilities to 

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address growing mission requirements . 

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I look forward to hearing more about 

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the conditions of your facilities and 

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the resource needs for your services . 

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I now recognize the distinguished 

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ranking member , Ms . McCollum for her 

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opening remarks . Thank you , Mr . 

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Chair . Good morning . Thank you all 

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for appearing before the subcommittee , 

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and I'd like to um reflect the 

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statements made by my , my chair and 

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some of the things that he has said 

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about the work that you do . I wanna 

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also extend a special thanks to 

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Lieutenant General Healey . 36 years of 

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service , greatly appreciated , and we 

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know your family served alongside of 

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you . Thank you , sir . I want to begin 

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by acknowledging as the chair did the 

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loss of our 13 service members in the 

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Middle East , several who were 

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reservists and National Guard personnel . 

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But I'll take a moment to just reflect 

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on , on the , on the service of Master 

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Sergeant Nicole Amore of uh White Bear 

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Lake , Minnesota . Um , I appreciate 

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the way the army and the reserve 

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managed to get a very special person 

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home for the funeral . It was so 

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important for the family . Thank you 

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very much for your work in making sure 

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that it happened . And , um , I know 

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the reserve and , and the guard back in 

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Minnesota are working together to 

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support the family as well as the VFW 

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and American Legion . Know that we're 

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all deeply grateful for your service . 

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Our National Guard and reserve 

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components are called upon to support a 

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variety of critical missions , 

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including humanitarian missions , 

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overseas operations , and the increase 

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to support the Southwest Border Mission , 

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and the guard in particular , the state 

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partnership programs through , through 

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many activities . Each reserve unit is 

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truly an operational partner with their 

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active conduit , active component . 

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This is the first time in the 

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administration's fiscal 2027 budget 

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includes funding for the National Guard 

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and reserve equipment account , an 

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account that Congress normally provided 

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the funding for . So , I think we're 

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making some progress , Mr . Chair . 

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Thank you for all your work on that . 

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Unfortunately , we do not yet have the 

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supporting documents um from the 

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administration to understand the 

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details of the request . So I'm 

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concerned that the division of funds in 

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this account may leave some of the 

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reserve components lacking the 

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equipment they so desperately need to 

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properly execute . Their missions . In 

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the past , this account was dynamic , 

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look at each of the components and 

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their needs , especially for their 

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future missions . So I would appreciate 

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each of you sharing with the 

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subcommittee what these funds will be 

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used for and whether your modernization 

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priorities are being met by the budget 

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request . I'm also concerned about the 

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status of readiness for some of the 

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forces , and I'll tell you why . Um , 

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Each of you has described the work of 

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the reserve components that work hand 

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in glove with your active duty uh 

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counterparts . We know that firsthand 

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and we see it when we're in theater . 

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However , picking up waste in the 

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District of Columbia does not prepare 

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anyone for conflicts that could arise 

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in Europe , Asia , and the Middle East . 

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Given the Supreme Court's decision of 

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December 23rd , which left in place a 

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lower court decision to prevent the 

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administration from deploying the 

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National Guard to Illinois , I'm 

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hopeful that we will not see any 

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additional unnecessary deployments of 

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our military personnel in US city 

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streets . I was curious about the 

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$216 million in the budget for the 

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National Guard reaction report . 

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This is supposed to respond to 

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incidents requiring defense support for 

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civil authorities . General Norris , 

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I'd like to better understand the use 

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of this funding and how it will be 

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chosen and why it's necessary after the 

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Supreme Court's November decision . 

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Given the announcement of the number of 

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troops still deployed on the southern 

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border mission , I would also like to 

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better understand how it will continue 

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to impact the readiness of these units 

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and how their missions may be impacting 

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morale and retention . And finally , 

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I'd like to understand the impact of 

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the civilian workforce reductions in 

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last year . What is now being done by 

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the guard and reserve components to 

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compensate for the civilian personnel 

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cuts . And what does it do to impact 

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their ability to train ? Serving your 

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country on top of managing a civilian 

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job , in many cases , supporting a 

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family is one of the highest forms of 

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service . You are truly putting country 

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above self with the people that you are 

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representing today with your seats at 

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the table . Thank you all for your 

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efforts and I look forward to a 

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productive dialogue . Thank you . Uh , 

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I think we're gonna have . 

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Buttons here . Several more members uh 

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coming in uh shortly . Uh , but we're 

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going to now , uh , begin with our 

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witness testimony . Without objection , 

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your full written testimony will be 

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placed in the record . Uh , General 

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Nordhaus , we begin with you for a 

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brief summary of your remarks . You're 

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recognized . Thank you . Before I 

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provide my opening remarks , I ask that 

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we remember too our fallen service 

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members from across the joint force . 

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Who have made the ultimate sacrifice 

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for our country , uh , they will always 

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be remembered . Chairman Calvert , 

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Ranking Member McCollum , and esteemed 

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members of the subcommittee . Thank you 

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for the opportunity to testify today on 

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the strength of your locally-based , 

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globally engaged National Guard . I 

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thank the 54 adjutants general and 

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senior enlisted leader , John Raines 

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here with me today for their counsel . 

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Moreover , I want to thank you , 

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Congress , for your support that 

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underpins everything we do . Ensuring a 

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stronger and more secure tomorrow . 

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It's an honor to represent 435 soldiers 

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and airmen of the National Guard . 

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Today , over 41,000 guardsmen are 

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engaged worldwide , securing our 

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homeland and supporting every combatant 

236
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commander around the globe . Your 

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00:08:43,400 --> 00:08:45,400
National Guard has had a remarkable 

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00:08:45,400 --> 00:08:47,830
year defined by scale and simultaneity 

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of operations . We are powered by our 

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core advantage , the citizen , soldier 

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and airman . They combine the warrior 

242
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ethos with civilian acquired skills , 

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creating an organization that is as 

244
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innovative as it is lethal . A force 

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00:09:04,099 --> 00:09:06,700
that is community-based and engaged 

246
00:09:06,700 --> 00:09:09,940
worldwide . Defending the homeland is 

247
00:09:09,940 --> 00:09:11,884
the Department of War's number one 

248
00:09:11,884 --> 00:09:14,107
priority . This is the National Guard's 

249
00:09:14,107 --> 00:09:16,590
foundational mission , or dual mission . 

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00:09:17,250 --> 00:09:19,361
Serving the primary combat reserve of 

251
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the Army and the Air Force while also 

252
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serving as the military first 

253
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responders in domestic crisis . This is 

254
00:09:25,539 --> 00:09:27,595
a challenge that we proudly accept . 

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Without hesitation during Operation 

256
00:09:30,469 --> 00:09:32,469
Midnight Hammer and Epic Fury , the 

257
00:09:32,469 --> 00:09:34,691
National Guard crews delivered decisive 

258
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blows to Iran in lockstep with their 

259
00:09:36,747 --> 00:09:39,109
joint force partners . In Operation 

260
00:09:39,109 --> 00:09:41,220
Absolute Resolve , the National Guard 

261
00:09:41,220 --> 00:09:43,276
fought against narco-terrorism . And 

262
00:09:43,276 --> 00:09:45,220
daily we responded in the homeland 

263
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tolling 2.4 million hours of direct 

264
00:09:47,220 --> 00:09:49,400
support to our fellow citizens . Your 

265
00:09:49,400 --> 00:09:51,520
National Guard is an indispensable 

266
00:09:51,520 --> 00:09:54,280
return on investment for America . We 

267
00:09:54,280 --> 00:09:56,840
represent 20% of the joint force , yet 

268
00:09:56,840 --> 00:09:58,919
we operate on less than 4% of the 

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00:09:58,919 --> 00:10:01,479
department's budget . Our decisive 

270
00:10:01,479 --> 00:10:03,590
capabilities are only possible in our 

271
00:10:03,590 --> 00:10:06,200
citizen soldiers and airmen when we are 

272
00:10:06,200 --> 00:10:08,200
trained on modernized equipment and 

273
00:10:08,200 --> 00:10:10,144
fully interoperable with our joint 

274
00:10:10,144 --> 00:10:12,630
force . To sustain strategic dominance , 

275
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we must modernize concurrently with our 

276
00:10:14,901 --> 00:10:17,109
services to aggressively outpace and 

277
00:10:17,109 --> 00:10:19,119
overmatch tomorrow's threats with 

278
00:10:19,119 --> 00:10:22,299
robust investments today . This year , 

279
00:10:22,380 --> 00:10:24,436
I remain laser-focused on sharpening 

280
00:10:24,436 --> 00:10:26,324
our fighting edge to increase our 

281
00:10:26,324 --> 00:10:28,324
guardsmen readiness and bolster our 

282
00:10:28,324 --> 00:10:30,491
capabilities for our core missions for 

283
00:10:30,491 --> 00:10:32,658
homeland or fighting in partnerships . 

284
00:10:32,658 --> 00:10:34,436
We must train and modernize and 

285
00:10:34,436 --> 00:10:36,547
lockstep with the active components . 

286
00:10:36,547 --> 00:10:38,158
This requires sufficient and 

287
00:10:38,158 --> 00:10:40,436
predictable resources and flying hours , 

288
00:10:40,436 --> 00:10:42,547
weapons system sustainment , facility 

289
00:10:42,547 --> 00:10:44,769
sustainment , base operations support , 

290
00:10:44,769 --> 00:10:46,520
and in GRA . When we use these 

291
00:10:46,520 --> 00:10:48,520
resources to serve our citizens and 

292
00:10:48,520 --> 00:10:51,390
state active duty , Current policy 

293
00:10:51,390 --> 00:10:53,612
sends these force , these funds back to 

294
00:10:53,612 --> 00:10:55,979
the treasury . We ask your support in 

295
00:10:55,979 --> 00:10:58,146
restoring that readiness directly back 

296
00:10:58,146 --> 00:11:01,109
to our formations . Our warfighters are 

297
00:11:01,109 --> 00:11:03,390
our most critical asset , and to 

298
00:11:03,390 --> 00:11:05,501
support their service , we must enact 

299
00:11:05,501 --> 00:11:07,869
duty status reform and compensate equal 

300
00:11:07,869 --> 00:11:11,659
work with equal pay and benefits . And 

301
00:11:11,659 --> 00:11:13,770
it is imperative that our warfighters 

302
00:11:13,770 --> 00:11:15,659
are supported by a modernized and 

303
00:11:15,659 --> 00:11:17,715
properly resourced full-time force . 

304
00:11:19,070 --> 00:11:21,403
The strength of our citizens , soldiers , 

305
00:11:21,403 --> 00:11:23,292
and airmen is amplified through a 

306
00:11:23,292 --> 00:11:25,514
network of partnerships which begins in 

307
00:11:25,514 --> 00:11:27,792
hometowns and reaches across the globe . 

308
00:11:27,792 --> 00:11:29,792
The jewel of this effort is a state 

309
00:11:29,792 --> 00:11:31,848
partnership program , which connects 

310
00:11:31,848 --> 00:11:33,959
the department with nearly 60% of the 

311
00:11:33,959 --> 00:11:35,959
world's country at nearly 1% of the 

312
00:11:35,959 --> 00:11:38,070
theater security cooperation budget . 

313
00:11:38,440 --> 00:11:40,384
Your help with flexible multi-year 

314
00:11:40,384 --> 00:11:42,280
budget authority will allow us to 

315
00:11:42,280 --> 00:11:44,113
sustain the pace of these highly 

316
00:11:44,113 --> 00:11:46,830
effective engagements . While threats 

317
00:11:46,830 --> 00:11:49,330
are unpredictable , our readiness is 

318
00:11:49,330 --> 00:11:52,039
not . We are an indispensable part of 

319
00:11:52,039 --> 00:11:54,440
the joint force built to respond with 

320
00:11:54,440 --> 00:11:56,919
speed , power , and precision . We are 

321
00:11:56,919 --> 00:11:58,752
stronger together because we are 

322
00:11:58,752 --> 00:12:01,210
integrated at every level . In closing , 

323
00:12:01,260 --> 00:12:03,316
I want to again thank this committee 

324
00:12:03,316 --> 00:12:05,149
for your unwavering support that 

325
00:12:05,149 --> 00:12:07,219
ensures a secure tomorrow for all 

326
00:12:07,219 --> 00:12:10,289
Americans . Let us continue to support 

327
00:12:10,289 --> 00:12:12,456
and pray for our warfighters in harm's 

328
00:12:12,456 --> 00:12:14,289
way . We stand by them and their 

329
00:12:14,289 --> 00:12:16,289
families and are thankful for their 

330
00:12:16,289 --> 00:12:18,178
service . We will always keep our 

331
00:12:18,178 --> 00:12:20,011
promise to the nation and to our 

332
00:12:20,011 --> 00:12:22,178
citizens to be always ready and always 

333
00:12:22,178 --> 00:12:24,400
there . Thank you and I look forward to 

334
00:12:24,400 --> 00:12:26,678
your questions . Thank you . Thank you , 

335
00:12:26,678 --> 00:12:28,845
General . Uh , General Harder , you're 

336
00:12:28,845 --> 00:12:30,733
now recognized for your remarks . 

337
00:12:31,219 --> 00:12:33,108
Chairman Calvert , Ranking Member 

338
00:12:33,108 --> 00:12:35,330
McCollum , and distinguished members of 

339
00:12:35,330 --> 00:12:37,275
this committee , thank you for the 

340
00:12:37,275 --> 00:12:39,163
opportunity to be here today . On 

341
00:12:39,163 --> 00:12:41,275
behalf of Command Sergeant Major Greg 

342
00:12:41,275 --> 00:12:43,052
Betty and the more than 180,000 

343
00:12:43,052 --> 00:12:45,052
soldiers and civilians of your Army 

344
00:12:45,052 --> 00:12:47,219
Reserve , thank you for the support of 

345
00:12:47,219 --> 00:12:49,552
our warrior citizens and their families . 

346
00:12:49,780 --> 00:12:52,299
For just 6% of the total Army budget . 

347
00:12:52,640 --> 00:12:54,807
The Army Reserve provides over half of 

348
00:12:54,807 --> 00:12:56,862
the Army's maneuver support forces , 

349
00:12:57,239 --> 00:12:59,461
including the majority of theater-level 

350
00:12:59,461 --> 00:13:01,517
medical , engineer , and sustainment 

351
00:13:01,517 --> 00:13:04,119
units , and more than 95% of the bulk 

352
00:13:04,119 --> 00:13:06,280
distribution fuel capacity in support 

353
00:13:06,280 --> 00:13:09,900
of the joint force . You go , we go . 

354
00:13:10,320 --> 00:13:12,320
That's my message to my active duty 

355
00:13:12,320 --> 00:13:14,719
teammates . Right now , nearly 9000 

356
00:13:14,719 --> 00:13:17,000
Army Reserve soldiers are deployed 

357
00:13:17,000 --> 00:13:18,840
supporting Army and joint force 

358
00:13:18,840 --> 00:13:20,896
requirements both at home and around 

359
00:13:20,896 --> 00:13:22,673
the globe to include support of 

360
00:13:22,673 --> 00:13:24,919
Operation Epic Fury and operations on 

361
00:13:24,919 --> 00:13:27,520
our southern border . Our soldiers are 

362
00:13:27,520 --> 00:13:29,650
in the fight . To keep pace with 

363
00:13:29,650 --> 00:13:31,650
emerging threats and to prepare for 

364
00:13:31,650 --> 00:13:33,890
large scale combat operations or LSCO , 

365
00:13:34,010 --> 00:13:36,729
we are transforming . The foundation of 

366
00:13:36,729 --> 00:13:38,729
this transformation is our shift to 

367
00:13:38,729 --> 00:13:41,010
geographic Mission Command , a model 

368
00:13:41,010 --> 00:13:43,330
that replaces a C2 structure built for 

369
00:13:43,330 --> 00:13:45,929
predictable GWWAT deployments with a 

370
00:13:45,929 --> 00:13:47,762
geographic alignment that better 

371
00:13:47,762 --> 00:13:49,707
supports readiness for large scale 

372
00:13:49,707 --> 00:13:51,719
combat operations . Additional 

373
00:13:51,719 --> 00:13:53,941
transformation efforts include aligning 

374
00:13:53,941 --> 00:13:55,663
Army Reserve units with active 

375
00:13:55,663 --> 00:13:57,775
formations to drive integration . And 

376
00:13:57,775 --> 00:14:00,380
placing key equipment forward in Europe 

377
00:14:00,380 --> 00:14:02,890
and the Pacific , training and 

378
00:14:02,890 --> 00:14:06,400
operating as we will fight . To ensure 

379
00:14:06,400 --> 00:14:09,080
our soldiers and units remain ready , I 

380
00:14:09,080 --> 00:14:11,659
ask for your help in three key areas . 

381
00:14:12,200 --> 00:14:13,979
First , predictable funding . 

382
00:14:14,479 --> 00:14:16,590
Continuing resolutions and government 

383
00:14:16,590 --> 00:14:18,812
shutdowns have huge readiness impacts , 

384
00:14:18,812 --> 00:14:20,923
and the , and the part-time nature of 

385
00:14:20,923 --> 00:14:22,979
our force makes missed training days 

386
00:14:22,979 --> 00:14:25,201
nearly impossible to recover . Second , 

387
00:14:25,201 --> 00:14:27,312
your continued support of our OMA and 

388
00:14:27,312 --> 00:14:29,739
RPA funding . In a major conflict , 

389
00:14:29,960 --> 00:14:32,559
more than 35,000 Army Reserve soldiers 

390
00:14:32,559 --> 00:14:35,039
are required within the 1st 60 days . 

391
00:14:35,469 --> 00:14:38,500
We must be ready . Third , continued 

392
00:14:38,500 --> 00:14:40,278
support of the much appreciated 

393
00:14:40,278 --> 00:14:42,333
National Guard and Reserve Equipping 

394
00:14:42,333 --> 00:14:44,333
Account or NEGRA , which allows for 

395
00:14:44,333 --> 00:14:46,167
flexible procurement of critical 

396
00:14:46,210 --> 00:14:49,700
equipment . On 7 March of this year , 

397
00:14:50,020 --> 00:14:52,242
my command sergeant Major and I were on 

398
00:14:52,242 --> 00:14:54,076
the tarmac in Dover , Delaware , 

399
00:14:54,210 --> 00:14:56,299
greeting our six fallen Army Reserve 

400
00:14:56,299 --> 00:14:58,410
heroes as they returned home from the 

401
00:14:58,410 --> 00:15:00,466
CEO AOR . And Congressman McCollum , 

402
00:15:00,466 --> 00:15:02,299
thank you for being there . Your 

403
00:15:02,299 --> 00:15:04,355
support of Nicole and her family and 

404
00:15:04,355 --> 00:15:06,521
our , and our , our whole Army Reserve 

405
00:15:06,521 --> 00:15:08,688
enterprise . More than 30 Army Reserve 

406
00:15:08,688 --> 00:15:10,521
soldiers were injured in that or 

407
00:15:10,521 --> 00:15:12,688
wounded in that same attack . We honor 

408
00:15:12,688 --> 00:15:14,743
their sacrifice , and it affirms our 

409
00:15:14,743 --> 00:15:16,799
resolve to ensure every Army Reserve 

410
00:15:16,799 --> 00:15:18,521
soldier receives counter drone 

411
00:15:18,521 --> 00:15:20,743
equipment and training at pace with the 

412
00:15:20,743 --> 00:15:22,900
Army and joint force . To that end , 

413
00:15:23,119 --> 00:15:25,230
we've dedicated nearly a third of our 

414
00:15:25,230 --> 00:15:27,230
Negria appropriation to counter UAS 

415
00:15:27,230 --> 00:15:29,599
systems and will continue to invest in 

416
00:15:29,599 --> 00:15:32,099
these life saving technologies . In 

417
00:15:32,099 --> 00:15:33,960
closing , while we are your Army 

418
00:15:33,960 --> 00:15:36,830
Reserve , we are not a force in reserve . 

419
00:15:36,960 --> 00:15:39,182
We are in the fight . The resources you 

420
00:15:39,182 --> 00:15:41,238
provide are critical to ensuring the 

421
00:15:41,238 --> 00:15:43,071
young men and women of your Army 

422
00:15:43,071 --> 00:15:45,182
Reserve stay combat ready . Thank you 

423
00:15:45,182 --> 00:15:47,016
for your time today , and I look 

424
00:15:47,016 --> 00:15:49,238
forward to your questions . Thank you , 

425
00:15:49,238 --> 00:15:51,460
General . Uh , Admiral Lofgren , you're 

426
00:15:51,460 --> 00:15:53,627
now recognized for your remarks . Good 

427
00:15:53,627 --> 00:15:53,099
morning , Chair Calvert , Ranking 

428
00:15:53,099 --> 00:15:55,099
Member McCollum , and distinguished 

429
00:15:55,099 --> 00:15:57,099
members of this committee . For 111 

430
00:15:57,099 --> 00:15:59,321
years , the Navy Reserve has provided a 

431
00:15:59,321 --> 00:16:01,488
critical strategic depth for the fleet 

432
00:16:01,488 --> 00:16:03,599
and the joint force . When our nation 

433
00:16:03,599 --> 00:16:05,655
calls , we answer , ready , lethal , 

434
00:16:05,655 --> 00:16:08,520
and all in to fight and win today . We 

435
00:16:08,520 --> 00:16:10,742
are building the navy of the future and 

436
00:16:10,742 --> 00:16:12,853
defining the next era of American sea 

437
00:16:12,853 --> 00:16:14,798
power . Today , we are resilient , 

438
00:16:14,798 --> 00:16:17,320
agile , globally present , and a combat 

439
00:16:17,320 --> 00:16:19,559
credible force that is fully integrated 

440
00:16:19,559 --> 00:16:21,840
into the Navy's mission . With me today 

441
00:16:21,840 --> 00:16:24,118
is our Force Master Chief , Nicky Rios , 

442
00:16:24,118 --> 00:16:26,340
a tireless advocate for our sailors and 

443
00:16:26,340 --> 00:16:28,507
their families . Force and I thank you 

444
00:16:28,507 --> 00:16:30,507
for the opportunity to address this 

445
00:16:30,507 --> 00:16:32,618
committee on behalf of our incredible 

446
00:16:32,618 --> 00:16:34,673
Navy Reserve sailors . Over the past 

447
00:16:34,673 --> 00:16:36,396
couple of months in support of 

448
00:16:36,396 --> 00:16:38,396
Operation Epic Fury , our logistics 

449
00:16:38,396 --> 00:16:40,507
support wing flying the C40 and C-130 

450
00:16:40,507 --> 00:16:42,396
aircraft have evacuated over 2800 

451
00:16:42,396 --> 00:16:44,618
personnel , including families , out of 

452
00:16:44,618 --> 00:16:46,673
harm's way and demonstrated critical 

453
00:16:46,673 --> 00:16:48,784
aerial refueling capabilities for our 

454
00:16:48,784 --> 00:16:50,840
navy while supporting carrier strike 

455
00:16:50,840 --> 00:16:53,007
group logistics . These same squadrons 

456
00:16:53,007 --> 00:16:55,118
have delivered thousands of pounds of 

457
00:16:55,118 --> 00:16:57,118
critical cargo and tactical airlift 

458
00:16:57,118 --> 00:16:59,284
support to SouthTHCOM , protecting our 

459
00:16:59,284 --> 00:17:01,229
homeland and safely relocating our 

460
00:17:01,229 --> 00:17:03,173
teams out of the path of Hurricane 

461
00:17:03,173 --> 00:17:05,396
Melissa . When our nation and our fleet 

462
00:17:05,396 --> 00:17:07,340
calls , the Navy Reserve answers , 

463
00:17:07,340 --> 00:17:09,340
delivering logistics when and where 

464
00:17:09,340 --> 00:17:11,451
they're needed . Your support for the 

465
00:17:11,451 --> 00:17:13,359
KC-130 Juliets in the president's 

466
00:17:13,359 --> 00:17:15,470
budget will ensure we can continue to 

467
00:17:15,470 --> 00:17:17,526
answer that call with the capability 

468
00:17:17,526 --> 00:17:20,040
and capacity our nation requires . Our 

469
00:17:20,040 --> 00:17:21,839
North Star is clear . We are 

470
00:17:21,839 --> 00:17:23,900
unambiguously focused on warfighting 

471
00:17:23,900 --> 00:17:27,588
readiness . Today 14,000 of our 59,000 

472
00:17:27,588 --> 00:17:29,810
Navy Reserve sailors are on active duty 

473
00:17:29,810 --> 00:17:31,588
orders serving in every area of 

474
00:17:31,588 --> 00:17:33,909
responsibility . Our sailors are 

475
00:17:33,909 --> 00:17:37,308
deployed 24/7 365 , restoring peace 

476
00:17:37,308 --> 00:17:39,364
through strength while advancing the 

477
00:17:39,364 --> 00:17:41,641
foundry , the fleet , and how we fight . 

478
00:17:42,359 --> 00:17:44,599
We continue to modernize our force and 

479
00:17:44,599 --> 00:17:46,709
align our resources to war fighting 

480
00:17:46,709 --> 00:17:48,931
priorities , ensuring that we are ready 

481
00:17:48,931 --> 00:17:51,560
to fight and win today , tomorrow , and 

482
00:17:51,560 --> 00:17:54,209
well into the future . Our most 

483
00:17:54,209 --> 00:17:55,987
significant contribution in the 

484
00:17:55,987 --> 00:17:57,653
nation's defense and the very 

485
00:17:57,653 --> 00:17:59,876
foundation of our deterrence posture is 

486
00:17:59,876 --> 00:18:02,050
our people . A lethal , ready , and 

487
00:18:02,050 --> 00:18:04,369
resilient force is not built of steel 

488
00:18:04,369 --> 00:18:06,480
and circuits alone . It's forged from 

489
00:18:06,480 --> 00:18:08,480
the talent , the training , and the 

490
00:18:08,480 --> 00:18:10,702
motivation of our sailors . Therefore , 

491
00:18:10,702 --> 00:18:12,869
I ask for your full support in funding 

492
00:18:12,869 --> 00:18:14,647
the RPN , the OMNR , and degree 

493
00:18:14,647 --> 00:18:16,536
appropriations at the president's 

494
00:18:16,536 --> 00:18:18,647
budget levels . These accounts enable 

495
00:18:18,647 --> 00:18:20,647
our force to recruit and retain the 

496
00:18:20,647 --> 00:18:22,647
very best that America has to offer 

497
00:18:22,647 --> 00:18:24,813
through pay , bonuses , and benefits . 

498
00:18:24,813 --> 00:18:27,036
And like you , our talent lives in your 

499
00:18:27,036 --> 00:18:29,258
communities . To ensure they are always 

500
00:18:29,258 --> 00:18:31,202
prepared , RPN provides the travel 

501
00:18:31,202 --> 00:18:33,313
budget to get our people to where the 

502
00:18:33,313 --> 00:18:35,480
fighting forces train . Negria affords 

503
00:18:35,480 --> 00:18:37,536
the Navy Reserve agility and rapidly 

504
00:18:37,536 --> 00:18:39,591
procuring and implementing equipment 

505
00:18:39,591 --> 00:18:41,536
solutions that provide parity with 

506
00:18:41,536 --> 00:18:43,758
active duty equipment and fill critical 

507
00:18:43,758 --> 00:18:45,869
mission capabilities . Our investment 

508
00:18:45,869 --> 00:18:48,430
in our sailors is critical to enabling 

509
00:18:48,430 --> 00:18:50,719
a mobilization and combat ready force . 

510
00:18:51,069 --> 00:18:53,560
Every drill weekend , every exercise , 

511
00:18:53,790 --> 00:18:55,790
every mobilization must sharpen our 

512
00:18:55,790 --> 00:18:57,957
edge and must be matched by investment 

513
00:18:57,957 --> 00:19:00,280
in modern equipment . To this end , we 

514
00:19:00,280 --> 00:19:02,224
are posturing our force to deliver 

515
00:19:02,224 --> 00:19:04,280
advanced combat-focused capabilities 

516
00:19:04,280 --> 00:19:06,560
that the fleet demands . Replacing our 

517
00:19:06,560 --> 00:19:08,839
aging C-130 Tango fleet with a modern 

518
00:19:08,839 --> 00:19:11,599
KC-130 Juliet Super Hercules aircraft 

519
00:19:11,599 --> 00:19:13,800
meets the fleet's demand to enable 

520
00:19:13,800 --> 00:19:15,839
contested logistics and sustained 

521
00:19:15,839 --> 00:19:17,895
maritime power . As I've shared with 

522
00:19:17,895 --> 00:19:20,061
many of you , our C-130 fleet operated 

523
00:19:20,061 --> 00:19:22,117
exclusively in the Navy Reserve , is 

524
00:19:22,117 --> 00:19:25,030
the Navy's only long-range intratheater 

525
00:19:25,030 --> 00:19:27,640
airlift of oversized cargo . Last year , 

526
00:19:27,719 --> 00:19:29,886
the fleet logistics support wing moved 

527
00:19:29,886 --> 00:19:32,719
over 72,000 passengers and 22 million 

528
00:19:32,719 --> 00:19:34,839
pounds of cargo , delivering critical 

529
00:19:34,839 --> 00:19:37,310
munitions , repair parts , personnel , 

530
00:19:37,319 --> 00:19:39,520
and fuel , sustaining carrier strike 

531
00:19:39,520 --> 00:19:41,464
groups in every theater around the 

532
00:19:41,464 --> 00:19:43,719
globe . Our C-130 squadrons are in the 

533
00:19:43,719 --> 00:19:45,663
fight from the first minute of the 

534
00:19:45,663 --> 00:19:48,040
first hour of the first day . However , 

535
00:19:48,119 --> 00:19:50,175
this fleet is aging and lacks modern 

536
00:19:50,175 --> 00:19:52,008
survivability and communications 

537
00:19:52,008 --> 00:19:53,730
equipment needed for contested 

538
00:19:53,730 --> 00:19:55,508
logistics environments . We are 

539
00:19:55,508 --> 00:19:57,452
grateful for the strong bipartisan 

540
00:19:57,452 --> 00:20:00,160
alignment on this priority . Chairman 

541
00:20:00,160 --> 00:20:02,599
Calvert , Ranking Member McCollum , and 

542
00:20:02,599 --> 00:20:04,655
the members of the committee , thank 

543
00:20:04,655 --> 00:20:06,766
you for your continued support of the 

544
00:20:06,766 --> 00:20:08,488
Navy Reserve and the sailors , 

545
00:20:08,640 --> 00:20:10,751
civilians , and families who make our 

546
00:20:10,751 --> 00:20:12,807
mission possible . Our commitment is 

547
00:20:12,807 --> 00:20:15,140
clear to enhance the fleet's lethality 

548
00:20:15,479 --> 00:20:17,701
and warfighting readiness by delivering 

549
00:20:17,701 --> 00:20:19,812
decisive capabilities at the point of 

550
00:20:19,812 --> 00:20:22,146
need . I look forward to your questions . 

551
00:20:22,146 --> 00:20:24,423
Thank you , Admiral . General Anderson , 

552
00:20:24,423 --> 00:20:26,701
you're now recognized for your remarks . 

553
00:20:26,701 --> 00:20:28,590
Good morning , Chairman Calvert , 

554
00:20:28,590 --> 00:20:30,812
Ranking Member McCollum , distinguished 

555
00:20:30,812 --> 00:20:32,757
members of the subcommittee . Uh , 

556
00:20:32,757 --> 00:20:32,540
thank you for the opportunity to 

557
00:20:32,540 --> 00:20:34,707
testify on behalf of the Commandant of 

558
00:20:34,707 --> 00:20:36,651
the Marine Corps about your Marine 

559
00:20:36,651 --> 00:20:38,818
Corps reserve . I am joined here today 

560
00:20:38,818 --> 00:20:40,984
by my incoming command senior enlisted 

561
00:20:40,984 --> 00:20:43,096
leader , Sergeant Major Patrick Fay . 

562
00:20:43,096 --> 00:20:45,262
The Marine Corps Reserve is a critical 

563
00:20:45,262 --> 00:20:47,429
component of our nation's defense . We 

564
00:20:47,429 --> 00:20:49,484
are not a strategic reserve held for 

565
00:20:49,484 --> 00:20:51,429
distant crises . We are a globally 

566
00:20:51,429 --> 00:20:53,651
engaged operational force that provides 

567
00:20:53,651 --> 00:20:55,762
the Marine Corps with strategic depth 

568
00:20:55,762 --> 00:20:57,484
and the ability to augment and 

569
00:20:57,484 --> 00:20:59,484
reinforce the active component on a 

570
00:20:59,484 --> 00:21:01,429
moment's notice . Our relevance is 

571
00:21:01,429 --> 00:21:03,484
defined by our readiness . Providing 

572
00:21:03,484 --> 00:21:05,818
combat-ready units to global operations , 

573
00:21:05,818 --> 00:21:07,984
the reserve seamlessly integrated into 

574
00:21:07,984 --> 00:21:10,207
the total force . In fiscal year 2025 , 

575
00:21:10,207 --> 00:21:12,040
we activated reserve marines for 

576
00:21:12,040 --> 00:21:13,984
requirements across five combatant 

577
00:21:13,984 --> 00:21:15,929
commands . Today , we have Marines 

578
00:21:15,929 --> 00:21:18,151
activated in every geographic combatant 

579
00:21:18,151 --> 00:21:20,373
command to include combat operations in 

580
00:21:20,373 --> 00:21:22,373
CENTCOM . These deployments are not 

581
00:21:22,373 --> 00:21:24,484
just a measure of our readiness , but 

582
00:21:24,484 --> 00:21:26,651
it is how we build it . We are growing 

583
00:21:26,651 --> 00:21:28,540
a more capable , combat seasoned 

584
00:21:28,540 --> 00:21:30,540
reserve force prepared for high-end 

585
00:21:30,540 --> 00:21:33,170
conflict . This level of readiness and 

586
00:21:33,170 --> 00:21:35,489
modernization is directly enabled by 

587
00:21:35,489 --> 00:21:37,500
your support . We thank the 

588
00:21:37,500 --> 00:21:39,833
subcommittee for your continued support , 

589
00:21:39,833 --> 00:21:41,944
especially through the National Guard 

590
00:21:41,944 --> 00:21:44,167
and reserve equipment account . For the 

591
00:21:44,167 --> 00:21:46,222
Marine Corps Reserve , Negria is not 

592
00:21:46,222 --> 00:21:46,189
just a funding line . It is a war 

593
00:21:46,189 --> 00:21:48,609
fighting requirement and a primary tool 

594
00:21:48,989 --> 00:21:51,156
that enables our modernization . These 

595
00:21:51,156 --> 00:21:53,100
funds allow us to field the modern 

596
00:21:53,100 --> 00:21:55,267
platforms and systems our Marines that 

597
00:21:55,267 --> 00:21:57,510
need to train as they fight . With a 

598
00:21:57,510 --> 00:22:00,829
99% execution rate across recent fiscal 

599
00:22:00,829 --> 00:22:02,885
years , the Marine Corps Reserve has 

600
00:22:02,885 --> 00:22:04,829
proven its ability to execute with 

601
00:22:04,829 --> 00:22:07,109
discipline and speed while maintaining 

602
00:22:07,109 --> 00:22:09,510
our services clean audit for the last 3 

603
00:22:09,510 --> 00:22:11,900
years . Reserve readiness requires 

604
00:22:11,900 --> 00:22:14,079
modern infrastructure . The Marine 

605
00:22:14,079 --> 00:22:16,439
Corps Reserve occupies 148 reserve 

606
00:22:16,439 --> 00:22:19,479
training centers across 47 states , and 

607
00:22:19,479 --> 00:22:21,646
the average condition of our portfolio 

608
00:22:21,646 --> 00:22:23,819
is rated as poor . While we 

609
00:22:23,819 --> 00:22:25,890
aggressively pursue efficiencies 

610
00:22:25,890 --> 00:22:27,612
through programs like facility 

611
00:22:27,612 --> 00:22:29,390
sustainment , restoration , and 

612
00:22:29,390 --> 00:22:31,001
modernization , and military 

613
00:22:31,001 --> 00:22:33,001
construction , navy reserve to slow 

614
00:22:33,001 --> 00:22:35,057
this decline , the disparity between 

615
00:22:35,057 --> 00:22:36,946
our requirements and resources is 

616
00:22:36,946 --> 00:22:38,946
growing . Continued support for our 

617
00:22:38,946 --> 00:22:41,057
military construction and sustainment 

618
00:22:41,057 --> 00:22:43,279
accounts is essential to provide safe , 

619
00:22:43,279 --> 00:22:45,334
secure , and modern facilities where 

620
00:22:45,334 --> 00:22:47,279
our Marines train . Because at the 

621
00:22:47,279 --> 00:22:49,729
heart of our success are the individual 

622
00:22:49,729 --> 00:22:52,579
Marines , sailors , and families who 

623
00:22:52,579 --> 00:22:54,979
serve with unwavering dedication . They 

624
00:22:54,979 --> 00:22:57,090
are the foundation of our readiness . 

625
00:22:57,090 --> 00:22:58,979
With your continued support , I'm 

626
00:22:58,979 --> 00:23:01,201
confident that the Marine Corps Reserve 

627
00:23:01,201 --> 00:23:03,368
will remain what our nation expects us 

628
00:23:03,368 --> 00:23:05,368
to be an elite , combat ready force 

629
00:23:05,439 --> 00:23:07,800
prepared to answer the call any climb 

630
00:23:08,020 --> 00:23:10,449
and place . Thank you for the 

631
00:23:10,449 --> 00:23:12,505
opportunity to testify today , and I 

632
00:23:12,505 --> 00:23:14,671
look forward to your questions . Thank 

633
00:23:14,671 --> 00:23:16,893
you , General . General Healey , you're 

634
00:23:16,893 --> 00:23:18,782
now recognized for your remarks . 

635
00:23:18,782 --> 00:23:20,671
Chairman Calvert , Ranking Member 

636
00:23:20,671 --> 00:23:20,489
McCollum , distinguished members of the 

637
00:23:20,489 --> 00:23:22,711
subcommittee . It's an honor to be here 

638
00:23:22,711 --> 00:23:24,656
today one last time with my senior 

639
00:23:24,656 --> 00:23:26,433
enlisted adviser , Chief Master 

640
00:23:26,433 --> 00:23:28,489
Sergeant Israel Nunes , representing 

641
00:23:28,489 --> 00:23:30,849
67,000 Air Force Reserve airmen . We 

642
00:23:30,849 --> 00:23:33,869
are a strategic advantage and a cost 

643
00:23:34,520 --> 00:23:37,699
effective investment . Not a backup 

644
00:23:37,699 --> 00:23:40,140
force by any shape or means . Our 

645
00:23:40,140 --> 00:23:42,307
airmen's unmatched experience provided 

646
00:23:42,307 --> 00:23:44,140
the strategic depth to deter our 

647
00:23:44,140 --> 00:23:46,219
adversaries . Our partnership builds 

648
00:23:46,219 --> 00:23:48,275
interoperability with our allies and 

649
00:23:48,275 --> 00:23:50,459
partners , and our recent surge proves 

650
00:23:50,459 --> 00:23:52,660
we are always ready and accessible to 

651
00:23:52,660 --> 00:23:55,060
respond to any crisis in less than 72 

652
00:23:55,060 --> 00:23:57,719
hours . This is the reserve advantage . 

653
00:23:58,390 --> 00:24:01,229
When properly resourced , we're a cost 

654
00:24:01,229 --> 00:24:03,340
effective solution for the Department 

655
00:24:03,340 --> 00:24:05,562
of the Air Force in all mission areas . 

656
00:24:05,562 --> 00:24:07,729
We operate our installations 28 days a 

657
00:24:07,729 --> 00:24:09,562
month on just 25% of our force , 

658
00:24:09,562 --> 00:24:11,579
delivering mission ready airmen for 

659
00:24:11,579 --> 00:24:14,410
only 30% on the dollar . Fiscal year 

660
00:24:14,410 --> 00:24:16,790
25's closeout was our best on record . 

661
00:24:17,010 --> 00:24:19,250
Your support and our data-driven tools 

662
00:24:19,250 --> 00:24:21,770
enable precise resource management and 

663
00:24:21,770 --> 00:24:24,859
risk-informed decisions . The Air Force 

664
00:24:24,859 --> 00:24:27,349
Reserve is efficient . It's experienced . 

665
00:24:27,400 --> 00:24:29,400
It's accessible , and most of all , 

666
00:24:29,400 --> 00:24:31,660
it's lethal . We need your support to 

667
00:24:31,660 --> 00:24:34,469
maintain this advantage . 77% of our 

668
00:24:34,469 --> 00:24:37,229
fleet is over 39 years old . Supply 

669
00:24:37,229 --> 00:24:39,118
chain shortages threaten aircraft 

670
00:24:39,118 --> 00:24:42,109
availability , and a $1.5 billion 

671
00:24:42,109 --> 00:24:44,739
backlog means requirements are rapidly 

672
00:24:44,739 --> 00:24:48,599
outpacing resources . Inria is critical 

673
00:24:49,420 --> 00:24:51,420
to the modernization , agility and 

674
00:24:51,420 --> 00:24:53,540
maximization of our force and our 

675
00:24:53,540 --> 00:24:55,596
purchasing power . I look forward to 

676
00:24:55,596 --> 00:24:57,484
the discussion on the change from 

677
00:24:57,484 --> 00:24:59,660
dedicated congressional appropriation 

678
00:24:59,660 --> 00:25:01,549
to inclusion into the president's 

679
00:25:01,549 --> 00:25:03,839
budget . We're currently hollowing out 

680
00:25:03,839 --> 00:25:06,099
our nation's future combat capability 

681
00:25:06,099 --> 00:25:08,210
through disproportionate divestment . 

682
00:25:08,560 --> 00:25:10,727
Over the fight . The Air Force Reserve 

683
00:25:10,727 --> 00:25:12,959
is projected to lose 20.1% of our 

684
00:25:12,959 --> 00:25:15,400
inventory , a significant imbalance 

685
00:25:15,400 --> 00:25:17,989
compared to the other components . Our 

686
00:25:17,989 --> 00:25:20,211
number one priority has always been and 

687
00:25:20,211 --> 00:25:22,433
will remain concurrent and proportional 

688
00:25:22,433 --> 00:25:25,030
fielding of advanced aircraft . As our 

689
00:25:25,030 --> 00:25:27,086
crews prove their value right now in 

690
00:25:27,086 --> 00:25:29,252
Operation Epic Fury , disproportionate 

691
00:25:29,252 --> 00:25:31,540
divestment is an unnecessary risk to 

692
00:25:31,540 --> 00:25:33,969
national security . That security 

693
00:25:33,969 --> 00:25:35,410
hinges upon our seamless 

694
00:25:35,410 --> 00:25:37,609
interoperability with our allies and 

695
00:25:37,609 --> 00:25:39,498
partners . Recent operations have 

696
00:25:39,498 --> 00:25:41,553
proven this is an urgent necessity , 

697
00:25:41,553 --> 00:25:44,130
not a choice . Now in its 2nd year , 

698
00:25:44,209 --> 00:25:46,487
our reserve and allies partner program . 

699
00:25:46,660 --> 00:25:48,660
Continues to build interoperability 

700
00:25:48,790 --> 00:25:51,012
while operating on a near zero budget . 

701
00:25:51,030 --> 00:25:53,150
We've conducted 71 strategic 

702
00:25:53,150 --> 00:25:55,039
engagements last year , including 

703
00:25:55,039 --> 00:25:57,206
formal partnership agreements with the 

704
00:25:57,206 --> 00:25:59,094
United Kingdom and France , while 

705
00:25:59,094 --> 00:26:01,206
establishing new security cooperation 

706
00:26:01,206 --> 00:26:03,317
pathways with the Netherlands and the 

707
00:26:03,317 --> 00:26:05,539
Philippines . Prioritizing this program 

708
00:26:05,539 --> 00:26:07,539
is a cost-effective investment that 

709
00:26:07,539 --> 00:26:09,706
enables our allies to share the burden 

710
00:26:09,706 --> 00:26:12,160
of strategic deterrence . Finally , I'd 

711
00:26:12,160 --> 00:26:13,938
like to say thank you this last 

712
00:26:13,938 --> 00:26:16,104
opportunity for your continued support 

713
00:26:16,104 --> 00:26:17,938
of the Air Force Reserve and our 

714
00:26:17,938 --> 00:26:20,160
warfighters . I'd also like to thank my 

715
00:26:20,160 --> 00:26:21,993
wife Kathy with me today , whose 

716
00:26:21,993 --> 00:26:23,938
unwavering support for the men and 

717
00:26:23,938 --> 00:26:26,160
women and the families of the Air Force 

718
00:26:26,160 --> 00:26:28,216
Reserve and to me deserves a note in 

719
00:26:28,216 --> 00:26:30,271
this record . Thank you again . Look 

720
00:26:30,271 --> 00:26:32,493
forward to your questions . Thank you , 

721
00:26:32,493 --> 00:26:34,660
General , and thank you . This is your 

722
00:26:34,660 --> 00:26:36,882
last , last hearing . I'm sure you're , 

723
00:26:36,882 --> 00:26:39,104
you're going to miss them a whole lot . 

724
00:26:40,089 --> 00:26:42,256
Still mark it on the calendar for next 

725
00:26:42,256 --> 00:26:44,089
year . I'd like to recognize the 

726
00:26:44,140 --> 00:26:45,973
chairman of the full committee , 

727
00:26:45,973 --> 00:26:48,084
Chairman Cole . Thank you very much , 

728
00:26:48,084 --> 00:26:49,807
uh , Mr . Chairman . I want to 

729
00:26:49,807 --> 00:26:51,807
apologize to you and our guests for 

730
00:26:51,807 --> 00:26:53,696
being a little late . The ranking 

731
00:26:53,696 --> 00:26:55,918
member and I were elsewhere discharging 

732
00:26:55,918 --> 00:26:58,029
our duties , and we got here as quick 

733
00:26:58,029 --> 00:26:57,880
as we could . Uh , but again , we 

734
00:26:57,880 --> 00:27:00,369
apologize for any inconvenience . Again , 

735
00:27:00,449 --> 00:27:02,449
I want to thank you , uh , Chairman 

736
00:27:02,449 --> 00:27:04,560
Calvert , Ranking Member McCollum . I 

737
00:27:04,560 --> 00:27:06,449
want to welcome our distinguished 

738
00:27:06,449 --> 00:27:08,505
witnesses and thank you all for your 

739
00:27:08,505 --> 00:27:10,505
dedicated service with the National 

740
00:27:10,505 --> 00:27:12,505
Guard and reserve components of our 

741
00:27:12,505 --> 00:27:14,449
force . Let me begin by expressing 

742
00:27:14,449 --> 00:27:16,560
gratitude to the men and women of the 

743
00:27:16,560 --> 00:27:18,616
National Guard and the Reserve . You 

744
00:27:18,616 --> 00:27:20,671
have the difficult task of balancing 

745
00:27:20,671 --> 00:27:23,000
both civilian and military life . This 

746
00:27:23,000 --> 00:27:25,500
unique structure . Gives us an 

747
00:27:25,500 --> 00:27:28,000
adaptable force ready to respond . 

748
00:27:28,979 --> 00:27:31,650
Excuse me . Whether it's deployments 

749
00:27:31,650 --> 00:27:35,650
abroad . Or disaster response 

750
00:27:35,650 --> 00:27:37,872
or helping secure our borders , you are 

751
00:27:37,872 --> 00:27:40,030
vital to our national defense and our 

752
00:27:40,030 --> 00:27:42,141
communities . I can't thank the units 

753
00:27:42,141 --> 00:27:44,949
of the Oklahoma National Guard enough 

754
00:27:44,949 --> 00:27:47,171
for their swift response and assistance 

755
00:27:47,171 --> 00:27:49,599
every time a tornado strikes our 

756
00:27:49,599 --> 00:27:52,150
communities . From the deadly F5 

757
00:27:52,290 --> 00:27:54,650
tornadoes that struck my own hometown 

758
00:27:54,650 --> 00:27:56,810
more twice many years ago to the most 

759
00:27:56,810 --> 00:27:59,329
recent tornadoes struck the town of 

760
00:27:59,329 --> 00:28:01,496
Sulfur in my district , the search and 

761
00:28:01,496 --> 00:28:03,170
rescue operation and hands-on 

762
00:28:03,170 --> 00:28:05,560
assistance . Provided by these men and 

763
00:28:05,560 --> 00:28:08,520
women of the National Guard truly 

764
00:28:08,520 --> 00:28:10,609
encompassed what it means to serve . 

765
00:28:11,079 --> 00:28:13,246
I'm proud to say that we're continuing 

766
00:28:13,246 --> 00:28:15,190
to advance regular order , further 

767
00:28:15,190 --> 00:28:17,839
ensuring large omnibus bills are a 

768
00:28:17,839 --> 00:28:20,000
thing of the past . Importantly , we 

769
00:28:20,000 --> 00:28:21,889
will also have the opportunity to 

770
00:28:21,889 --> 00:28:23,722
evaluate your funding priorities 

771
00:28:23,722 --> 00:28:25,959
alongside the budget request . Today's 

772
00:28:25,959 --> 00:28:28,070
hearing is an important forum for you 

773
00:28:28,070 --> 00:28:30,292
to discuss current readiness , resource 

774
00:28:30,292 --> 00:28:32,348
constraints , and priorities for our 

775
00:28:32,348 --> 00:28:34,739
guard and reserve components . And just 

776
00:28:34,739 --> 00:28:36,650
this past year we've seen clear 

777
00:28:36,650 --> 00:28:38,817
examples of both the guard and reserve 

778
00:28:38,817 --> 00:28:40,928
components serving as essential force 

779
00:28:40,928 --> 00:28:43,280
multipliers across a range of missions . 

780
00:28:43,900 --> 00:28:46,122
We owe it to you to ensure that federal 

781
00:28:46,122 --> 00:28:48,020
funding reflects your operational 

782
00:28:48,020 --> 00:28:50,020
demands and the critical dual roles 

783
00:28:50,020 --> 00:28:52,430
that you serve . I also look forward to 

784
00:28:52,430 --> 00:28:54,719
hearing about the ongoing challenges 

785
00:28:54,719 --> 00:28:56,920
with recruitment and retention along 

786
00:28:56,920 --> 00:28:59,142
with efforts to modernize equipment and 

787
00:28:59,142 --> 00:29:01,239
facilities . We require a candid 

788
00:29:01,239 --> 00:29:03,640
dialogue about your requirements and 

789
00:29:03,640 --> 00:29:06,160
how Congress can be a true partner in 

790
00:29:06,160 --> 00:29:08,160
strengthening our guard and reserve 

791
00:29:08,160 --> 00:29:10,699
forces . Quote , Always ready , always 

792
00:29:10,699 --> 00:29:13,180
there . It's not just a motto , but a 

793
00:29:13,180 --> 00:29:15,619
promise you have proven time and time 

794
00:29:15,619 --> 00:29:17,508
again that you take seriously and 

795
00:29:17,508 --> 00:29:19,699
fulfill the letter . Whether you're in 

796
00:29:19,699 --> 00:29:22,219
Oklahoma or serving abroad , our 

797
00:29:22,219 --> 00:29:24,219
guardsmen and reservists deserve to 

798
00:29:24,219 --> 00:29:26,330
know we have your back . Again , Mr . 

799
00:29:26,380 --> 00:29:28,436
Chairman , I want to thank you and I 

800
00:29:28,436 --> 00:29:30,158
want to thank particularly our 

801
00:29:30,158 --> 00:29:32,500
witnesses for their service and their 

802
00:29:32,500 --> 00:29:33,719
distinguished . 

803
00:29:35,910 --> 00:29:39,030
Efforts to help our country and keep it 

804
00:29:39,030 --> 00:29:41,086
safe and secure . We've got to yield 

805
00:29:41,086 --> 00:29:43,489
back . Thank you , Mr . Chairman . I 

806
00:29:44,239 --> 00:29:46,461
Chairman , or the ranking member of the 

807
00:29:46,461 --> 00:29:48,628
full committee . Thank you very much , 

808
00:29:48,628 --> 00:29:50,461
Mr . Chairman and Ranking Member 

809
00:29:50,461 --> 00:29:52,572
McCollum , and a really big thank you 

810
00:29:52,572 --> 00:29:54,739
to our witnesses , uh , for testifying 

811
00:29:54,739 --> 00:29:56,739
here today . There's a lot of brass 

812
00:29:56,739 --> 00:29:58,850
here , and just , you know , it's not 

813
00:29:58,850 --> 00:30:01,183
intimidated though , you know , so , uh , 

814
00:30:01,183 --> 00:30:03,295
let me just address a few topics this 

815
00:30:03,295 --> 00:30:05,350
morning . The first is the manner in 

816
00:30:05,350 --> 00:30:07,350
which our National Guard troops are 

817
00:30:07,350 --> 00:30:09,350
being treated . I have to extend my 

818
00:30:09,350 --> 00:30:11,517
thoughts to the entire guard community 

819
00:30:11,517 --> 00:30:13,739
and especially The families of National 

820
00:30:13,739 --> 00:30:15,739
Guardsman Sarah Beckstrom , who was 

821
00:30:15,739 --> 00:30:17,572
killed in a senseless act of gun 

822
00:30:17,572 --> 00:30:19,461
violence , and National Guardsman 

823
00:30:19,461 --> 00:30:21,350
Andrew Wolffe , who was seriously 

824
00:30:21,350 --> 00:30:23,183
injured . This should never have 

825
00:30:23,183 --> 00:30:25,406
happened and the individual responsible 

826
00:30:25,406 --> 00:30:27,709
must be punished according to the law . 

827
00:30:29,160 --> 00:30:30,938
Since August of last year , the 

828
00:30:30,938 --> 00:30:32,938
National Guard has been deployed to 

829
00:30:32,938 --> 00:30:35,049
Washington DC at the direction of the 

830
00:30:35,049 --> 00:30:37,271
president in what I view as a political 

831
00:30:37,271 --> 00:30:39,680
stunt that has gone on for far too long . 

832
00:30:40,449 --> 00:30:42,505
The president has the National Guard 

833
00:30:42,505 --> 00:30:44,782
patrolling around the nation's capital . 

834
00:30:45,020 --> 00:30:48,180
Directing tourists , picking up trash . 

835
00:30:48,540 --> 00:30:51,339
To be clear , these guardsmen have been 

836
00:30:51,339 --> 00:30:54,739
nothing but professional since they 

837
00:30:54,739 --> 00:30:57,949
were sent here . My problem is that 

838
00:30:57,949 --> 00:31:00,390
they should not have not have to do 

839
00:31:00,390 --> 00:31:04,150
this . It is not a responsible use of 

840
00:31:04,150 --> 00:31:06,270
resources . The National Guard are 

841
00:31:06,270 --> 00:31:08,560
crucial to supporting military 

842
00:31:08,560 --> 00:31:10,838
operations around the world and assist , 

843
00:31:11,530 --> 00:31:13,586
assisting with emergency response at 

844
00:31:13,586 --> 00:31:16,449
home . When a severe storm devastates a 

845
00:31:16,449 --> 00:31:18,505
community , it is the National Guard 

846
00:31:18,505 --> 00:31:20,505
who respond with tents , blankets , 

847
00:31:20,530 --> 00:31:22,697
medical equipment , food , and water . 

848
00:31:23,119 --> 00:31:25,479
They are often the first sign of hope 

849
00:31:25,760 --> 00:31:28,180
for many who have just endured perhaps 

850
00:31:28,180 --> 00:31:31,270
the worst ordeal of their lives . Guard 

851
00:31:31,270 --> 00:31:33,381
forces are also routinely deployed to 

852
00:31:33,381 --> 00:31:35,579
support combat operations overseas . 

853
00:31:36,180 --> 00:31:39,599
Roughly 500 members of the Connecticut 

854
00:31:39,599 --> 00:31:42,079
National Guard are deployed in the 

855
00:31:42,079 --> 00:31:45,729
Middle East . And I am so grateful 

856
00:31:46,310 --> 00:31:48,750
for their service to our country , and 

857
00:31:48,750 --> 00:31:50,972
I want to make sure that they have what 

858
00:31:50,972 --> 00:31:54,180
they need and that they are safe . In 

859
00:31:54,180 --> 00:31:56,347
his budget , President Trump requested 

860
00:31:56,347 --> 00:31:58,430
an additional $605 million for 

861
00:31:58,430 --> 00:32:00,910
continued National Guard deployments in 

862
00:32:00,910 --> 00:32:04,739
Washington DC And news reports indicate 

863
00:32:04,739 --> 00:32:06,795
that he intends to keep the National 

864
00:32:06,795 --> 00:32:08,850
Guard in the Capitol until he leaves 

865
00:32:08,850 --> 00:32:10,859
office . Every day and every dollar 

866
00:32:10,859 --> 00:32:13,180
spent keeping the National Guard here 

867
00:32:13,180 --> 00:32:15,579
takes away from where they are needed 

868
00:32:15,579 --> 00:32:18,040
elsewhere . We should not be 

869
00:32:18,040 --> 00:32:21,729
fabricating crises . Just to keep the 

870
00:32:21,729 --> 00:32:25,329
guard busy . In addition to the 

871
00:32:25,329 --> 00:32:27,440
National Guard , please let me take a 

872
00:32:27,440 --> 00:32:29,551
moment to express my appreciation for 

873
00:32:29,551 --> 00:32:31,839
our reserve forces as well . The 

874
00:32:31,839 --> 00:32:33,920
reserves play a crucial role in our 

875
00:32:33,920 --> 00:32:36,000
armed forces . They provide critical 

876
00:32:36,000 --> 00:32:38,959
logistical mobility and nuclear mission 

877
00:32:38,959 --> 00:32:42,579
support . 9 reserve service members 

878
00:32:42,920 --> 00:32:46,280
have lost their lives during the war 

879
00:32:46,280 --> 00:32:50,140
with Iran . 13 servicemen have been 

880
00:32:50,479 --> 00:32:53,750
killed . 9 of them were reservists . I 

881
00:32:53,750 --> 00:32:55,880
offer my deepest condolences to their 

882
00:32:55,880 --> 00:32:59,280
families and express a profound sadness . 

883
00:32:59,969 --> 00:33:02,930
At what is a tragic loss , it is 

884
00:33:02,930 --> 00:33:04,763
critical that we in the Congress 

885
00:33:04,763 --> 00:33:06,930
provide the resources necessary to 

886
00:33:06,930 --> 00:33:08,763
support the men and women of our 

887
00:33:08,763 --> 00:33:11,290
National Guard and reserve forces . I 

888
00:33:11,290 --> 00:33:13,729
look forward to hearing your answers to 

889
00:33:13,729 --> 00:33:16,250
our questions today . Thank you , and I 

890
00:33:16,250 --> 00:33:20,010
yield back . Thank the ranking 

891
00:33:20,010 --> 00:33:23,890
member . Um , now we'll go to questions . 

892
00:33:24,109 --> 00:33:26,053
Uh , we'll hopefully get around to 

893
00:33:26,053 --> 00:33:27,998
everybody , so we'll limit it to 5 

894
00:33:27,998 --> 00:33:29,942
minutes . I'll start with myself . 

895
00:33:29,942 --> 00:33:32,109
First , make a comment . Uh , we all , 

896
00:33:32,109 --> 00:33:33,776
I've heard the comments about 

897
00:33:33,776 --> 00:33:35,887
predictable funding , uh , and I know 

898
00:33:35,887 --> 00:33:38,053
that's important to all of you , and I 

899
00:33:38,053 --> 00:33:41,270
can , I think , say with , with support 

900
00:33:41,270 --> 00:33:43,492
on both sides here that we , none of us 

901
00:33:43,492 --> 00:33:46,920
like continuing resolutions . And so 

902
00:33:46,920 --> 00:33:49,087
we're going to work hard with the full 

903
00:33:49,087 --> 00:33:51,540
committee chairman here and the ranking 

904
00:33:51,709 --> 00:33:54,000
member who worked very hard together to 

905
00:33:54,239 --> 00:33:56,461
make sure that we have that predictable 

906
00:33:56,461 --> 00:33:58,683
funding and that we hopefully can avoid 

907
00:33:58,683 --> 00:34:02,630
continued resolutions . Um , One of 

908
00:34:02,630 --> 00:34:04,852
the issues that that's been important , 

909
00:34:04,930 --> 00:34:07,041
uh , I live on a border state , state 

910
00:34:07,041 --> 00:34:09,041
of California . It's been extremely 

911
00:34:09,041 --> 00:34:11,610
important is the counter drug program , 

912
00:34:11,739 --> 00:34:14,810
and I appreciate the impact . has had 

913
00:34:14,810 --> 00:34:17,520
in our communities . Congress provided 

914
00:34:18,459 --> 00:34:20,409
305 million for the National Guard 

915
00:34:20,409 --> 00:34:22,576
counter Drug Program in fiscal year 26 

916
00:34:22,576 --> 00:34:24,409
and provide critical funding for 

917
00:34:24,409 --> 00:34:26,449
training and operations . And we've 

918
00:34:26,449 --> 00:34:28,671
also provided an additional $30 million 

919
00:34:28,671 --> 00:34:30,671
for the National Guard counter Drug 

920
00:34:30,671 --> 00:34:32,671
school program to provide necessary 

921
00:34:32,671 --> 00:34:34,671
education to support combating drug 

922
00:34:34,671 --> 00:34:36,671
trafficking efforts . As you know . 

923
00:34:36,679 --> 00:34:38,901
Hundreds of thousands of Americans have 

924
00:34:38,901 --> 00:34:40,901
died of fentanyl poisoning over the 

925
00:34:40,901 --> 00:34:43,149
last number of years . Uh , it's a 

926
00:34:43,149 --> 00:34:46,360
horrible poison , as I call it , and uh . 

927
00:34:47,320 --> 00:34:50,129
This unfortunately has been . Inflicted 

928
00:34:50,129 --> 00:34:53,729
upon the American population . So I , I 

929
00:34:53,729 --> 00:34:55,785
appreciate what you're all doing and 

930
00:34:55,785 --> 00:34:57,951
General Nordhaus , how is the National 

931
00:34:57,951 --> 00:34:59,896
Guard utilizing these resources to 

932
00:34:59,896 --> 00:35:01,760
disrupt and degrade illicit drug 

933
00:35:01,760 --> 00:35:04,330
production to make our community safer ? 

934
00:35:06,389 --> 00:35:08,278
Chairman , uh , thank you for the 

935
00:35:08,278 --> 00:35:10,222
question and thank Congress , uh , 

936
00:35:10,222 --> 00:35:12,333
holistically for the additional funds 

937
00:35:12,333 --> 00:35:14,445
in this , um , counter-drug program . 

938
00:35:14,445 --> 00:35:16,167
Last year , the National Guard 

939
00:35:16,167 --> 00:35:18,189
counter-drug program took off $15 

940
00:35:18,189 --> 00:35:20,760
billion of illicit drugs , uh , 

941
00:35:20,820 --> 00:35:22,987
supporting our law enforcement . Can't 

942
00:35:22,987 --> 00:35:25,098
imagine how many lives that has saved 

943
00:35:25,098 --> 00:35:27,264
and families that has been , uh , kept 

944
00:35:27,264 --> 00:35:29,264
together because , uh , those drugs 

945
00:35:29,264 --> 00:35:31,550
have been taken off the street . 69,000 

946
00:35:31,550 --> 00:35:34,379
other law enforcement agencies and uh 

947
00:35:34,379 --> 00:35:36,601
agents have been trained uh through the 

948
00:35:36,601 --> 00:35:38,657
counterdrug school program which are 

949
00:35:38,657 --> 00:35:40,823
funded through Congress , so we cannot 

950
00:35:40,823 --> 00:35:42,823
thank you enough . Uh , each of the 

951
00:35:42,823 --> 00:35:44,935
states have a counterdrug program and 

952
00:35:44,935 --> 00:35:47,110
each year is taken a look at of how 

953
00:35:47,110 --> 00:35:49,110
they can better it to increase what 

954
00:35:49,110 --> 00:35:51,110
they're getting after what's in the 

955
00:35:51,110 --> 00:35:53,221
local area , whether it's fentanyl or 

956
00:35:53,221 --> 00:35:53,110
other drugs and how they can work with 

957
00:35:53,110 --> 00:35:55,169
their local . Uh , law enforcement 

958
00:35:55,169 --> 00:35:57,489
agencies . So each year we tune it up , 

959
00:35:57,649 --> 00:35:59,489
we get better and stronger . The 

960
00:35:59,489 --> 00:36:02,419
previous year , uh , we took off $13 

961
00:36:02,419 --> 00:36:04,770
billion and last year at $15 billion . 

962
00:36:04,850 --> 00:36:07,072
So , every dollar you give the National 

963
00:36:07,072 --> 00:36:09,128
Guard , you're getting huge bang for 

964
00:36:09,128 --> 00:36:11,128
your buck because our guardsmen are 

965
00:36:11,128 --> 00:36:13,183
professional . They're experienced , 

966
00:36:13,183 --> 00:36:15,517
they use their civilian skill sets , uh , 

967
00:36:15,517 --> 00:36:17,628
and come into those programs and make 

968
00:36:17,628 --> 00:36:19,906
us stronger . Well , thank you , and I , 

969
00:36:19,906 --> 00:36:22,128
I , there's a lot of important missions 

970
00:36:22,128 --> 00:36:24,239
that you do , but I , I think this is 

971
00:36:24,239 --> 00:36:26,017
right on top of the list , so I 

972
00:36:26,017 --> 00:36:28,183
appreciate anything you can do to , to 

973
00:36:28,183 --> 00:36:30,350
do this . Um , what , uh , what , uh , 

974
00:36:30,370 --> 00:36:32,481
general , you gonna , what priorities 

975
00:36:32,481 --> 00:36:34,537
do you have in the coming years ? We 

976
00:36:34,537 --> 00:36:36,759
write this budget . This year , uh , if 

977
00:36:36,759 --> 00:36:39,320
you had to pick your top two or three 

978
00:36:39,320 --> 00:36:41,487
priorities , what would that be ? Mm . 

979
00:36:42,870 --> 00:36:44,926
Uh , Chairman , uh , certainly as we 

980
00:36:44,926 --> 00:36:47,148
look at foundational readiness accounts 

981
00:36:47,148 --> 00:36:49,203
to be an always ready , always there 

982
00:36:49,203 --> 00:36:51,426
force , and as you heard from the other 

983
00:36:51,426 --> 00:36:53,537
reserve component chiefs here , we're 

984
00:36:53,537 --> 00:36:55,759
operational . And when you look at what 

985
00:36:55,759 --> 00:36:57,926
the National Guard is doing in support 

986
00:36:57,926 --> 00:36:59,981
of the joint force over in Operation 

987
00:36:59,981 --> 00:37:02,037
Epic Fury , uh , We have to be ready 

988
00:37:02,274 --> 00:37:04,218
and trained , and the foundational 

989
00:37:04,218 --> 00:37:06,441
readiness accounts really add to that . 

990
00:37:06,441 --> 00:37:08,330
So that deals with flying hours , 

991
00:37:08,330 --> 00:37:10,441
weapons systems sustainment , and ops 

992
00:37:10,441 --> 00:37:12,524
tempo . Um , also , as we look at 

993
00:37:12,524 --> 00:37:14,357
modernization , we have to be in 

994
00:37:14,357 --> 00:37:16,357
modernized equipment , whether it's 

995
00:37:16,357 --> 00:37:18,524
helicopters or whether it's fighters , 

996
00:37:18,524 --> 00:37:21,389
tankers . Uh , bombers or mobility 

997
00:37:21,389 --> 00:37:23,222
aircraft , we have to have those 

998
00:37:23,222 --> 00:37:25,333
capabilities . Uh , Ingria once again 

999
00:37:25,333 --> 00:37:27,679
does an amazing amount that allows us 

1000
00:37:27,679 --> 00:37:29,901
to make sure that we're interoperable , 

1001
00:37:29,901 --> 00:37:32,012
um , across the board with our , uh , 

1002
00:37:32,012 --> 00:37:33,846
services . And , uh , I know how 

1003
00:37:33,846 --> 00:37:35,901
important you heard all the comments 

1004
00:37:35,901 --> 00:37:38,012
from Ingria . So that would be , uh , 

1005
00:37:38,012 --> 00:37:40,179
my initial comments there , Chairman . 

1006
00:37:40,179 --> 00:37:43,580
Thank you , Ms . McCollum . Thank you , 

1007
00:37:43,629 --> 00:37:47,550
Mr . Chair . I've got uh 22 kind of 

1008
00:37:47,560 --> 00:37:49,782
topic questions and you can get back to 

1009
00:37:49,782 --> 00:37:52,290
me with more information uh should you 

1010
00:37:52,290 --> 00:37:54,290
choose to , but I wanna finish up a 

1011
00:37:54,290 --> 00:37:56,290
little more about what I said in my 

1012
00:37:56,290 --> 00:37:58,512
opening statements about the deployment 

1013
00:37:58,512 --> 00:38:00,629
of the National Guard . So , um , the 

1014
00:38:00,629 --> 00:38:04,350
information that we have is that $605 

1015
00:38:04,350 --> 00:38:07,169
million . Uh , for the extended 

1016
00:38:07,169 --> 00:38:09,391
deployment of the National Guard troops 

1017
00:38:09,391 --> 00:38:11,391
for non-military activities for the 

1018
00:38:11,391 --> 00:38:14,250
beautification of Washington DC , uh , 

1019
00:38:14,370 --> 00:38:16,590
and I assume those activities will 

1020
00:38:16,590 --> 00:38:18,919
support America , uh , as we celebrate 

1021
00:38:18,919 --> 00:38:21,770
250 years , and so they're here now , 

1022
00:38:21,850 --> 00:38:24,250
we'll have a lot of people visiting . I 

1023
00:38:24,250 --> 00:38:26,770
could see that being of , of , of 

1024
00:38:26,770 --> 00:38:29,169
comfort and , and , and , and joy for 

1025
00:38:29,169 --> 00:38:31,389
everyone . Uh , having the interaction 

1026
00:38:31,389 --> 00:38:33,611
with , with our , um , men and women in 

1027
00:38:33,611 --> 00:38:35,870
uniform . However , that celebration is 

1028
00:38:35,870 --> 00:38:38,899
gonna end in July . And it's been 

1029
00:38:38,899 --> 00:38:40,899
reported that the Pentagon wants to 

1030
00:38:40,899 --> 00:38:42,788
keep the National Guard troops in 

1031
00:38:42,788 --> 00:38:44,899
through as a , as a uh ranking member 

1032
00:38:44,899 --> 00:38:46,843
of the full committee said through 

1033
00:38:46,843 --> 00:38:48,899
January 2029 . That's the end of the 

1034
00:38:48,899 --> 00:38:51,139
president's second term . That's well 

1035
00:38:51,139 --> 00:38:53,472
beyond the scope of this budget request . 

1036
00:38:53,850 --> 00:38:57,020
So , and the budget request for $260 

1037
00:38:57,020 --> 00:38:58,742
million for the National Guard 

1038
00:38:58,742 --> 00:39:00,742
Reactionary Force is also something 

1039
00:39:00,742 --> 00:39:02,631
that , that this committee's been 

1040
00:39:02,631 --> 00:39:04,742
reading about in the paper to respond 

1041
00:39:04,742 --> 00:39:06,909
to incidents . So , General Norris , I 

1042
00:39:06,909 --> 00:39:09,020
have just a few questions for you and 

1043
00:39:09,020 --> 00:39:10,909
if you have to get back with more 

1044
00:39:10,909 --> 00:39:13,242
information at the committee truly . Uh , 

1045
00:39:13,242 --> 00:39:15,298
understand , we look forward to it . 

1046
00:39:15,298 --> 00:39:17,520
How long do you see the deployments for 

1047
00:39:17,520 --> 00:39:19,464
the National Guard law enforcement 

1048
00:39:19,464 --> 00:39:21,344
support role in DC , uh , is 

1049
00:39:21,344 --> 00:39:24,804
sustainable ? Because that $605 million 

1050
00:39:24,804 --> 00:39:26,804
in the request is all coming at the 

1051
00:39:26,804 --> 00:39:28,748
expense of something else that the 

1052
00:39:28,748 --> 00:39:31,399
National Guard will not be doing . Um , 

1053
00:39:31,409 --> 00:39:33,750
and , uh , then regarding the National , 

1054
00:39:33,929 --> 00:39:36,449
uh , Guard Reactionary Force , I'd like 

1055
00:39:36,449 --> 00:39:38,616
some more information and detail , and 

1056
00:39:38,616 --> 00:39:40,838
we had a little bit of a , a discussion 

1057
00:39:40,838 --> 00:39:42,671
in the office , but where is the 

1058
00:39:42,671 --> 00:39:44,727
funding coming from and contained in 

1059
00:39:44,727 --> 00:39:47,330
this budget ? Um , so we , we had a 

1060
00:39:47,330 --> 00:39:49,274
brief discussion in the office . I 

1061
00:39:49,274 --> 00:39:51,552
think you know what I'm going at , and , 

1062
00:39:51,552 --> 00:39:53,330
but I'm gonna ask the admiral a 

1063
00:39:53,330 --> 00:39:55,386
question first and then you can both 

1064
00:39:55,386 --> 00:39:57,719
respond . I'll kind of pack it together . 

1065
00:39:57,719 --> 00:40:00,909
Um , so the guard usually deploys as a , 

1066
00:40:01,040 --> 00:40:02,762
as a group . I've been to many 

1067
00:40:02,762 --> 00:40:04,984
deployments . We have guard in Kuwait , 

1068
00:40:04,984 --> 00:40:07,151
and Djibouti right now . They go . The 

1069
00:40:07,151 --> 00:40:09,318
reserves tend to , I've been to , I've 

1070
00:40:09,318 --> 00:40:12,310
been during the height of Iraq and 

1071
00:40:12,310 --> 00:40:14,800
Afghanistan . I would watch Marines 

1072
00:40:14,800 --> 00:40:17,949
deploy as one . Uh , so you don't 

1073
00:40:17,949 --> 00:40:20,709
usually have the , you know , you 

1074
00:40:20,709 --> 00:40:22,765
deploy at one and then when you come 

1075
00:40:22,765 --> 00:40:24,931
home , sometimes you come home alone . 

1076
00:40:24,931 --> 00:40:27,042
You're not even being deployed in the 

1077
00:40:27,042 --> 00:40:28,987
big group . Um , so I just want to 

1078
00:40:28,987 --> 00:40:31,098
acknowledge that and this leads me to 

1079
00:40:31,098 --> 00:40:33,429
my question to you , Admiral . Um , you 

1080
00:40:33,429 --> 00:40:35,485
know , what is the length of time it 

1081
00:40:35,485 --> 00:40:37,485
takes for a naval reserve sailor to 

1082
00:40:37,485 --> 00:40:39,540
replace a sailor on another platform 

1083
00:40:39,540 --> 00:40:41,762
during a time of crisis ? You're unique 

1084
00:40:41,762 --> 00:40:43,818
in , in what you do with the reserve 

1085
00:40:43,818 --> 00:40:45,318
that way . I know I have a 

1086
00:40:45,318 --> 00:40:47,318
cybersecurity unit in Minnesota and 

1087
00:40:47,318 --> 00:40:49,485
there's diff , there's different units 

1088
00:40:49,485 --> 00:40:51,707
that go on . The pilots tend to because 

1089
00:40:51,707 --> 00:40:51,679
of keeping hours and that they're , 

1090
00:40:51,760 --> 00:40:53,760
they're all going , but when you uh 

1091
00:40:53,760 --> 00:40:56,540
have to uh take um one of our , your 

1092
00:40:56,540 --> 00:40:58,800
sailors and put them physically on , on 

1093
00:40:58,800 --> 00:41:02,399
a , on a ship , uh , what is , uh , how 

1094
00:41:02,399 --> 00:41:04,566
does that integrate ? How long does it 

1095
00:41:04,566 --> 00:41:06,677
take for that unit's activity to , to 

1096
00:41:06,677 --> 00:41:09,320
fully be cohesive ? So my concern is if 

1097
00:41:09,320 --> 00:41:11,487
we need to provide Provide more proper 

1098
00:41:11,487 --> 00:41:13,598
resources in order for the navy to be 

1099
00:41:13,598 --> 00:41:15,709
successful , especially as we look at 

1100
00:41:15,709 --> 00:41:17,820
what they're doing with this blockade 

1101
00:41:17,820 --> 00:41:19,987
right now , the long deployment of the 

1102
00:41:19,987 --> 00:41:22,153
Ford , um , you know , we want to make 

1103
00:41:22,153 --> 00:41:24,320
sure that it's seamless for the , uh , 

1104
00:41:24,320 --> 00:41:26,320
sailors on board the ship , the one 

1105
00:41:26,320 --> 00:41:28,542
coming in , the one going off , the one 

1106
00:41:28,542 --> 00:41:30,598
serving . I need to learn more about 

1107
00:41:30,598 --> 00:41:32,764
this . Uh , commander McCullin , thank 

1108
00:41:32,764 --> 00:41:34,876
you for the , uh , for the question . 

1109
00:41:34,876 --> 00:41:36,376
When you look at the , the 

1110
00:41:36,376 --> 00:41:38,542
mobilizations for , uh , for your Navy 

1111
00:41:38,542 --> 00:41:40,709
reserve , uh , really they fit in , in 

1112
00:41:40,709 --> 00:41:42,820
two different pieces . You've got the 

1113
00:41:42,820 --> 00:41:42,419
operational support and those units 

1114
00:41:42,419 --> 00:41:44,419
that mobilize together as a unit of 

1115
00:41:44,419 --> 00:41:46,641
action . Those can be examples like our 

1116
00:41:46,641 --> 00:41:48,752
SEAL teams that are currently getting 

1117
00:41:48,752 --> 00:41:50,975
deployed , our aviation squadrons , our 

1118
00:41:50,975 --> 00:41:52,808
VR squadrons , our C-130 and C40 

1119
00:41:52,808 --> 00:41:54,919
squadrons that are mobilizing as well 

1120
00:41:54,919 --> 00:41:56,975
now together as units of action , as 

1121
00:41:56,975 --> 00:41:58,919
well as our maritime expeditionary 

1122
00:41:58,919 --> 00:42:00,975
security squadrons that are deployed 

1123
00:42:00,975 --> 00:42:03,308
together in Djibouti . They're constant . 

1124
00:42:03,308 --> 00:42:05,475
Constantly refining and training , and 

1125
00:42:05,475 --> 00:42:08,379
the criticality is around both the RPN 

1126
00:42:08,379 --> 00:42:10,601
and the OMNR budgets to be able to fund 

1127
00:42:10,601 --> 00:42:12,768
those at the levels requested for them 

1128
00:42:12,768 --> 00:42:14,768
to continue to hone and refine that 

1129
00:42:14,768 --> 00:42:16,990
edge . So we feel very comfortable that 

1130
00:42:16,990 --> 00:42:19,212
those units of action and those members 

1131
00:42:19,212 --> 00:42:21,435
are ready to go right in the first hour 

1132
00:42:21,435 --> 00:42:20,479
or the first minute . 

1133
00:42:26,050 --> 00:42:29,590
My question on the guard . Oh , Ranking 

1134
00:42:29,590 --> 00:42:31,646
Member McCollum , uh , thank you for 

1135
00:42:31,646 --> 00:42:33,812
your question . Uh , as we look at the 

1136
00:42:33,812 --> 00:42:35,923
DC safe and Beautiful , certainly our 

1137
00:42:35,923 --> 00:42:38,034
primary focus is on the safety of our 

1138
00:42:38,034 --> 00:42:39,923
citizens . Um , and as we look at 

1139
00:42:39,923 --> 00:42:42,257
America 250 coming and , uh , uh , FIFA , 

1140
00:42:42,257 --> 00:42:44,270
our National Guard will be ready to 

1141
00:42:44,270 --> 00:42:46,399
support , um , in any of those 

1142
00:42:46,399 --> 00:42:48,121
locations , uh , through their 

1143
00:42:48,121 --> 00:42:50,177
governors and then here in DC , uh , 

1144
00:42:50,177 --> 00:42:52,288
through the secret , uh , from that . 

1145
00:42:52,459 --> 00:42:54,681
Um , as we look at our National Guard , 

1146
00:42:54,681 --> 00:42:56,348
we continue to , uh , see our 

1147
00:42:56,348 --> 00:42:58,729
servicemen and women do amazing things , 

1148
00:42:58,919 --> 00:43:02,050
uh , in support of , uh , the local law 

1149
00:43:02,050 --> 00:43:05,040
enforcement . Excuse me , sir , I , it 

1150
00:43:05,040 --> 00:43:06,984
pains me to interrupt you , but my 

1151
00:43:06,984 --> 00:43:09,760
time's limited . And so I asked about 

1152
00:43:09,760 --> 00:43:11,927
uh the funding contained in the budget 

1153
00:43:11,927 --> 00:43:13,871
for the National Guard Reactionary 

1154
00:43:13,871 --> 00:43:17,000
Force and the request of the $605 

1155
00:43:17,000 --> 00:43:20,280
million that uh for what that we're 

1156
00:43:20,280 --> 00:43:22,169
doing in DC that does come at the 

1157
00:43:22,169 --> 00:43:24,391
expense of something else in the line . 

1158
00:43:24,391 --> 00:43:26,699
So what are we not doing ? Uh , Ranking 

1159
00:43:26,699 --> 00:43:28,810
Member McCollum , uh , we are working 

1160
00:43:28,810 --> 00:43:30,532
with the department and , uh , 

1161
00:43:30,532 --> 00:43:32,770
reimbursements from , um , the 

1162
00:43:32,770 --> 00:43:35,739
department from DOJ and DHS . Uh , we 

1163
00:43:35,739 --> 00:43:37,517
will continue to work with this 

1164
00:43:37,517 --> 00:43:39,739
committee and we look forward to making 

1165
00:43:39,739 --> 00:43:41,739
sure that we can do all the mission 

1166
00:43:41,739 --> 00:43:41,439
sets that we've been directed to do . 

1167
00:43:41,770 --> 00:43:43,770
And then also make sure that we can 

1168
00:43:43,770 --> 00:43:45,881
provide all the statutory training to 

1169
00:43:45,881 --> 00:43:47,937
the National Guard cause we know how 

1170
00:43:47,937 --> 00:43:49,992
critical it is . I'd like a detailed 

1171
00:43:49,992 --> 00:43:52,214
breakout of the money and what training 

1172
00:43:52,214 --> 00:43:52,159
is not being done . Thank you , Mr . 

1173
00:43:52,320 --> 00:43:56,030
Chair . Yes , ma'am . Thank you , Mr . 

1174
00:43:56,189 --> 00:43:58,356
Cole . Uh , thank you very much , Mr . 

1175
00:43:58,356 --> 00:44:00,689
Chairman . And again , to our witnesses , 

1176
00:44:00,689 --> 00:44:03,449
thank all of you . I too have budget 

1177
00:44:03,449 --> 00:44:05,560
concerns and requests , and you might 

1178
00:44:05,560 --> 00:44:07,727
not be in a position to give me a full 

1179
00:44:07,727 --> 00:44:09,893
answer . I certainly understand that , 

1180
00:44:09,893 --> 00:44:11,949
but uh , I'm just gonna kind of move 

1181
00:44:11,949 --> 00:44:14,060
down the , the list here and ask each 

1182
00:44:14,060 --> 00:44:16,010
of you , could you give us a quick 

1183
00:44:16,229 --> 00:44:19,590
overview of the role your component is 

1184
00:44:19,590 --> 00:44:22,189
playing in your respective area . In 

1185
00:44:22,189 --> 00:44:24,830
the current military actions in Iran 

1186
00:44:25,810 --> 00:44:29,050
and give us some view because at some 

1187
00:44:29,050 --> 00:44:31,649
point I would expect a supplemental 

1188
00:44:31,649 --> 00:44:34,370
request to come from the administration 

1189
00:44:34,370 --> 00:44:36,481
in this regard and you certainly need 

1190
00:44:36,481 --> 00:44:38,750
to be part of that supplemental . So 

1191
00:44:39,250 --> 00:44:41,570
insofar as you can give us some 

1192
00:44:41,570 --> 00:44:43,929
estimate of what sort of impact this 

1193
00:44:43,929 --> 00:44:47,159
has had on your budget . It's 

1194
00:44:47,159 --> 00:44:49,326
impossible to know the exact ending of 

1195
00:44:49,326 --> 00:44:51,326
something like this , so I wouldn't 

1196
00:44:51,326 --> 00:44:53,437
expect you to give us anywhere near a 

1197
00:44:53,437 --> 00:44:55,548
complete estimate , but some sense of 

1198
00:44:55,548 --> 00:44:58,070
how much this has impacted you and You 

1199
00:44:58,070 --> 00:45:00,350
know , what you might be , what would 

1200
00:45:00,350 --> 00:45:03,659
unite , uh , what we might need to 

1201
00:45:04,030 --> 00:45:06,252
extend to you to make sure that you can 

1202
00:45:06,252 --> 00:45:08,909
continue your operations unterrupted in 

1203
00:45:08,909 --> 00:45:10,965
the other areas that you're , you're 

1204
00:45:10,965 --> 00:45:12,853
responsible for . So , I'll start 

1205
00:45:12,853 --> 00:45:15,131
General Nordhaus , if I may , with you , 

1206
00:45:15,131 --> 00:45:17,131
and then just kind of move down the 

1207
00:45:17,131 --> 00:45:19,189
line if that's OK . Uh , Chairman , 

1208
00:45:19,239 --> 00:45:21,461
thank you for the question . Uh , as we 

1209
00:45:21,461 --> 00:45:23,628
look at the National Guard , certainly 

1210
00:45:23,628 --> 00:45:25,739
on the Air National Guard , we're 30% 

1211
00:45:25,739 --> 00:45:27,739
of the operational force of the Air 

1212
00:45:27,739 --> 00:45:29,961
Force , and to not get into specifics , 

1213
00:45:29,961 --> 00:45:32,128
we're , we're at least that or above , 

1214
00:45:32,128 --> 00:45:34,128
uh , in support of the mission sets 

1215
00:45:34,128 --> 00:45:36,239
over in Epic Fury , uh , whether it's 

1216
00:45:36,239 --> 00:45:38,406
in tankers , fighters , uh , bombers , 

1217
00:45:38,406 --> 00:45:40,572
or , uh , mobility aircraft , and then 

1218
00:45:40,572 --> 00:45:42,800
logistics planning , ISR platforms 

1219
00:45:42,800 --> 00:45:44,911
across the board . Uh , our guardsmen 

1220
00:45:44,911 --> 00:45:46,969
are doing amazing work and , uh , 

1221
00:45:46,979 --> 00:45:49,257
making sure that we can take , uh , um , 

1222
00:45:49,260 --> 00:45:51,570
the fight to the adversary . And , uh , 

1223
00:45:51,580 --> 00:45:53,691
but as we look at the budgets , we'll 

1224
00:45:53,691 --> 00:45:55,858
continue to work with you and to bring 

1225
00:45:55,858 --> 00:45:58,024
those forward to make sure that we can 

1226
00:45:58,024 --> 00:45:58,010
continue to do all the mission sets . 

1227
00:45:58,300 --> 00:46:00,078
And I will say also in the Army 

1228
00:46:00,078 --> 00:46:02,189
National Guard side , they're doing . 

1229
00:46:02,189 --> 00:46:04,540
Amazing work as well on artillery and 

1230
00:46:04,540 --> 00:46:06,651
other things to take the fight to the 

1231
00:46:06,651 --> 00:46:08,707
adversary . So let me just follow up 

1232
00:46:08,707 --> 00:46:11,090
very quickly . You mentioned 30% , an 

1233
00:46:11,340 --> 00:46:13,760
extraordinary burden . Congratulations 

1234
00:46:13,760 --> 00:46:15,593
for discharging that . Would you 

1235
00:46:15,593 --> 00:46:17,919
estimate that , you know , just in 

1236
00:46:17,919 --> 00:46:20,086
general , that's what you would need ? 

1237
00:46:20,086 --> 00:46:22,659
Let's just say we notionally had a $100 

1238
00:46:22,659 --> 00:46:24,770
billion or whatever supplemental that 

1239
00:46:24,770 --> 00:46:26,937
you would need something in accordance 

1240
00:46:26,937 --> 00:46:29,159
to 30% of the total we would expend for 

1241
00:46:29,159 --> 00:46:31,419
air operations . Chairman , I'd like to 

1242
00:46:31,419 --> 00:46:33,641
get back to you , but , um , that makes 

1243
00:46:33,641 --> 00:46:35,641
sense . Look , I know this is not a 

1244
00:46:35,641 --> 00:46:37,586
fair question , so , and you can't 

1245
00:46:37,586 --> 00:46:39,919
possibly have the information , but yes , 

1246
00:46:39,919 --> 00:46:42,086
if you can get back to me , that would 

1247
00:46:42,086 --> 00:46:44,252
be helpful . You know , I've I've seen 

1248
00:46:44,252 --> 00:46:46,475
enough of these things to see sometimes 

1249
00:46:46,475 --> 00:46:48,641
we shortchange the guard and reserve , 

1250
00:46:48,641 --> 00:46:50,808
uh , you know , we're asking a lot out 

1251
00:46:50,808 --> 00:46:53,030
of you when the time comes to , uh , to 

1252
00:46:53,030 --> 00:46:55,030
get a supplemental . I just want to 

1253
00:46:55,030 --> 00:46:56,863
make sure that what goes in that 

1254
00:46:56,863 --> 00:46:58,863
supplemental adequately covers your 

1255
00:46:58,863 --> 00:47:02,100
needs . Well , uh , any information you 

1256
00:47:02,100 --> 00:47:04,060
provide as we progress along , be 

1257
00:47:04,060 --> 00:47:06,820
gratefully received . Um , same 

1258
00:47:06,820 --> 00:47:09,153
question , if I may , to General Harder . 

1259
00:47:10,310 --> 00:47:12,199
Chairman Cole , thank you for the 

1260
00:47:12,199 --> 00:47:14,532
question on behalf of the Army Reserves . 

1261
00:47:14,532 --> 00:47:16,421
So right , right now we have just 

1262
00:47:16,421 --> 00:47:18,588
almost 4000 young men and women , just 

1263
00:47:18,588 --> 00:47:18,429
a little less , uh , supporting 

1264
00:47:18,429 --> 00:47:21,429
Operation Epic Fury . Uh , we are the 

1265
00:47:21,429 --> 00:47:23,262
bulk of sustainment and enabling 

1266
00:47:23,262 --> 00:47:25,500
capacity for the joint force , total 

1267
00:47:25,500 --> 00:47:27,770
army , uh , where , where we took a 

1268
00:47:27,770 --> 00:47:30,350
reduction from the army in , in some of 

1269
00:47:30,350 --> 00:47:32,517
our up-tempo , uh , especially affects 

1270
00:47:32,517 --> 00:47:34,750
our home station training . And we can 

1271
00:47:34,750 --> 00:47:36,861
get you those numbers upwards of , of 

1272
00:47:36,861 --> 00:47:39,229
$60 million . That's the one decrement 

1273
00:47:39,229 --> 00:47:41,469
that , that , again , is a little bit 

1274
00:47:41,469 --> 00:47:43,636
hard for us to make up . Our young men 

1275
00:47:43,636 --> 00:47:45,747
and women are getting after it , uh , 

1276
00:47:45,747 --> 00:47:48,080
getting after the home station training , 

1277
00:47:48,080 --> 00:47:49,969
but , uh , that , that's where we 

1278
00:47:49,969 --> 00:47:52,191
always need some support is , is before 

1279
00:47:52,191 --> 00:47:54,302
we go to the mob site and before we , 

1280
00:47:54,302 --> 00:47:54,189
our boots on the ground in theater . 

1281
00:47:55,070 --> 00:47:58,469
Thank you , uh , Admiral Lofman . Yes 

1282
00:47:58,469 --> 00:48:00,750
sir , Chairman Cole , as far as our 

1283
00:48:00,750 --> 00:48:03,100
troops that are sailors rather that are 

1284
00:48:03,100 --> 00:48:05,790
deployed overseas , the bulk of those 

1285
00:48:05,790 --> 00:48:08,989
sailors are currently flying the C-130s 

1286
00:48:09,229 --> 00:48:11,389
and the C-40s , providing critical 

1287
00:48:11,389 --> 00:48:13,649
resupply , rearming , and refueling . 

1288
00:48:13,899 --> 00:48:16,820
For both the carrier strike groups and 

1289
00:48:16,820 --> 00:48:18,987
other aircraft that are that are in in 

1290
00:48:18,987 --> 00:48:21,330
that theater . In addition , we are 

1291
00:48:21,330 --> 00:48:24,250
supply or supplying teams that are 

1292
00:48:24,250 --> 00:48:27,219
doing maritime operations support for 

1293
00:48:27,219 --> 00:48:29,899
5th Fleet as well right now . So , and 

1294
00:48:29,899 --> 00:48:31,955
like , like General Nordhaus , we've 

1295
00:48:31,955 --> 00:48:34,010
got sailors that are engaged in both 

1296
00:48:34,010 --> 00:48:36,121
the cyber warfare and some of the the 

1297
00:48:36,121 --> 00:48:38,288
integrated intelligence work as well , 

1298
00:48:38,288 --> 00:48:40,621
sir . Very good , uh , General Anderson . 

1299
00:48:42,159 --> 00:48:43,992
Thank you , Mr . Chairman . Uh , 

1300
00:48:43,992 --> 00:48:46,326
predominantly for Marine Forces Reserve , 

1301
00:48:46,326 --> 00:48:48,103
these were planned , budgeted , 

1302
00:48:48,103 --> 00:48:50,326
deployments , and they are forward with 

1303
00:48:50,326 --> 00:48:53,169
31st MU to include civil affairs , to 

1304
00:48:53,169 --> 00:48:54,613
include our light armored 

1305
00:48:54,613 --> 00:48:56,725
reconnaissance teams that are there , 

1306
00:48:57,070 --> 00:48:59,403
uh , and to the ranking members comment . 

1307
00:48:59,403 --> 00:49:01,570
We also have the individual augmentees 

1308
00:49:01,570 --> 00:49:03,570
that go in with specific skill sets 

1309
00:49:03,570 --> 00:49:05,459
that help send . So , to get to a 

1310
00:49:05,459 --> 00:49:07,348
specific number for you as far as 

1311
00:49:07,348 --> 00:49:09,403
funding for your , your Marine Corps 

1312
00:49:09,403 --> 00:49:11,403
reserve and increased readiness and 

1313
00:49:11,403 --> 00:49:10,955
training , I'd have to get a more 

1314
00:49:10,955 --> 00:49:13,177
specific number back to you . But right 

1315
00:49:13,177 --> 00:49:15,344
now , as we plan in the Marine Corps , 

1316
00:49:15,344 --> 00:49:17,566
we plan across the fit up . Uh , so our 

1317
00:49:17,566 --> 00:49:19,399
deployments for our reserves are 

1318
00:49:19,399 --> 00:49:21,566
planned and they're already budgeted , 

1319
00:49:21,566 --> 00:49:23,511
so it's a predictable life for our 

1320
00:49:23,511 --> 00:49:25,733
marine reservists . Great . And General 

1321
00:49:25,733 --> 00:49:28,011
Healey , thanks for the question , sir . 

1322
00:49:28,011 --> 00:49:27,955
The , um , with the Air Force Reserve , 

1323
00:49:27,995 --> 00:49:30,544
what we did was close to a miracle . 

1324
00:49:30,635 --> 00:49:32,802
Our contract is a 72 hour deployment . 

1325
00:49:33,379 --> 00:49:35,590
We rarely test that . The normal time 

1326
00:49:35,590 --> 00:49:37,560
scale for a predictable deployment 

1327
00:49:37,560 --> 00:49:40,110
cycle is 180 days prior , but we 

1328
00:49:40,110 --> 00:49:42,770
knocked out greater than 3000 deployers 

1329
00:49:43,030 --> 00:49:45,189
in that 72 hour mark in the form of 

1330
00:49:45,189 --> 00:49:47,356
multiple orders . So if you were to go 

1331
00:49:47,356 --> 00:49:49,300
around to any of the reserve owned 

1332
00:49:49,300 --> 00:49:51,522
bases right now , whether it be cargo , 

1333
00:49:51,522 --> 00:49:51,310
air refueling , you're not going to see 

1334
00:49:51,310 --> 00:49:53,254
any airplanes there and you're not 

1335
00:49:53,254 --> 00:49:55,310
going to see any people there . They 

1336
00:49:55,310 --> 00:49:55,189
all moved out already , greater than 

1337
00:49:55,189 --> 00:49:57,850
3000 total from an emergent perspective . 

1338
00:49:58,199 --> 00:50:00,290
But in addition to that , we've also 

1339
00:50:00,290 --> 00:50:02,889
got double that in our expected 

1340
00:50:02,889 --> 00:50:05,250
overseas normal rotational basis as 

1341
00:50:05,250 --> 00:50:07,570
well . So we're fully vested in all the 

1342
00:50:07,570 --> 00:50:10,370
cargo , air refueling , intel , command 

1343
00:50:10,370 --> 00:50:13,129
and control . I , I'd classify the 

1344
00:50:13,129 --> 00:50:15,018
impact that we're going to have , 

1345
00:50:15,018 --> 00:50:17,240
depending on the length of this will be 

1346
00:50:17,240 --> 00:50:19,462
in the form of , you know , the , the , 

1347
00:50:19,462 --> 00:50:21,351
the standard for a reservist or a 

1348
00:50:21,351 --> 00:50:23,462
guardsman is 1 week and a month and 2 

1349
00:50:23,462 --> 00:50:22,830
weeks a year . Well , that money that 

1350
00:50:22,830 --> 00:50:24,997
we typically use for that is not going 

1351
00:50:24,997 --> 00:50:27,163
to get used because they're being used 

1352
00:50:27,163 --> 00:50:29,386
for contingency operations . Likewise , 

1353
00:50:29,386 --> 00:50:31,552
all the aircraft that we typically use 

1354
00:50:31,552 --> 00:50:33,552
for training day in and day out are 

1355
00:50:33,552 --> 00:50:35,552
currently deployed , so there is no 

1356
00:50:35,552 --> 00:50:37,774
opportunity for those back at home that 

1357
00:50:37,774 --> 00:50:37,570
have not deployed to continue with that 

1358
00:50:37,570 --> 00:50:39,403
training . So it's a little more 

1359
00:50:39,403 --> 00:50:41,626
challenging from that perspective . All 

1360
00:50:41,626 --> 00:50:43,181
of our support agencies and 

1361
00:50:43,181 --> 00:50:45,348
non-deployed activities outside of ops 

1362
00:50:45,348 --> 00:50:47,570
and maintenance , there's realistically 

1363
00:50:47,570 --> 00:50:47,330
no impact on it , but we're watching 

1364
00:50:47,330 --> 00:50:49,386
closely the timing and how to manage 

1365
00:50:49,386 --> 00:50:51,608
that money when they do return . Well , 

1366
00:50:51,608 --> 00:50:53,608
thank you very much , and again , I 

1367
00:50:53,608 --> 00:50:55,552
think you know , collectively your 

1368
00:50:55,552 --> 00:50:57,608
testimony really underlines what Not 

1369
00:50:57,608 --> 00:50:59,830
every American realized how much of our 

1370
00:50:59,830 --> 00:51:01,886
ability to conduct an operation like 

1371
00:51:01,886 --> 00:51:03,997
this really depends on your readiness 

1372
00:51:03,997 --> 00:51:06,052
and what you have at your disposal , 

1373
00:51:06,052 --> 00:51:08,108
and of course it's not a predictable 

1374
00:51:09,199 --> 00:51:11,366
exercise . You can do the best you can 

1375
00:51:11,366 --> 00:51:13,421
to plan , but none of us . knew this 

1376
00:51:13,421 --> 00:51:15,643
was coming and none of us knew how long 

1377
00:51:15,643 --> 00:51:17,810
it would take or know how long it will 

1378
00:51:17,810 --> 00:51:19,699
take . So just thank you for your 

1379
00:51:19,699 --> 00:51:19,334
adaptability . Thank you for what 

1380
00:51:19,334 --> 00:51:22,655
you're doing , and please to yourselves 

1381
00:51:22,655 --> 00:51:24,711
and to the administration , when the 

1382
00:51:24,711 --> 00:51:27,235
time comes to send us a bill , because 

1383
00:51:27,235 --> 00:51:30,094
it certainly will , we need to make 

1384
00:51:30,094 --> 00:51:33,334
sure that your forces receive what they 

1385
00:51:33,334 --> 00:51:36,455
need for what they've used and what 

1386
00:51:36,455 --> 00:51:38,566
they need in terms of recovery time , 

1387
00:51:38,566 --> 00:51:40,679
retraining , what have you . Uh , so 

1388
00:51:40,679 --> 00:51:42,735
that you're ready , God forbid if we 

1389
00:51:42,735 --> 00:51:45,012
need to call on you again anytime soon . 

1390
00:51:45,399 --> 00:51:47,510
So again , thank each of you for your 

1391
00:51:47,510 --> 00:51:49,639
service . Thank you very much to the 

1392
00:51:49,639 --> 00:51:51,639
men and women that you respectively 

1393
00:51:51,639 --> 00:51:53,806
lead in their service to the country . 

1394
00:51:54,040 --> 00:51:56,280
Mr . Chairman , I yield back . Thank 

1395
00:51:56,280 --> 00:51:58,113
you . And before I recognize the 

1396
00:51:58,113 --> 00:52:00,224
ranking member , I just want to agree 

1397
00:52:00,224 --> 00:52:02,391
with the chairman that we look forward 

1398
00:52:02,391 --> 00:52:04,719
to receiving the supplemental . From 

1399
00:52:04,719 --> 00:52:06,552
the administration and obviously 

1400
00:52:06,552 --> 00:52:08,719
there's operational costs that's going 

1401
00:52:08,719 --> 00:52:11,600
to be that we need to recover in this 

1402
00:52:11,600 --> 00:52:15,360
and I suspect O&M costs and additional 

1403
00:52:15,360 --> 00:52:17,979
costs , so . I'm hoping that it's 

1404
00:52:17,979 --> 00:52:20,312
reflected in the supplemental with that , 

1405
00:52:20,312 --> 00:52:22,479
uh , the ranking member Mr . Stelara . 

1406
00:52:22,479 --> 00:52:24,701
Thank you , Mr . Chairman . Um , uh , I 

1407
00:52:24,701 --> 00:52:26,868
understand that the guard , uh , still 

1408
00:52:26,868 --> 00:52:29,090
flies over 200 Lima model Black Hawks , 

1409
00:52:29,090 --> 00:52:31,146
and they're scheduled to reach their 

1410
00:52:31,146 --> 00:52:33,201
end of year service , end of service 

1411
00:52:33,201 --> 00:52:35,312
life in 2032 . We have heard that the 

1412
00:52:35,312 --> 00:52:37,201
Army National Guard has validated 

1413
00:52:37,201 --> 00:52:40,110
requirement of 225 Black Hawk aircraft , 

1414
00:52:40,610 --> 00:52:43,449
and for 2027 , the budget only requests 

1415
00:52:43,449 --> 00:52:46,290
one Black Hawk for the active Army and 

1416
00:52:46,290 --> 00:52:49,129
zero for the National Guard . At the 

1417
00:52:49,129 --> 00:52:51,185
same time , the budget proposes that 

1418
00:52:51,185 --> 00:52:53,296
the CH-47 Chinook procurement dropped 

1419
00:52:53,296 --> 00:52:56,770
from 11 to 5 . The guard flies both 

1420
00:52:56,770 --> 00:52:58,603
platforms in support of domestic 

1421
00:52:58,603 --> 00:53:00,729
missions every day , performing 

1422
00:53:00,729 --> 00:53:03,007
disaster response , medical evacuation , 

1423
00:53:03,050 --> 00:53:04,939
search and rescue on top of their 

1424
00:53:04,939 --> 00:53:07,610
overseas commitments . Um , I have a 

1425
00:53:07,610 --> 00:53:09,721
question for General Nordhaus and for 

1426
00:53:09,721 --> 00:53:11,554
General Harder on this , on this 

1427
00:53:11,554 --> 00:53:13,666
question . General Nordhaus , can you 

1428
00:53:13,666 --> 00:53:15,721
speak to the guard's requirement for 

1429
00:53:15,721 --> 00:53:15,689
Black Hawks and whether your current 

1430
00:53:15,689 --> 00:53:18,129
aviation inventory is sufficient to 

1431
00:53:18,129 --> 00:53:20,185
meet mission demands ? What do these 

1432
00:53:20,185 --> 00:53:21,851
procurement and modernization 

1433
00:53:21,851 --> 00:53:24,018
reductions mean in practical terms for 

1434
00:53:24,018 --> 00:53:26,129
what the guard can do and cannot do ? 

1435
00:53:26,840 --> 00:53:28,896
Ranking Memer Delaro , thank you for 

1436
00:53:28,896 --> 00:53:31,007
the question . Uh , as we look at the 

1437
00:53:31,007 --> 00:53:33,229
National Guard and work with the Army , 

1438
00:53:33,229 --> 00:53:35,320
uh , Our army aviation is critical 

1439
00:53:35,320 --> 00:53:37,959
across the board for all of our 54 and 

1440
00:53:37,959 --> 00:53:40,015
the mission sets that they do in the 

1441
00:53:40,015 --> 00:53:42,126
homeland and in the war fight . As we 

1442
00:53:42,126 --> 00:53:44,479
look at the oldest Limas , some that we 

1443
00:53:44,479 --> 00:53:46,600
will divest , um , it's a small 

1444
00:53:46,600 --> 00:53:48,659
percentage that we have to make sure 

1445
00:53:48,659 --> 00:53:51,879
that are double the price to fly , uh , 

1446
00:53:52,000 --> 00:53:54,000
are hard to maintain . And so as we 

1447
00:53:54,000 --> 00:53:56,167
look at bringing in , uh , Mike models 

1448
00:53:56,167 --> 00:53:58,278
in transition , some of our Limmas to 

1449
00:53:58,278 --> 00:54:00,611
mics that Cascade down . Uh , from , uh , 

1450
00:54:00,611 --> 00:54:02,611
other compos into the Army National 

1451
00:54:02,611 --> 00:54:04,778
Guard and then also some Chinooks that 

1452
00:54:04,778 --> 00:54:06,830
come to us , uh , and then what we 

1453
00:54:06,830 --> 00:54:08,663
wanna do is be able to take that 

1454
00:54:08,663 --> 00:54:11,239
investment into the MV-75 , that new 

1455
00:54:11,239 --> 00:54:13,461
platform with the Army , and so we feel 

1456
00:54:13,461 --> 00:54:16,159
very nested with , uh , General Le Neve 

1457
00:54:16,360 --> 00:54:18,693
and Army as we go forward , right ? But , 

1458
00:54:18,693 --> 00:54:21,560
but , but the MV-75 is a ways off , and 

1459
00:54:21,560 --> 00:54:25,199
my question is . Whether your current 

1460
00:54:25,199 --> 00:54:28,760
aviation inventory is sufficient now to 

1461
00:54:28,760 --> 00:54:31,360
meet mission demands and what do the 

1462
00:54:31,360 --> 00:54:33,027
procurement and modernization 

1463
00:54:33,027 --> 00:54:35,193
reductions mean in practical terms for 

1464
00:54:35,193 --> 00:54:37,439
what the guard can or cannot do ? Do 

1465
00:54:37,439 --> 00:54:40,149
you have what you need ? I mean , I , I , 

1466
00:54:40,199 --> 00:54:42,419
I understand what this transitions , 

1467
00:54:42,439 --> 00:54:46,280
but this is now , this is current . The 

1468
00:54:46,280 --> 00:54:50,080
MV 75 is It's no deployable 

1469
00:54:50,820 --> 00:54:52,876
prototype until the end of next year 

1470
00:54:52,876 --> 00:54:55,139
probably . So , what , where are you 

1471
00:54:55,139 --> 00:54:57,340
now ? Yes , ma'am . I , I , I think 

1472
00:54:57,340 --> 00:54:59,760
we're in an OK spot , but we need to 

1473
00:54:59,820 --> 00:55:02,110
make sure that we continue to Bring 

1474
00:55:02,110 --> 00:55:05,389
other mics from the other compos into 

1475
00:55:05,389 --> 00:55:07,611
Army National Guard . Make sure that we 

1476
00:55:07,611 --> 00:55:09,929
take the oldest aircraft that are twice 

1477
00:55:09,929 --> 00:55:12,110
as expensive and take that money to be 

1478
00:55:12,110 --> 00:55:14,629
able to put those parts and increase 

1479
00:55:14,629 --> 00:55:16,740
the rates on the mic models and Limas 

1480
00:55:16,740 --> 00:55:18,518
that we do have as we bring new 

1481
00:55:18,518 --> 00:55:22,370
aircraft on in the future . Well , it 

1482
00:55:22,419 --> 00:55:24,586
seems to me that we have a gap here of 

1483
00:55:24,586 --> 00:55:28,340
uh uh . Which I think we need to 

1484
00:55:28,340 --> 00:55:30,451
address and we can't fully address it 

1485
00:55:30,451 --> 00:55:32,673
now , but I think we have a gap in what 

1486
00:55:32,673 --> 00:55:34,618
you need in terms of , of aviation 

1487
00:55:34,618 --> 00:55:37,110
requirements going forward , especially 

1488
00:55:37,110 --> 00:55:39,350
with what the president's budget looks 

1489
00:55:39,350 --> 00:55:43,070
like in terms of this area and uh going 

1490
00:55:43,070 --> 00:55:45,669
from Uh , I know people think that I 

1491
00:55:45,669 --> 00:55:48,870
have , it's , it's parochial because we , 

1492
00:55:49,030 --> 00:55:51,197
we build the Black Hawks in my , in my 

1493
00:55:51,197 --> 00:55:53,363
district , but you go from what , uh , 

1494
00:55:53,363 --> 00:55:55,729
you know , uh , it's 24 to 1 , guard 

1495
00:55:55,729 --> 00:55:59,129
gets 0 , Chinooks are down , so , 

1496
00:56:00,939 --> 00:56:02,717
It seems that we need some real 

1497
00:56:03,020 --> 00:56:05,780
analysis of where all of this is as we 

1498
00:56:05,780 --> 00:56:08,580
move forward . General Harder , uh , I 

1499
00:56:08,580 --> 00:56:10,636
want to ask about the Army Reserve . 

1500
00:56:10,636 --> 00:56:12,802
The transformation initiative proposes 

1501
00:56:12,802 --> 00:56:15,024
eliminating the Army's Reserve's rotary 

1502
00:56:15,024 --> 00:56:17,247
wing capability , raises concerns about 

1503
00:56:17,247 --> 00:56:19,080
retaining qualified aviators and 

1504
00:56:19,080 --> 00:56:21,191
maintaining their expertise at a time 

1505
00:56:21,191 --> 00:56:23,136
when commanders continue to signal 

1506
00:56:23,136 --> 00:56:25,191
demand for aviation support . How is 

1507
00:56:25,191 --> 00:56:27,413
the Army thinking about preserving that 

1508
00:56:27,413 --> 00:56:30,610
capacity and what risks should We , 

1509
00:56:30,820 --> 00:56:32,876
we understand here in the Congress , 

1510
00:56:32,876 --> 00:56:34,876
Ranking Member DeLauro , thanks for 

1511
00:56:34,876 --> 00:56:36,931
that question . So as you're aware , 

1512
00:56:36,931 --> 00:56:39,153
the Army made the decision to divest of 

1513
00:56:39,153 --> 00:56:41,209
two of our brigades , uh , but , but 

1514
00:56:41,209 --> 00:56:43,376
Congress also put a restriction not to 

1515
00:56:43,376 --> 00:56:45,487
turn in anything , you know , until , 

1516
00:56:45,487 --> 00:56:48,139
until June . So we have 228 aircraft . 

1517
00:56:48,580 --> 00:56:50,802
We've turned in a few of the older Lima 

1518
00:56:50,802 --> 00:56:53,239
models . We still have all of , you 

1519
00:56:53,239 --> 00:56:55,479
know , all the remaining aircraft , and 

1520
00:56:55,479 --> 00:56:57,590
we're maintaining those aircraft as , 

1521
00:56:57,679 --> 00:57:00,080
as , as you stated and as we all well 

1522
00:57:00,080 --> 00:57:02,159
know , our pilots are seasoned and 

1523
00:57:02,159 --> 00:57:04,919
qualified . We've developed some models 

1524
00:57:04,919 --> 00:57:07,086
where we will continue to retain those 

1525
00:57:07,086 --> 00:57:09,141
pilots in support of our Campo 1 and 

1526
00:57:09,141 --> 00:57:11,363
Campo 2 teammates . So the Army Reserve 

1527
00:57:11,363 --> 00:57:13,475
right now stands stands by to support 

1528
00:57:13,475 --> 00:57:15,586
the needs of the nation as directed . 

1529
00:57:15,586 --> 00:57:17,475
OK , thank you . Can I do another 

1530
00:57:17,475 --> 00:57:21,459
question , Mr . Chairman , or do I ? OK , 

1531
00:57:21,620 --> 00:57:23,842
just , yes , if I can , I , I'll , I'll 

1532
00:57:23,842 --> 00:57:25,787
try to be quick . Um , 22 adjutant 

1533
00:57:25,787 --> 00:57:27,787
generals wrote to this committee on 

1534
00:57:27,787 --> 00:57:29,953
April 1st saying the Air Force needs a 

1535
00:57:29,953 --> 00:57:31,953
minimum of 72 new fighters per year 

1536
00:57:31,953 --> 00:57:34,120
just to begin reducing the average age 

1537
00:57:34,120 --> 00:57:36,009
of the fleet , and that cascading 

1538
00:57:36,009 --> 00:57:37,787
legacy aircraft from the active 

1539
00:57:37,787 --> 00:57:39,453
component to the guard is not 

1540
00:57:39,453 --> 00:57:41,676
recapitalization . They have also noted 

1541
00:57:41,676 --> 00:57:44,050
that 13 of the 24 Air National Guard 

1542
00:57:44,050 --> 00:57:46,161
fighter squadrons remain programmed . 

1543
00:57:46,161 --> 00:57:48,370
On F-16 post-blockc aircraft with no 

1544
00:57:48,370 --> 00:57:50,889
recapitalization plan on record . Yet , 

1545
00:57:51,129 --> 00:57:53,810
the budget again 2027 requests a total 

1546
00:57:53,810 --> 00:57:57,209
of 38 new fighters , barely half of the 

1547
00:57:57,209 --> 00:57:59,431
reported minimum requirement , and I do 

1548
00:57:59,431 --> 00:58:01,098
not see any of those aircraft 

1549
00:58:01,098 --> 00:58:03,153
specifically designated for guard or 

1550
00:58:03,153 --> 00:58:05,042
reserve in the budget documents . 

1551
00:58:05,042 --> 00:58:06,876
Significant gap between what the 

1552
00:58:06,876 --> 00:58:08,765
reserve components have validated 

1553
00:58:08,765 --> 00:58:10,876
versus what the budget looks like and 

1554
00:58:10,876 --> 00:58:13,153
need to , to , to provide . Again , to , 

1555
00:58:13,153 --> 00:58:15,699
to , um , I'm gonna , I , I , I'll ask 

1556
00:58:15,699 --> 00:58:17,588
both questions at the same time . 

1557
00:58:17,588 --> 00:58:19,699
General Norhaus , current rate , when 

1558
00:58:19,699 --> 00:58:21,532
do the guard fighter units begin 

1559
00:58:21,532 --> 00:58:23,699
transitioning to modern aircraft ? How 

1560
00:58:23,699 --> 00:58:25,921
are you thinking about the path forward 

1561
00:58:25,921 --> 00:58:25,330
for those 13 Air National Guard 

1562
00:58:25,330 --> 00:58:26,969
squadrons still raiding 

1563
00:58:26,969 --> 00:58:29,100
recapitalization decisions ? General 

1564
00:58:29,100 --> 00:58:31,560
Healey , the Air Force Reserve operates 

1565
00:58:31,560 --> 00:58:33,919
as legacy platforms and faces similar 

1566
00:58:34,020 --> 00:58:36,242
recapitalization challenges . What does 

1567
00:58:36,242 --> 00:58:39,459
a procurement level of 38 fighters per 

1568
00:58:39,459 --> 00:58:42,800
year compared to the 72 identified ? By 

1569
00:58:42,800 --> 00:58:45,280
the adjutant general's mean for the Air 

1570
00:58:45,280 --> 00:58:47,280
Force Reserve readiness and mission 

1571
00:58:47,280 --> 00:58:50,280
capability over the next 5 years . So 

1572
00:58:50,280 --> 00:58:52,224
I'll start with General Nordhaus . 

1573
00:58:52,224 --> 00:58:54,391
Thank you , uh , ranking member . Uh , 

1574
00:58:54,391 --> 00:58:56,336
your numbers that you talked about 

1575
00:58:56,336 --> 00:58:58,280
there , 13 of the 24 do not have a 

1576
00:58:58,280 --> 00:59:00,613
current plan . We certainly are working , 

1577
00:59:00,613 --> 00:59:03,310
uh , rapidly with the Air Force to find 

1578
00:59:03,310 --> 00:59:05,421
out what that fielding plan is in the 

1579
00:59:05,421 --> 00:59:07,532
future . We're currently looking at a 

1580
00:59:07,532 --> 00:59:09,810
couple of modes , uh , modes 16 and 17 , 

1581
00:59:09,810 --> 00:59:11,949
which would be F-35s , uh , and then 

1582
00:59:11,949 --> 00:59:14,550
the F-15 EXs coming to several of our , 

1583
00:59:14,590 --> 00:59:17,205
uh , wings . Uh . In the future , but 

1584
00:59:17,205 --> 00:59:19,435
we need those additional aircraft and , 

1585
00:59:19,645 --> 00:59:21,812
you know , the defense industrial base 

1586
00:59:21,812 --> 00:59:23,923
so that we can have the aircraft that 

1587
00:59:23,923 --> 00:59:26,034
can come into our formation as we see 

1588
00:59:26,034 --> 00:59:28,089
fighters are critical . Our fighters 

1589
00:59:28,089 --> 00:59:30,885
were at epic fury , absolute resolve , 

1590
00:59:30,965 --> 00:59:33,024
midnight hammer . Amen . And so 

1591
00:59:33,764 --> 00:59:35,986
recapitalizing these Air National Guard 

1592
00:59:35,986 --> 00:59:38,084
fighter units is critical for our 

1593
00:59:38,084 --> 00:59:40,645
nation . Thank you , General . Ma'am , 

1594
00:59:40,695 --> 00:59:43,370
you're speaking my language . The last 

1595
00:59:43,370 --> 00:59:45,537
year's comments specifically got after 

1596
00:59:45,537 --> 00:59:47,703
the fact that whether it be Nellis and 

1597
00:59:47,703 --> 00:59:49,759
our aggressor F-16s divested without 

1598
00:59:49,759 --> 00:59:52,010
recapitalization , our Whiteman A-10s 

1599
00:59:52,010 --> 00:59:54,370
currently slated to divest in 2728 

1600
00:59:54,370 --> 00:59:57,159
associated with Moody . In addition to 

1601
00:59:57,300 --> 00:59:59,820
our Homestead F-16s with no scheduled 

1602
00:59:59,820 --> 01:00:02,260
recap at this time , so this has been 

1603
01:00:02,260 --> 01:00:04,482
something that I've been trying to push 

1604
01:00:04,739 --> 01:00:06,795
from my end in the Air Force Reserve 

1605
01:00:06,795 --> 01:00:08,795
through the Air Force and with help 

1606
01:00:08,795 --> 01:00:10,961
from Congress when I specifically talk 

1607
01:00:10,961 --> 01:00:13,128
about concurrent proportional fielding 

1608
01:00:13,128 --> 01:00:15,183
of weapons systems . I think there's 

1609
01:00:15,183 --> 01:00:15,149
some positive . Outlooks with regard to 

1610
01:00:15,149 --> 01:00:17,093
Homestead in the near future and a 

1611
01:00:17,093 --> 01:00:19,038
conversion from F-16 pre-blocks to 

1612
01:00:19,038 --> 01:00:21,560
F-35s , and we're also optimistic that 

1613
01:00:21,560 --> 01:00:23,616
we might have made some headway with 

1614
01:00:23,616 --> 01:00:25,727
regard to Whiteman Air Force Base and 

1615
01:00:25,727 --> 01:00:27,616
the divestment of the A-10s and a 

1616
01:00:27,616 --> 01:00:29,782
possible recapitalization there . It's 

1617
01:00:29,782 --> 01:00:29,760
something that's been since day one 

1618
01:00:29,760 --> 01:00:31,704
since I came in the job , and it's 

1619
01:00:31,704 --> 01:00:34,360
going to be day 460 , you know , day 4 

1620
01:00:34,360 --> 01:00:36,471
years' worth when I exit the job that 

1621
01:00:36,471 --> 01:00:38,638
I'm going to keep asking for this . Uh 

1622
01:00:38,638 --> 01:00:40,804
so I , I , I appreciate the candor . I 

1623
01:00:40,804 --> 01:00:42,693
just make one final comment is we 

1624
01:00:42,693 --> 01:00:44,916
talked about F-35s , talked about F-16s 

1625
01:00:44,916 --> 01:00:47,082
and the needs for that , but in no way 

1626
01:00:47,082 --> 01:00:49,138
have we talked about Black Hawks and 

1627
01:00:49,138 --> 01:00:51,471
the need for that . I think that's , uh , 

1628
01:00:51,471 --> 01:00:53,527
that's a future conversation and one 

1629
01:00:53,527 --> 01:00:53,129
that I'd like to keep in touch with you 

1630
01:00:53,129 --> 01:00:55,351
on . I look forward to working with you 

1631
01:00:55,351 --> 01:00:57,296
to see that the budget that we are 

1632
01:00:57,296 --> 01:00:59,929
doing reflects that reality of making 

1633
01:00:59,929 --> 01:01:02,096
sure , uh , you have the equipment and 

1634
01:01:02,096 --> 01:01:04,262
the modernization and the . Support to 

1635
01:01:04,262 --> 01:01:06,485
be able to do it with the guard and the 

1636
01:01:06,485 --> 01:01:06,310
reserves . Thank you , Mr . Chairman . 

1637
01:01:06,479 --> 01:01:08,646
Appreciate it . Thank you . And also , 

1638
01:01:08,646 --> 01:01:10,701
I want to point out , I , you know , 

1639
01:01:10,701 --> 01:01:10,620
we're gonna be flying Black Hawks for a 

1640
01:01:10,620 --> 01:01:12,787
long time , and I , I agree with you . 

1641
01:01:12,787 --> 01:01:14,953
We have to have a smooth transition as 

1642
01:01:14,953 --> 01:01:17,290
we move to the next platform . And uh 

1643
01:01:18,110 --> 01:01:20,221
also , you know , something we should 

1644
01:01:20,221 --> 01:01:22,979
bring up is the ITIPP program and to 

1645
01:01:22,979 --> 01:01:25,510
re-engine the both the Black Hawks and 

1646
01:01:25,510 --> 01:01:28,050
the Apaches to more power , more range . 

1647
01:01:28,790 --> 01:01:30,734
Better capabilities of some of the 

1648
01:01:30,734 --> 01:01:33,010
older platforms that we're flying , so 

1649
01:01:33,229 --> 01:01:35,451
that's something we all need to work on 

1650
01:01:35,451 --> 01:01:37,507
to see if we have the suitable funds 

1651
01:01:37,507 --> 01:01:39,550
for that . Judge Carter recognize . 

1652
01:01:42,120 --> 01:01:44,360
Thank you , Mr . Chairman , and thank 

1653
01:01:44,360 --> 01:01:48,209
all of you for , for being here . Uh , 

1654
01:01:48,340 --> 01:01:50,610
General Harter , United States Army 

1655
01:01:50,610 --> 01:01:54,010
Reserve is currently operated all over 

1656
01:01:54,010 --> 01:01:56,699
the world , right ? Highlighting the 

1657
01:01:56,699 --> 01:02:00,260
vital role of the Army Reserve . Plays 

1658
01:02:00,500 --> 01:02:04,320
in defense of our nation . Pardon me 

1659
01:02:04,320 --> 01:02:07,310
for my voice . The importance of being 

1660
01:02:07,729 --> 01:02:10,250
manned , trained and equipped to meet 

1661
01:02:10,250 --> 01:02:13,570
the demands of large-scale combat 

1662
01:02:14,280 --> 01:02:17,090
operations is important . Can you talk 

1663
01:02:17,090 --> 01:02:19,919
to me about your biggest equipment and 

1664
01:02:19,919 --> 01:02:23,810
modernization concerns ? I'm sorry 

1665
01:02:23,810 --> 01:02:25,421
about my voice . Thank you , 

1666
01:02:25,530 --> 01:02:27,363
Congressman . Thank you for that 

1667
01:02:27,363 --> 01:02:29,530
question . And so , you know , exactly 

1668
01:02:29,530 --> 01:02:31,530
right , sir . As I stated earlier , 

1669
01:02:31,530 --> 01:02:33,697
we're , we're the bulk of the enabling 

1670
01:02:33,697 --> 01:02:35,974
capacity for the joint force . Uh , so , 

1671
01:02:36,010 --> 01:02:38,066
I tell you , events , we continue to 

1672
01:02:38,066 --> 01:02:40,469
work with Army on modernization of our 

1673
01:02:40,469 --> 01:02:42,379
fleets , uh , bulk , uh , bulk 

1674
01:02:42,379 --> 01:02:44,290
petroleum distribution , water 

1675
01:02:44,290 --> 01:02:46,560
purification . Uh , Obviously all 

1676
01:02:46,560 --> 01:02:48,838
distribution assets , truck formations , 

1677
01:02:49,000 --> 01:02:51,278
uh , but what I'm seeing is , uh , and , 

1678
01:02:51,278 --> 01:02:53,444
and I said in my opening comment about 

1679
01:02:53,444 --> 01:02:55,667
leveraging Negria , the ability to have 

1680
01:02:55,667 --> 01:02:58,219
protection capability in our formations . 

1681
01:02:58,790 --> 01:03:01,449
Uh , the threat is ubiquitous . Uh , 

1682
01:03:01,560 --> 01:03:03,782
obviously evidence what happened , uh , 

1683
01:03:04,120 --> 01:03:06,342
at the port of Shuba in Kuwait , but we 

1684
01:03:06,342 --> 01:03:08,287
see that everywhere we go with the 

1685
01:03:08,287 --> 01:03:10,360
enemy can deliver with drones and 

1686
01:03:10,360 --> 01:03:12,138
missiles , and how do we defend 

1687
01:03:12,138 --> 01:03:14,310
ourselves at Echelon . This is not an 

1688
01:03:14,310 --> 01:03:16,643
infantry fight . It's everybody's fight . 

1689
01:03:16,643 --> 01:03:18,866
And so what we are looking to invest in 

1690
01:03:18,866 --> 01:03:20,921
in the Army Reserve is for our , for 

1691
01:03:20,921 --> 01:03:22,866
our formations , truck companies , 

1692
01:03:22,866 --> 01:03:24,921
water purification , those young men 

1693
01:03:24,921 --> 01:03:27,032
and women have to have the capability 

1694
01:03:27,032 --> 01:03:29,254
to identify , assess , and defend . And 

1695
01:03:29,254 --> 01:03:30,921
so we are investing in that . 

1696
01:03:30,921 --> 01:03:30,780
Capability . We'll be testing it in our , 

1697
01:03:30,830 --> 01:03:32,709
in our exercise , uh , really in 

1698
01:03:32,709 --> 01:03:34,876
partnership with my guard teammates in 

1699
01:03:34,876 --> 01:03:36,765
June out at Fort Polk and at Camp 

1700
01:03:36,765 --> 01:03:38,598
Shelby . We're , uh , we , we've 

1701
01:03:38,598 --> 01:03:40,542
procured some kit using Negria and 

1702
01:03:40,542 --> 01:03:42,431
we're gonna test that . So , it's 

1703
01:03:42,431 --> 01:03:44,542
distribution systems , fuel systems , 

1704
01:03:44,542 --> 01:03:46,820
as well as our protection capabilities , 

1705
01:03:46,820 --> 01:03:48,876
sir . The uh Guard and reserve units 

1706
01:03:48,889 --> 01:03:51,889
are mobilizing on short notice . How 

1707
01:03:51,889 --> 01:03:54,739
effective are the current uh 

1708
01:03:55,610 --> 01:03:59,469
Prepositioned stocks . And equipment 

1709
01:03:59,469 --> 01:04:02,889
sets to ensure they deploy with modern 

1710
01:04:03,510 --> 01:04:06,790
mission ready capabilities rather than 

1711
01:04:06,790 --> 01:04:09,310
legacy systems . Well , sir , sir , 

1712
01:04:09,469 --> 01:04:11,580
again , we're about 1 , you know , we 

1713
01:04:11,580 --> 01:04:13,080
get about 1% of the army's 

1714
01:04:13,080 --> 01:04:16,149
modernization dollars , uh , not 

1715
01:04:16,149 --> 01:04:18,371
complaining , stating the fact . That's 

1716
01:04:18,371 --> 01:04:20,705
why a degree is so important to us . Uh , 

1717
01:04:20,705 --> 01:04:22,816
but what we have been doing , uh , is 

1718
01:04:22,816 --> 01:04:24,871
posturing some of our equipment that 

1719
01:04:24,871 --> 01:04:27,093
has been modified . Modernize forward . 

1720
01:04:27,093 --> 01:04:29,205
So we've positioned truck maintenance 

1721
01:04:29,205 --> 01:04:31,739
company ammunition formations forward 

1722
01:04:31,739 --> 01:04:34,409
in Europe , and we're doing the same 

1723
01:04:34,409 --> 01:04:36,699
thing in the Indoecom AOR . The Army 

1724
01:04:36,699 --> 01:04:38,866
Reserve is maintaining that so that we 

1725
01:04:38,866 --> 01:04:40,669
can fall in on that modernized 

1726
01:04:40,669 --> 01:04:42,969
equipment should we be asked to deploy 

1727
01:04:43,070 --> 01:04:45,126
and fight in support of the nation . 

1728
01:04:45,126 --> 01:04:47,292
That's a good idea . Thank you , sir . 

1729
01:04:47,292 --> 01:04:49,459
By the way , there are a lot of people 

1730
01:04:49,459 --> 01:04:51,790
that I see every day that are coming up 

1731
01:04:51,790 --> 01:04:54,510
with solutions for water and other 

1732
01:04:54,510 --> 01:04:58,179
things . It looked really good . So , 

1733
01:04:58,590 --> 01:05:00,757
we'll be looking at that too for you . 

1734
01:05:00,757 --> 01:05:02,757
Yes , sir . Thank you . Thank you , 

1735
01:05:02,757 --> 01:05:04,979
Chairman . Thank you , gentlemen . Ms . 

1736
01:05:04,979 --> 01:05:07,034
Captor . Thank you , Mr . Chairman , 

1737
01:05:07,034 --> 01:05:09,257
and welcome to our distinguished guests 

1738
01:05:09,257 --> 01:05:09,080
this morning . Thank you for your 

1739
01:05:09,080 --> 01:05:11,247
service . I'd like to begin my remarks 

1740
01:05:11,247 --> 01:05:13,959
by recognizing uh the noble service of 

1741
01:05:13,959 --> 01:05:16,159
Captain Seth Koval , uh , Captain 

1742
01:05:16,159 --> 01:05:18,103
Curtis Engst , and Master Sergeant 

1743
01:05:18,103 --> 01:05:20,215
Tyler Simmons from the Ohio Air Guard 

1744
01:05:20,215 --> 01:05:23,510
121st Air Refueling Wing who lost their 

1745
01:05:23,510 --> 01:05:27,169
lives over Uh , Iran recently members 

1746
01:05:27,169 --> 01:05:29,449
should co-sponsor if they can House 

1747
01:05:29,449 --> 01:05:32,300
Resolution 1129 honoring these fallen 

1748
01:05:32,300 --> 01:05:34,229
Ohio National Guardsmen . 

1749
01:05:37,550 --> 01:05:39,661
I've served in Congress a long time . 

1750
01:05:40,199 --> 01:05:43,659
And you have served a long time as well . 

1751
01:05:44,080 --> 01:05:46,302
I just wanted to offer an observation . 

1752
01:05:47,250 --> 01:05:49,330
The Department of Defense is the 

1753
01:05:49,330 --> 01:05:52,370
largest in terms of budget capacity in 

1754
01:05:52,370 --> 01:05:54,148
the entire federal government , 

1755
01:05:54,148 --> 01:05:56,314
followed by the Department of Homeland 

1756
01:05:56,314 --> 01:05:58,830
Security . I speak today on behalf of 

1757
01:05:58,830 --> 01:06:02,229
local police and sheriffs and just um 

1758
01:06:02,229 --> 01:06:05,409
give you a conundrum . Um , I am 

1759
01:06:06,199 --> 01:06:08,088
concerned about the deployment of 

1760
01:06:08,088 --> 01:06:10,790
federal , uh , guardsmen and reservists 

1761
01:06:10,790 --> 01:06:12,929
into the streets of our communities , 

1762
01:06:13,310 --> 01:06:16,030
and , um , I'll speak on behalf of my 

1763
01:06:16,030 --> 01:06:18,310
sheriffs and local police . They say to 

1764
01:06:18,310 --> 01:06:20,532
me , Marcy , does anybody in Washington 

1765
01:06:20,532 --> 01:06:24,050
know that our jails are full of 3 3/4 

1766
01:06:24,050 --> 01:06:26,328
of the people in them are mentally ill , 

1767
01:06:26,429 --> 01:06:28,651
uh , and the others are drug addicted , 

1768
01:06:28,709 --> 01:06:31,929
and , um , have been arrested for 

1769
01:06:31,929 --> 01:06:34,810
serious crimes . In addition , we also 

1770
01:06:34,810 --> 01:06:37,032
house , as we arrest them , uh , people 

1771
01:06:37,032 --> 01:06:39,489
who are coming from other countries and 

1772
01:06:39,489 --> 01:06:42,290
commit crimes . But , uh , in my 

1773
01:06:42,290 --> 01:06:44,850
hometown , uh , the jail is almost half 

1774
01:06:44,850 --> 01:06:46,810
a century old . It's a disaster . 

1775
01:06:46,889 --> 01:06:49,111
They've not been able to have the money 

1776
01:06:49,111 --> 01:06:52,149
to actually rebuild the jail . Um , and 

1777
01:06:52,149 --> 01:06:54,510
the salaries are very different for the 

1778
01:06:54,510 --> 01:06:56,621
individuals who work there , both for 

1779
01:06:56,621 --> 01:06:58,788
the sheriff and for the local police , 

1780
01:06:58,788 --> 01:07:01,121
and , uh , the US Department of Justice , 

1781
01:07:01,229 --> 01:07:03,285
which doesn't get the funding of the 

1782
01:07:03,285 --> 01:07:05,340
Department of Defense , uh , here in 

1783
01:07:05,340 --> 01:07:07,396
Washington , has some grant programs 

1784
01:07:07,396 --> 01:07:09,562
that can help our local policing , but 

1785
01:07:09,562 --> 01:07:11,785
let me just say . These officers at the 

1786
01:07:11,785 --> 01:07:13,562
local level and these sheriff's 

1787
01:07:13,562 --> 01:07:15,729
deputies know the turf , and I am 

1788
01:07:15,729 --> 01:07:17,951
really concerned about what happened in 

1789
01:07:17,951 --> 01:07:19,896
Minnesota and what could happen in 

1790
01:07:19,896 --> 01:07:22,100
other places and the diminishment of 

1791
01:07:22,100 --> 01:07:23,979
local policing . I was here when 

1792
01:07:23,979 --> 01:07:26,146
Homeland Security was established as a 

1793
01:07:26,146 --> 01:07:28,899
department and the , um , I brought 

1794
01:07:28,899 --> 01:07:32,300
money for our border patrol . Uh , the 

1795
01:07:32,300 --> 01:07:34,522
Air Guard has the Northern Border Watch 

1796
01:07:34,522 --> 01:07:36,800
in our area , but we have all the , uh , 

1797
01:07:36,800 --> 01:07:39,760
I'm not against Homeland Security . We 

1798
01:07:39,760 --> 01:07:42,949
fund it , but they have big buildings , 

1799
01:07:43,159 --> 01:07:46,159
new vehicles , higher salaries , and 

1800
01:07:46,159 --> 01:07:49,560
our local sheriffs and police are being 

1801
01:07:49,560 --> 01:07:51,959
undervalued . I was recruited to run 

1802
01:07:51,959 --> 01:07:54,080
for this job by an officer who'd been 

1803
01:07:54,080 --> 01:07:55,747
in the military , came home , 

1804
01:07:55,747 --> 01:07:58,080
unfortunately , was shot , lost his eye , 

1805
01:07:58,280 --> 01:08:01,199
lost part of his face , and uh did 

1806
01:08:01,199 --> 01:08:03,032
other things that were extremely 

1807
01:08:03,032 --> 01:08:05,032
valuable to our community . But I'm 

1808
01:08:05,032 --> 01:08:07,088
just saying to you , as you get into 

1809
01:08:07,088 --> 01:08:09,032
meetings at the federal level , be 

1810
01:08:09,032 --> 01:08:11,270
aware . That locally what's happening 

1811
01:08:11,270 --> 01:08:13,270
is the diminishment of our policing 

1812
01:08:13,270 --> 01:08:16,189
forces at the local level and for 

1813
01:08:16,189 --> 01:08:18,589
juveniles , and we have the arrest of 

1814
01:08:18,589 --> 01:08:20,850
many , our juvenile detention facility 

1815
01:08:20,850 --> 01:08:24,620
is a disgrace . And the , um , there 

1816
01:08:24,620 --> 01:08:27,069
are no places for the children once 

1817
01:08:27,069 --> 01:08:29,939
they're uh sentenced , the juvenile 

1818
01:08:29,939 --> 01:08:32,217
detention facility can't hold them all . 

1819
01:08:32,529 --> 01:08:34,649
And the Department of Justice doesn't 

1820
01:08:34,649 --> 01:08:37,569
have the money to actually provide for , 

1821
01:08:37,810 --> 01:08:39,810
I call them repatriation programs , 

1822
01:08:39,810 --> 01:08:41,866
bring , bring these children back to 

1823
01:08:41,866 --> 01:08:43,810
society in a way that they're more 

1824
01:08:43,810 --> 01:08:45,977
whole . So , as I look at you and your 

1825
01:08:45,977 --> 01:08:47,866
engagement and what the executive 

1826
01:08:47,866 --> 01:08:49,810
branch asks you to do , I see this 

1827
01:08:49,810 --> 01:08:51,810
withering . Maybe it's different in 

1828
01:08:51,810 --> 01:08:53,588
Texas , maybe it's different in 

1829
01:08:53,588 --> 01:08:55,921
California , I don't know , but locally , 

1830
01:08:55,921 --> 01:08:58,088
All you have to do is just compare the 

1831
01:08:58,088 --> 01:09:00,143
vehicles of Homeland Security to the 

1832
01:09:00,143 --> 01:09:02,199
vehicles of the sheriff's department 

1833
01:09:02,199 --> 01:09:04,421
and the vehicles of the Toledo police , 

1834
01:09:04,421 --> 01:09:06,421
for example , and then look at what 

1835
01:09:06,421 --> 01:09:08,421
they're paid . Look at what they're 

1836
01:09:08,421 --> 01:09:10,310
paid . And I really think there's 

1837
01:09:10,310 --> 01:09:12,366
something creeping forward here that 

1838
01:09:12,366 --> 01:09:14,532
isn't good for our country and we need 

1839
01:09:14,532 --> 01:09:16,477
to have an equal emphasis or added 

1840
01:09:16,477 --> 01:09:18,532
emphasis on our local policing . And 

1841
01:09:18,532 --> 01:09:20,643
our local sheriffs , and they deserve 

1842
01:09:20,643 --> 01:09:22,643
the kind of attention . They , they 

1843
01:09:22,643 --> 01:09:24,866
have particular knowledge , they have , 

1844
01:09:24,866 --> 01:09:26,810
uh , they live there and so I just 

1845
01:09:26,810 --> 01:09:29,032
think that there's a real mismatch here 

1846
01:09:29,032 --> 01:09:28,990
and I wanted to place that on the 

1847
01:09:28,990 --> 01:09:31,779
record . I also , um , wanted to , um , 

1848
01:09:31,790 --> 01:09:34,990
mention that , um , uh , General David 

1849
01:09:34,990 --> 01:09:37,899
Petraeus recently wrote an article , um , 

1850
01:09:37,910 --> 01:09:40,910
and In the Wall Street Journal about 

1851
01:09:40,910 --> 01:09:43,029
the changing nature of modern warfare 

1852
01:09:43,029 --> 01:09:44,918
and though you won't have time to 

1853
01:09:44,918 --> 01:09:48,000
answer my question uh orally here , uh , 

1854
01:09:48,009 --> 01:09:51,680
he talked about multi-domain unmanned 

1855
01:09:51,680 --> 01:09:54,508
systems . And what Ukraine is teaching 

1856
01:09:54,508 --> 01:09:56,619
us about the nature of modern warfare 

1857
01:09:56,619 --> 01:09:58,841
versus what is happening in the Iranian 

1858
01:09:58,841 --> 01:10:01,949
domain , and I think what he says about 

1859
01:10:02,599 --> 01:10:05,238
mass precision , about AI , about 

1860
01:10:05,238 --> 01:10:07,599
unmanned systems , about sea drones , 

1861
01:10:07,749 --> 01:10:10,079
etc . I think there's a lot we have to 

1862
01:10:10,079 --> 01:10:12,858
explore there in terms of how we train 

1863
01:10:13,048 --> 01:10:15,278
our forces to meet this new need , and 

1864
01:10:15,278 --> 01:10:17,278
I wanted you to comment on that and 

1865
01:10:17,278 --> 01:10:19,445
hopefully there'll be a second round . 

1866
01:10:19,445 --> 01:10:19,208
Thank you , and I yield back . 

1867
01:10:23,479 --> 01:10:25,890
To the gentle lady's query on uh on 

1868
01:10:25,890 --> 01:10:28,560
that issue with Mr . Petraeus'reman . 

1869
01:10:30,049 --> 01:10:32,660
Uh , with that , uh , next to Mr . Diaz 

1870
01:10:32,660 --> 01:10:34,939
Ballard . Mr . Chairman , thank you 

1871
01:10:34,939 --> 01:10:37,410
very much , um , and to all of you , 

1872
01:10:37,509 --> 01:10:40,439
thank you for your service , and 

1873
01:10:41,459 --> 01:10:43,737
you know , you don't have to remind us , 

1874
01:10:43,737 --> 01:10:45,903
but it's important to remind , I think 

1875
01:10:45,903 --> 01:10:45,859
the American people how , how 

1876
01:10:45,859 --> 01:10:49,830
indispensable , um , uh , and 

1877
01:10:49,830 --> 01:10:52,459
you are to our national security , uh , 

1878
01:10:52,500 --> 01:10:54,859
to the , you know , without you we 

1879
01:10:54,859 --> 01:10:56,692
don't have the military that the 

1880
01:10:56,692 --> 01:10:58,748
American people expect , and , and I 

1881
01:10:58,748 --> 01:11:00,748
just , it's , it's , it's , it's so 

1882
01:11:00,748 --> 01:11:02,748
important to just remind people and 

1883
01:11:02,748 --> 01:11:05,026
other members of Congress as well . Uh , 

1884
01:11:05,299 --> 01:11:08,680
generally , uh , you have served . For 

1885
01:11:08,680 --> 01:11:12,600
what , 37 years ? 37 

1886
01:11:12,600 --> 01:11:14,479
years , uh , and by the way , my 

1887
01:11:14,479 --> 01:11:16,590
understanding is that you're gonna be 

1888
01:11:16,590 --> 01:11:18,590
probably the only person that's not 

1889
01:11:18,590 --> 01:11:20,757
moving to Florida , uh , but , but you 

1890
01:11:20,757 --> 01:11:22,868
know , you would be welcome there you 

1891
01:11:22,868 --> 01:11:25,146
would , you would be welcome there . I , 

1892
01:11:25,146 --> 01:11:27,201
I just , you mentioned , uh , uh , I 

1893
01:11:27,201 --> 01:11:29,479
think I was answering a question about , 

1894
01:11:29,479 --> 01:11:31,646
um , about the potential transition to 

1895
01:11:31,646 --> 01:11:33,812
F-35s , for example , in Homestead Air 

1896
01:11:33,812 --> 01:11:35,923
Force , but I , I , I don't . Need to 

1897
01:11:35,923 --> 01:11:37,923
go into the details now . I just do 

1898
01:11:37,923 --> 01:11:40,750
need to , uh , take , uh , a short time , 

1899
01:11:41,089 --> 01:11:43,367
uh , you know , to thank you for , for , 

1900
01:11:43,549 --> 01:11:45,830
um , you know , you in , in the time 

1901
01:11:45,830 --> 01:11:47,830
that I've had the privilege of , of 

1902
01:11:47,830 --> 01:11:51,750
knowing you , uh , you really are so in 

1903
01:11:51,750 --> 01:11:54,669
tune to some details that some people 

1904
01:11:54,669 --> 01:11:57,870
may not be aware of and , and part of 

1905
01:11:57,870 --> 01:12:00,092
that example is your intimate knowledge 

1906
01:12:00,092 --> 01:12:03,899
of , of what homestead . Base 

1907
01:12:04,319 --> 01:12:06,319
means to our national security . So 

1908
01:12:06,319 --> 01:12:08,549
again I'm , I , I , I , I don't need an 

1909
01:12:08,549 --> 01:12:10,771
answer from you . Uh , I just wanted to 

1910
01:12:10,771 --> 01:12:13,359
let you know again that , uh , that I 

1911
01:12:13,359 --> 01:12:15,581
appreciate , uh , not only your service 

1912
01:12:15,581 --> 01:12:17,859
but , uh , but your detailed knowledge , 

1913
01:12:17,859 --> 01:12:19,859
uh , and , and , uh , you mentioned 

1914
01:12:19,859 --> 01:12:21,915
that you've been on this case , uh , 

1915
01:12:21,915 --> 01:12:24,081
for a long time and I think , um , you 

1916
01:12:24,081 --> 01:12:26,149
know , God willing , uh , that will 

1917
01:12:26,149 --> 01:12:28,399
succeed , uh , but I just again , not , 

1918
01:12:28,560 --> 01:12:30,449
not only wanna thank you for your 

1919
01:12:30,449 --> 01:12:32,671
service but the fact that those who may 

1920
01:12:32,671 --> 01:12:34,671
not know you as well . Uh , need to 

1921
01:12:34,671 --> 01:12:36,727
understand that very few people have 

1922
01:12:36,727 --> 01:12:40,290
been as persistent but as knowledgeable , 

1923
01:12:40,870 --> 01:12:42,926
uh , including about some areas that 

1924
01:12:42,926 --> 01:12:45,148
some people may not be so knowledgeable 

1925
01:12:45,148 --> 01:12:47,259
about . So again , uh , while you may 

1926
01:12:47,259 --> 01:12:49,314
not go to Florida , I just know that 

1927
01:12:49,314 --> 01:12:51,426
you have somebody who greatly admires 

1928
01:12:51,426 --> 01:12:53,537
your service and , and , and not just 

1929
01:12:53,537 --> 01:12:55,703
on the . Not an Air Force pun , not on 

1930
01:12:55,703 --> 01:12:57,648
the 40,000 level , but also on the 

1931
01:12:57,648 --> 01:12:59,759
detailed level . So thank you , sir . 

1932
01:12:59,759 --> 01:12:59,410
Thank all of you . And with that , Mr . 

1933
01:12:59,450 --> 01:13:01,506
Chairman , uh , thank you for , uh , 

1934
01:13:01,506 --> 01:13:04,169
any yield back . You're already taking 

1935
01:13:04,169 --> 01:13:08,100
all our Californians , so . Limit 

1936
01:13:08,100 --> 01:13:11,069
that . Uh , next , uh , Mr . Case . 

1937
01:13:14,459 --> 01:13:16,459
Thank you , Mr . Chair , and I join 

1938
01:13:16,459 --> 01:13:18,570
everybody in thanking each and all of 

1939
01:13:18,570 --> 01:13:20,737
you for your incredible service , uh , 

1940
01:13:20,737 --> 01:13:22,959
General Healey , I , I share all of the 

1941
01:13:22,959 --> 01:13:25,126
sentiments . Um , I think , uh , among 

1942
01:13:25,126 --> 01:13:27,348
many accomplishments you've just been a 

1943
01:13:27,348 --> 01:13:29,126
really good partner , uh , with 

1944
01:13:29,126 --> 01:13:31,403
Congress . I think that's a skill , um , 

1945
01:13:31,403 --> 01:13:33,515
to treat this as a true partnership , 

1946
01:13:33,515 --> 01:13:35,515
um , and you've done that and maybe 

1947
01:13:35,515 --> 01:13:37,515
that can be one of your , uh , next 

1948
01:13:37,515 --> 01:13:39,626
jobs is consulting on partnering with 

1949
01:13:39,626 --> 01:13:39,350
Congress , assuming you wanna have 

1950
01:13:39,350 --> 01:13:41,759
anything to do with this . Um , and , 

1951
01:13:41,830 --> 01:13:43,774
um , to each and all of you , um , 

1952
01:13:43,774 --> 01:13:45,886
thanks so much for , uh , taking care 

1953
01:13:45,886 --> 01:13:47,663
and advocating so effectively , 

1954
01:13:47,709 --> 01:13:49,653
especially for my Hawaii guard and 

1955
01:13:49,653 --> 01:13:51,653
reservists . I think they would say 

1956
01:13:51,653 --> 01:13:53,765
that if they were here . Uh , many of 

1957
01:13:53,765 --> 01:13:55,598
you have visited , um , I really 

1958
01:13:55,598 --> 01:13:57,931
appreciate that . Um , and I think , um , 

1959
01:13:57,931 --> 01:14:00,042
to , to Jared Cole's comments about , 

1960
01:14:00,042 --> 01:14:02,153
um , about , um , your service in our 

1961
01:14:02,153 --> 01:14:04,265
states in time of need , I think back 

1962
01:14:04,265 --> 01:14:06,487
to the , the 3 or 4 crises we've had in 

1963
01:14:06,487 --> 01:14:08,765
Hawaii just over the last 4 or 5 years , 

1964
01:14:08,765 --> 01:14:11,042
COVID , of course , uh , Red Hill . Um , 

1965
01:14:11,042 --> 01:14:12,876
uh , the Maui wildfires and more 

1966
01:14:12,876 --> 01:14:14,709
recently , uh , some very severe 

1967
01:14:14,709 --> 01:14:16,931
flooding , uh , you've been involved in 

1968
01:14:16,931 --> 01:14:18,931
a critical part in all of that , so 

1969
01:14:18,931 --> 01:14:21,153
that needs to be , uh , emphasized also 

1970
01:14:21,153 --> 01:14:23,265
is , is your readiness in those times 

1971
01:14:23,265 --> 01:14:25,542
of need . So I thank you for that . Um , 

1972
01:14:25,542 --> 01:14:27,320
we're sorting through kind of a 

1973
01:14:27,320 --> 01:14:29,376
confusing budget right now . Uh , we 

1974
01:14:29,376 --> 01:14:31,542
have been presented with , um , a very 

1975
01:14:31,542 --> 01:14:33,765
large budget with insufficient detail . 

1976
01:14:33,765 --> 01:14:36,270
Um , and that budget is , um , 

1977
01:14:36,279 --> 01:14:39,069
conflated as between discretionary and , 

1978
01:14:39,080 --> 01:14:41,740
um , uh proposed reconciliation funding . 

1979
01:14:42,240 --> 01:14:44,518
We've been trying to sort through , uh , 

1980
01:14:44,518 --> 01:14:46,796
the overall thinking of the department , 

1981
01:14:46,796 --> 01:14:48,962
uh , the individual services , and the 

1982
01:14:48,962 --> 01:14:51,129
individual components in terms of what 

1983
01:14:51,129 --> 01:14:53,240
is allocated to each of those buckets 

1984
01:14:53,240 --> 01:14:55,573
and why . Um , and I'm noting that , um , 

1985
01:14:55,573 --> 01:14:57,684
in the case of , of the guard and the 

1986
01:14:57,684 --> 01:14:59,684
reserves , uh , there's not a whole 

1987
01:14:59,684 --> 01:15:01,907
bunch of , uh , proposed reconciliation 

1988
01:15:01,907 --> 01:15:04,073
funding , and we've talked a lot about 

1989
01:15:04,073 --> 01:15:06,296
NRA and procurement , uh , lines here . 

1990
01:15:06,296 --> 01:15:08,351
We all acknowledge the importance of 

1991
01:15:08,351 --> 01:15:10,518
that , but how are we actually getting 

1992
01:15:10,518 --> 01:15:12,629
after that in funding ? That's really 

1993
01:15:12,629 --> 01:15:14,740
the , the bottom line question here . 

1994
01:15:14,740 --> 01:15:16,684
Um , and I'm , I'm just , I'm just 

1995
01:15:16,684 --> 01:15:16,520
trying to piece through the little 

1996
01:15:16,520 --> 01:15:18,687
information that we have already , and 

1997
01:15:18,687 --> 01:15:20,742
I don't think that there's any FY 27 

1998
01:15:20,742 --> 01:15:22,959
proposed . Um , the , um , 

1999
01:15:23,009 --> 01:15:26,189
reconciliation mandatory funding , um , 

2000
01:15:26,410 --> 01:15:28,810
for any of you with the exception of 

2001
01:15:28,810 --> 01:15:31,729
the Navy , uh , reserve equipment , I 

2002
01:15:31,729 --> 01:15:33,950
see aircraft procurement at 

2003
01:15:33,950 --> 01:15:37,640
$1.19 billion in proposing the 

2004
01:15:37,640 --> 01:15:40,640
mandatory side of things . Um , Admiral , 

2005
01:15:40,729 --> 01:15:43,049
do you know what that's for and why 

2006
01:15:43,049 --> 01:15:45,271
it's in reconciliation as opposed , and 

2007
01:15:45,271 --> 01:15:47,382
by the way , you've got a big , a big 

2008
01:15:47,382 --> 01:15:50,120
lump , a lump there as well , 1.7 . 55 

2009
01:15:50,120 --> 01:15:52,231
billion in the , in the discretionary 

2010
01:15:52,231 --> 01:15:54,342
budget , but why are you loading some 

2011
01:15:54,342 --> 01:15:57,569
of that into um uh reconciliation and 

2012
01:15:57,569 --> 01:16:01,259
what is it ? Congressman Casey , I 

2013
01:16:01,259 --> 01:16:03,426
appreciate the , uh , I appreciate the 

2014
01:16:03,426 --> 01:16:05,648
question . As I look at the , uh , look 

2015
01:16:05,648 --> 01:16:07,703
at the president's budget , uh , and 

2016
01:16:07,703 --> 01:16:07,640
looking at the two pieces , I view that 

2017
01:16:07,640 --> 01:16:09,918
as two bills , one budget is the way I , 

2018
01:16:09,918 --> 01:16:12,770
the way that I , I see that . Uh , you 

2019
01:16:12,770 --> 01:16:14,603
know , with regards to , uh , to 

2020
01:16:14,603 --> 01:16:16,881
replacement of , uh , of C-130s for us , 

2021
01:16:16,881 --> 01:16:19,214
it remains our , our most critical , uh , 

2022
01:16:19,214 --> 01:16:21,326
requirement for , uh , for the Navy . 

2023
01:16:21,326 --> 01:16:22,826
Uh , it is our only , uh , 

2024
01:16:22,826 --> 01:16:24,881
intra-theater long-range , uh , uh , 

2025
01:16:24,881 --> 01:16:27,159
transport to , to both , uh , You know , 

2026
01:16:27,159 --> 01:16:29,492
rearm , resupply , and refuel the fleet . 

2027
01:16:29,492 --> 01:16:31,603
Uh , it's the only aircraft that will 

2028
01:16:31,603 --> 01:16:33,659
deliver oversized cargo in theater , 

2029
01:16:33,700 --> 01:16:35,867
and right now it's actually performing 

2030
01:16:35,867 --> 01:16:38,089
in-flight aerial refueling , which is a 

2031
01:16:38,089 --> 01:16:40,256
critical , critical component for us . 

2032
01:16:40,256 --> 01:16:42,410
Those aircraft right now are 35 years 

2033
01:16:42,410 --> 01:16:44,529
old . They have mission capability 

2034
01:16:44,529 --> 01:16:47,220
rates in the 30% . The new models of 

2035
01:16:47,220 --> 01:16:49,331
Juliet's , they've got , uh , they've 

2036
01:16:49,331 --> 01:16:51,498
got better survivability . They've got 

2037
01:16:51,498 --> 01:16:54,229
better communic . integrated systems 

2038
01:16:54,229 --> 01:16:56,062
that really will allow us to fly 

2039
01:16:56,062 --> 01:16:58,390
farther , faster , and higher and 

2040
01:16:58,390 --> 01:16:59,946
provide a greater degree of 

2041
01:16:59,946 --> 01:17:01,950
survivability for . OK , so that's 

2042
01:17:01,950 --> 01:17:04,350
C-130 replacement , is that what that 

2043
01:17:04,350 --> 01:17:08,109
line is ? I'll take that question for 

2044
01:17:08,109 --> 01:17:11,109
the record . And in addition to the 

2045
01:17:11,109 --> 01:17:13,165
question , why , why the distinction 

2046
01:17:13,165 --> 01:17:15,053
between between discretionary and 

2047
01:17:15,053 --> 01:17:17,169
reconciliation is that a Is that a 

2048
01:17:17,169 --> 01:17:19,620
contingency plan in terms of , in terms 

2049
01:17:19,620 --> 01:17:21,842
of congressional funding , or is that , 

2050
01:17:21,842 --> 01:17:24,064
um , you know , phased or what ? That , 

2051
01:17:24,064 --> 01:17:26,231
that's a rhetorical question for now . 

2052
01:17:26,231 --> 01:17:28,453
Yes sir . OK . And also I'm just noting 

2053
01:17:28,453 --> 01:17:30,620
here , um , in the , uh , budget , and 

2054
01:17:30,620 --> 01:17:32,842
this is on the discretionary side , I'm 

2055
01:17:32,842 --> 01:17:35,064
seeing procurement of ammunition , Navy 

2056
01:17:35,064 --> 01:17:37,520
and Marine Corps , um , is that in your , 

2057
01:17:37,540 --> 01:17:39,939
uh , uh , and , and it's listed under 

2058
01:17:39,939 --> 01:17:41,939
Guard and Reserve . So is that , is 

2059
01:17:41,939 --> 01:17:44,050
that you and what is , what kind of . 

2060
01:17:44,050 --> 01:17:46,217
What kind of equi uh ammunition are we 

2061
01:17:46,217 --> 01:17:48,383
talking about ? Is that related at all 

2062
01:17:48,383 --> 01:17:50,495
to the Iran war , or is that a normal 

2063
01:17:50,495 --> 01:17:52,661
uh replenishment or what ? Sir , I can 

2064
01:17:52,661 --> 01:17:54,717
only speak to the specificity around 

2065
01:17:54,717 --> 01:17:56,495
the reserve . I'm not , I'm not 

2066
01:17:56,495 --> 01:17:55,950
familiar with the details , but I'll 

2067
01:17:55,950 --> 01:17:58,172
work with your staff and I'll take that 

2068
01:17:58,172 --> 01:18:00,339
as a as a follow-up , sir . OK , thank 

2069
01:18:00,339 --> 01:18:02,399
you very much . Yes , I yield . 

2070
01:18:06,500 --> 01:18:08,810
Thank you , Mr . Chairman , uh , and to 

2071
01:18:08,810 --> 01:18:10,699
each of you gentlemen , I had the 

2072
01:18:10,699 --> 01:18:12,930
privilege of meeting and greeting with 

2073
01:18:12,930 --> 01:18:14,930
each and every one of you today and 

2074
01:18:14,930 --> 01:18:17,870
your staffs . Profound thanks . Your 

2075
01:18:17,870 --> 01:18:19,926
questions , your testimony today has 

2076
01:18:19,926 --> 01:18:22,850
been impeccable , um , to the reserve 

2077
01:18:22,850 --> 01:18:25,379
and guardsmen , uh , in the officer in 

2078
01:18:25,379 --> 01:18:27,609
the listed ranks , thank you so much 

2079
01:18:27,609 --> 01:18:29,569
for what you do every day , crisis 

2080
01:18:29,569 --> 01:18:33,390
after crisis . Uh , my questions are 

2081
01:18:33,390 --> 01:18:35,750
going to be largely really to all of 

2082
01:18:35,750 --> 01:18:38,390
you all , uh , on the logistics and 

2083
01:18:38,390 --> 01:18:41,229
sustainment in the Indo-Pacific . As 

2084
01:18:41,229 --> 01:18:42,896
you've all laid out , reserve 

2085
01:18:42,896 --> 01:18:45,118
components in the National Guard play a 

2086
01:18:45,118 --> 01:18:47,007
critical role in the joint forces 

2087
01:18:47,007 --> 01:18:49,173
logistics and sustainment enterprise , 

2088
01:18:49,173 --> 01:18:51,340
including aerial refueling , strategic 

2089
01:18:51,340 --> 01:18:53,310
lift , fuel distribution , ground 

2090
01:18:53,310 --> 01:18:55,709
support , water purification , and 

2091
01:18:55,709 --> 01:18:59,140
other critical needs . My question for 

2092
01:18:59,140 --> 01:19:01,251
each of you , for the panel , what is 

2093
01:19:01,251 --> 01:19:03,362
the highest priority need for each of 

2094
01:19:03,362 --> 01:19:05,196
you so that we can realistically 

2095
01:19:05,196 --> 01:19:07,196
address in the next couple of years 

2096
01:19:07,196 --> 01:19:09,196
that will meaningfully improve your 

2097
01:19:09,196 --> 01:19:11,418
logistics and capabilities to sustained 

2098
01:19:11,470 --> 01:19:14,100
prolonged combat operations in the 

2099
01:19:14,100 --> 01:19:16,339
Western Pacific , and we can just go in 

2100
01:19:16,339 --> 01:19:19,509
whatever order you all determine . OK . 

2101
01:19:22,799 --> 01:19:24,577
Thank you , Congressman . I , I 

2102
01:19:24,577 --> 01:19:26,521
appreciate , uh , I appreciate the 

2103
01:19:26,521 --> 01:19:28,521
question . Uh , while we have , you 

2104
01:19:28,521 --> 01:19:30,799
know , the NDS directs us to look at 

2105
01:19:30,799 --> 01:19:33,021
Western Hemisphere Command as well , we 

2106
01:19:33,021 --> 01:19:35,077
are , we are laser focused on what's 

2107
01:19:35,077 --> 01:19:37,299
going on in the Indo-Pacific . When you 

2108
01:19:37,299 --> 01:19:39,410
look at the , the , the , the size of 

2109
01:19:39,410 --> 01:19:41,577
the space that you have to move around 

2110
01:19:41,577 --> 01:19:43,743
out there , my CSM and I were just out 

2111
01:19:43,743 --> 01:19:46,021
there not that long ago , Korea , Guam , 

2112
01:19:46,021 --> 01:19:48,188
Hawaii . met with some of our troopers 

2113
01:19:48,188 --> 01:19:50,410
out there . I tell you , our investment 

2114
01:19:50,410 --> 01:19:52,243
continues to be , we continue to 

2115
01:19:52,243 --> 01:19:54,243
provide the bulk of the sustainment 

2116
01:19:54,243 --> 01:19:56,870
capability forward bulk fuel operations , 

2117
01:19:56,990 --> 01:19:59,189
water purification , ammunition 

2118
01:19:59,189 --> 01:20:01,939
resupply companies , and so continuing 

2119
01:20:01,939 --> 01:20:03,995
to invest in the modernization . Of 

2120
01:20:03,995 --> 01:20:06,595
those of that kit , uh , is critical to 

2121
01:20:06,595 --> 01:20:08,834
us and then probably affording us the 

2122
01:20:08,834 --> 01:20:10,890
opportunity to position that forward 

2123
01:20:10,890 --> 01:20:13,056
and , and , and we're working with the 

2124
01:20:13,056 --> 01:20:15,278
COCOM and , and the Army service , uh , 

2125
01:20:15,278 --> 01:20:17,278
the ASCC out there , usur PAC , but 

2126
01:20:17,278 --> 01:20:19,445
that's the critical , uh , mission for 

2127
01:20:19,445 --> 01:20:21,612
us in the Indo-Paycom AR . Thank you , 

2128
01:20:21,612 --> 01:20:24,950
sir . Congressman , I appreciate the 

2129
01:20:24,950 --> 01:20:27,172
question around the Indo-Pacific . Um , 

2130
01:20:27,509 --> 01:20:29,565
when I look at the , the Indopecom , 

2131
01:20:29,565 --> 01:20:31,787
the one thing that hasn't changed since 

2132
01:20:31,787 --> 01:20:33,953
the end of World War II is geography . 

2133
01:20:33,953 --> 01:20:33,790
Uh , we're still , uh , we're still 

2134
01:20:33,790 --> 01:20:36,012
wrought with , uh , with the tyranny of 

2135
01:20:36,012 --> 01:20:37,901
distance . These vast distances , 

2136
01:20:37,901 --> 01:20:39,734
they're , they're still the same 

2137
01:20:39,734 --> 01:20:41,901
challenges , and , but they , and they 

2138
01:20:41,901 --> 01:20:41,589
still define how we fight today . But 

2139
01:20:41,589 --> 01:20:43,700
what's changed is the threat . And we 

2140
01:20:43,700 --> 01:20:45,533
have to operate across that same 

2141
01:20:45,533 --> 01:20:47,478
expanse in a contested environment 

2142
01:20:47,478 --> 01:20:49,256
where when you think about it , 

2143
01:20:49,256 --> 01:20:51,478
survivability , speed , and flexibility 

2144
01:20:51,478 --> 01:20:53,478
matter more than ever . So for us , 

2145
01:20:53,478 --> 01:20:55,367
that KC-130 Juliet's critically , 

2146
01:20:55,367 --> 01:20:57,478
critically important . It provides us 

2147
01:20:57,478 --> 01:20:59,645
the only service retained capability , 

2148
01:20:59,645 --> 01:21:01,867
the ability to operate from those short 

2149
01:21:01,867 --> 01:21:04,145
austere runways all across the Pacific . 

2150
01:21:04,145 --> 01:21:06,256
And those aircraft provide additional 

2151
01:21:06,256 --> 01:21:08,422
operational performance . Again , as I 

2152
01:21:08,422 --> 01:21:10,589
mentioned , greater distances , faster 

2153
01:21:10,589 --> 01:21:12,700
and higher . Critically important and 

2154
01:21:12,700 --> 01:21:14,867
it also provides a greater degree of , 

2155
01:21:14,867 --> 01:21:17,033
I would say fiscal responsibility with 

2156
01:21:17,033 --> 01:21:19,145
regards to operating those aircraft . 

2157
01:21:19,145 --> 01:21:21,200
They're more efficient as well too , 

2158
01:21:21,200 --> 01:21:23,422
and that's survivability integration of 

2159
01:21:23,422 --> 01:21:25,645
comms . When I think about Link 16 , we 

2160
01:21:25,645 --> 01:21:24,939
think about the ACE gear , the 

2161
01:21:24,939 --> 01:21:26,995
integrated communication suites that 

2162
01:21:26,995 --> 01:21:29,600
those Juliets provide . It creates a 

2163
01:21:29,600 --> 01:21:31,822
greater degree of survivability for our 

2164
01:21:31,822 --> 01:21:33,767
aircrews as they're flying there . 

2165
01:21:33,767 --> 01:21:36,129
Thank you , sir . Uh , congressman for 

2166
01:21:36,129 --> 01:21:38,296
the National Guard , we look at , uh , 

2167
01:21:38,296 --> 01:21:40,629
probably the number one is tankers . So 

2168
01:21:40,629 --> 01:21:43,629
14 of our 17 tanker units are in the 

2169
01:21:43,629 --> 01:21:46,830
KC-135 . Um , so those need to be , you 

2170
01:21:46,830 --> 01:21:48,830
know , modernized as we go into the 

2171
01:21:48,830 --> 01:21:50,997
future , uh , concurrently , uh , with 

2172
01:21:50,997 --> 01:21:52,941
our Air Force . As we look at also 

2173
01:21:52,941 --> 01:21:55,009
connecting those platforms , um , 

2174
01:21:55,029 --> 01:21:57,251
through IRA funds and other things that 

2175
01:21:57,251 --> 01:21:59,418
we do to make sure those platforms are 

2176
01:21:59,418 --> 01:22:01,473
connected , uh , in that vast , uh , 

2177
01:22:01,473 --> 01:22:03,751
Indoaycom theater . And then certainly , 

2178
01:22:03,751 --> 01:22:05,973
thank you to Congress on the C-130J's , 

2179
01:22:05,973 --> 01:22:08,140
uh , as we finish out , uh , hopefully 

2180
01:22:08,140 --> 01:22:10,418
get to all J's here in , in the future . 

2181
01:22:10,540 --> 01:22:12,596
And then certainly any modernization 

2182
01:22:12,596 --> 01:22:14,651
that we can do with uh Agria and the 

2183
01:22:14,651 --> 01:22:16,651
C-17 to make sure it's connected as 

2184
01:22:16,651 --> 01:22:18,929
well in that platform for that theater . 

2185
01:22:18,929 --> 01:22:21,096
Thank you , sir . Congressman , as you 

2186
01:22:21,096 --> 01:22:23,207
know , the Marine Corps is focused on 

2187
01:22:23,207 --> 01:22:25,540
the amphibious nature of , of the fight , 

2188
01:22:25,540 --> 01:22:27,873
uh , understanding our role in that AOR , 

2189
01:22:27,873 --> 01:22:29,984
and we're certainly keeping an eye on 

2190
01:22:29,984 --> 01:22:32,096
amphibious ship readiness and uh look 

2191
01:22:32,096 --> 01:22:34,040
forward to the landing ship medium 

2192
01:22:34,040 --> 01:22:36,207
coming online , and coming forward for 

2193
01:22:36,207 --> 01:22:38,373
us as a Marine Corps reserve , for our 

2194
01:22:38,373 --> 01:22:40,596
individual marine . We are committed to 

2195
01:22:40,596 --> 01:22:42,762
the light tactical vehicle family that 

2196
01:22:42,762 --> 01:22:44,873
includes JLTV . Uh , and , and ULTV , 

2197
01:22:44,873 --> 01:22:47,040
I'm , I'm concerned that the price may 

2198
01:22:47,040 --> 01:22:49,207
increase as the , uh , as the Army has 

2199
01:22:49,207 --> 01:22:51,373
pulled out of that program . So as a , 

2200
01:22:51,373 --> 01:22:50,970
as a service for the Marine Corps , 

2201
01:22:51,009 --> 01:22:52,930
we're focused on , um , staying 

2202
01:22:52,930 --> 01:22:55,097
committed to that program . It's going 

2203
01:22:55,097 --> 01:22:56,986
to move everything , not only our 

2204
01:22:56,986 --> 01:22:56,930
Marines , but our Nemesis missiles , 

2205
01:22:57,169 --> 01:22:59,750
GPS-80s , uh , other kit that we have , 

2206
01:22:59,759 --> 01:23:01,759
uh , for the mobility on the island 

2207
01:23:01,759 --> 01:23:03,926
chain . So , our number one focus will 

2208
01:23:03,926 --> 01:23:06,092
be getting those GLTVs to the reserves 

2209
01:23:06,092 --> 01:23:08,315
so I can have those Marines trained and 

2210
01:23:08,315 --> 01:23:07,450
ready to go when they do get into the 

2211
01:23:07,450 --> 01:23:09,617
first island chain . Thank you , sir . 

2212
01:23:10,149 --> 01:23:12,316
And I agree with General Nordhaus with 

2213
01:23:12,316 --> 01:23:14,371
regard to the air refuelers as being 

2214
01:23:14,371 --> 01:23:16,649
our number one priority in the theater , 

2215
01:23:16,649 --> 01:23:18,705
using our Agria dollars to make sure 

2216
01:23:18,705 --> 01:23:20,982
they got the online site communication . 

2217
01:23:20,982 --> 01:23:22,871
Ensuring they got Larricum as the 

2218
01:23:22,871 --> 01:23:24,982
defensive system as well , converting 

2219
01:23:24,982 --> 01:23:27,205
the KC-46 as well so that we can use it 

2220
01:23:27,205 --> 01:23:29,260
as a force multiplier . I'd also add 

2221
01:23:29,260 --> 01:23:31,770
that continuing exercises as a reserve 

2222
01:23:31,770 --> 01:23:33,937
component with the active component to 

2223
01:23:33,937 --> 01:23:35,548
ensure that we're completely 

2224
01:23:35,548 --> 01:23:37,548
interoperable in every type of Olan 

2225
01:23:37,548 --> 01:23:39,659
excursion . And then lastly , the Air 

2226
01:23:39,659 --> 01:23:41,437
Force Reserve has a significant 

2227
01:23:41,437 --> 01:23:43,659
presence with our civil engineering and 

2228
01:23:43,659 --> 01:23:43,049
the ability to get out there and 

2229
01:23:43,049 --> 01:23:45,160
actually set the theater prior is one 

2230
01:23:45,160 --> 01:23:47,271
of our priorities . Thank you . Thank 

2231
01:23:47,271 --> 01:23:51,250
you , sir . I yield back . Oh . 

2232
01:23:52,310 --> 01:23:55,850
Yeah . Thank you , uh , Ms . Chairman , 

2233
01:23:55,859 --> 01:23:58,081
and , uh , gentlemen , thank all of you 

2234
01:23:58,081 --> 01:24:00,192
for your service to our country and , 

2235
01:24:00,192 --> 01:24:02,859
uh , a special , uh , good wishes to 

2236
01:24:02,859 --> 01:24:04,859
you , general , and , uh , and your 

2237
01:24:04,859 --> 01:24:07,259
wife as you , um , enter the next phase 

2238
01:24:07,259 --> 01:24:09,299
of your , uh , your service in your 

2239
01:24:09,299 --> 01:24:12,290
life . I , um . I want to start if I 

2240
01:24:12,290 --> 01:24:14,370
can , uh , General Nordhaus , uh , I 

2241
01:24:14,370 --> 01:24:15,814
serve at the , I have two 

2242
01:24:15,814 --> 01:24:17,370
responsibilities here , the 

2243
01:24:17,370 --> 01:24:19,148
intersection of both which come 

2244
01:24:19,148 --> 01:24:21,314
together around a question I wanna ask 

2245
01:24:21,314 --> 01:24:23,426
you . I serve not only appropriations 

2246
01:24:23,426 --> 01:24:25,259
but as the ranking member on the 

2247
01:24:25,259 --> 01:24:27,481
Committee on House Administration which 

2248
01:24:27,481 --> 01:24:29,203
has responsibility for federal 

2249
01:24:29,203 --> 01:24:32,140
elections , um . The president raised 

2250
01:24:32,689 --> 01:24:34,911
eyebrows a couple of months ago when he 

2251
01:24:34,970 --> 01:24:36,970
said he regretted not deploying the 

2252
01:24:36,970 --> 01:24:40,009
National Guard during the 2020 election . 

2253
01:24:40,439 --> 01:24:44,169
As you can imagine , that has caused 

2254
01:24:45,209 --> 01:24:47,542
considerable anxiety around the country , 

2255
01:24:47,542 --> 01:24:49,653
millions of Americans concerned about 

2256
01:24:49,653 --> 01:24:51,770
the potential deployment of military 

2257
01:24:51,770 --> 01:24:53,950
personnel at election 

2258
01:24:55,609 --> 01:24:57,879
centers or at precincts throughout the 

2259
01:24:57,879 --> 01:24:59,939
country . In the midterm elections , 

2260
01:25:00,700 --> 01:25:03,220
what assurances can you give not only 

2261
01:25:03,220 --> 01:25:05,442
to me but the millions of Americans who 

2262
01:25:05,442 --> 01:25:07,109
have those concerns about the 

2263
01:25:07,109 --> 01:25:09,331
deployment of National Guard at polling 

2264
01:25:09,331 --> 01:25:12,470
places ? Uh , Congressman , um , the 

2265
01:25:12,470 --> 01:25:15,000
National Guard obviously always follows 

2266
01:25:15,000 --> 01:25:16,889
Constitution , law , policy , and 

2267
01:25:16,889 --> 01:25:18,944
guidance both at the federal and the 

2268
01:25:18,944 --> 01:25:21,056
state level . Uh , now , the National 

2269
01:25:21,056 --> 01:25:23,222
Guard has been utilized by governors , 

2270
01:25:23,222 --> 01:25:26,600
uh , really back in the 2020 and 2022 

2271
01:25:26,600 --> 01:25:29,240
timeframe due to COVID-19 . And it was 

2272
01:25:29,240 --> 01:25:31,296
due to a lack of volunteers . And so 

2273
01:25:31,479 --> 01:25:33,600
guardsmen had in , in multiple states 

2274
01:25:33,600 --> 01:25:35,378
done things in administration , 

2275
01:25:35,378 --> 01:25:37,560
logistics , and cyber , but they were 

2276
01:25:37,560 --> 01:25:39,504
always in civilian clothes . To my 

2277
01:25:39,504 --> 01:25:41,504
knowledge , and they were always in 

2278
01:25:41,504 --> 01:25:44,254
support , um , so that those state , um , 

2279
01:25:44,294 --> 01:25:46,575
polling stations could execute and our 

2280
01:25:46,575 --> 01:25:48,895
citizens could , could vote , uh , as 

2281
01:25:48,895 --> 01:25:51,062
normal . And so as we go forward , you 

2282
01:25:51,062 --> 01:25:53,375
know that the National Guard is , is 

2283
01:25:53,654 --> 01:25:55,710
always going to follow the law , the 

2284
01:25:55,710 --> 01:25:57,598
Constitution , and all policy and 

2285
01:25:57,598 --> 01:25:59,765
guidance , and we're there to increase 

2286
01:25:59,765 --> 01:26:01,765
public trust and make sure that our 

2287
01:26:01,765 --> 01:26:03,876
citizens have the ability to do their 

2288
01:26:03,876 --> 01:26:05,932
duty of voting . Good . Well , I , I 

2289
01:26:05,932 --> 01:26:08,154
appreciate that and I , uh Uh , I would 

2290
01:26:08,154 --> 01:26:10,321
love to stay in touch with you if , if 

2291
01:26:10,321 --> 01:26:12,543
anything untoward seems to be happening 

2292
01:26:12,543 --> 01:26:14,598
or any concerns are raised by people 

2293
01:26:14,598 --> 01:26:16,765
that they see warning signs that would 

2294
01:26:16,765 --> 01:26:18,939
suggest some , uh , non-traditional , 

2295
01:26:19,279 --> 01:26:21,620
uh , uh , participation by the guard , 

2296
01:26:21,910 --> 01:26:23,854
uh , in our , uh , in our national 

2297
01:26:23,854 --> 01:26:25,854
elections , but I , I do appreciate 

2298
01:26:25,854 --> 01:26:25,720
that and just wanted to raise it with 

2299
01:26:25,720 --> 01:26:28,080
you . If I could , uh , continue on a 

2300
01:26:28,080 --> 01:26:31,209
more traditional topic . General , as 

2301
01:26:31,209 --> 01:26:34,009
you know , the 109th Airlift Wing in 

2302
01:26:34,009 --> 01:26:36,120
the New York Air National Guard , and 

2303
01:26:36,120 --> 01:26:38,176
you and I have talked about this and 

2304
01:26:38,176 --> 01:26:40,287
always appreciate you stopping by the 

2305
01:26:40,287 --> 01:26:42,398
office and chatting , but it provides 

2306
01:26:42,398 --> 01:26:44,231
the military's only ski equipped 

2307
01:26:44,231 --> 01:26:46,398
airlift capability supporting critical 

2308
01:26:46,398 --> 01:26:48,231
operations in the Arctic and the 

2309
01:26:48,231 --> 01:26:50,287
Antarctic . The missions have become 

2310
01:26:50,287 --> 01:26:52,176
increasingly important . As polar 

2311
01:26:52,176 --> 01:26:54,129
regions take on greater strategic 

2312
01:26:54,129 --> 01:26:56,351
significance , the president and others 

2313
01:26:56,351 --> 01:26:58,462
have talked about it , uh , in global 

2314
01:26:58,462 --> 01:27:00,569
power competition , and the LC-130 

2315
01:27:00,569 --> 01:27:02,689
fleet is aging . I know I've shared 

2316
01:27:02,689 --> 01:27:04,856
this with you before . I wonder if you 

2317
01:27:04,856 --> 01:27:06,578
could give me an update on the 

2318
01:27:06,578 --> 01:27:08,522
strategic value of the 109th polar 

2319
01:27:08,522 --> 01:27:10,745
mission and how we can recapitalize the 

2320
01:27:10,970 --> 01:27:14,850
LC-130 fleet , uh , um , enhance their 

2321
01:27:14,850 --> 01:27:16,906
operational capabilities , and align 

2322
01:27:16,906 --> 01:27:18,628
with broader national security 

2323
01:27:18,628 --> 01:27:21,990
priorities . Uh , Congressman Morrell , 

2324
01:27:22,350 --> 01:27:24,517
uh , I actually went to the South Pole 

2325
01:27:24,517 --> 01:27:28,120
on New York's LC-130s , uh , incredible 

2326
01:27:28,120 --> 01:27:29,950
aircraft as they upgraded to uh 

2327
01:27:29,950 --> 01:27:32,117
different props and the capabilities , 

2328
01:27:32,250 --> 01:27:34,472
uh , with the H models that they have . 

2329
01:27:34,472 --> 01:27:36,417
That capability to be able to have 

2330
01:27:36,417 --> 01:27:38,306
C-130s , uh , whether it's in the 

2331
01:27:38,306 --> 01:27:40,529
southern , uh , you know , South Pole , 

2332
01:27:40,640 --> 01:27:42,807
or whether it's in the Arctic is going 

2333
01:27:42,807 --> 01:27:44,696
to be critical going forward . We 

2334
01:27:44,696 --> 01:27:46,807
appreciate everything Congress does , 

2335
01:27:46,807 --> 01:27:48,918
uh , to move us in that direction and 

2336
01:27:48,918 --> 01:27:48,799
look forward to working with the Air 

2337
01:27:48,799 --> 01:27:50,910
Force and this body to make sure that 

2338
01:27:50,910 --> 01:27:53,290
Uh , that capability remains strong , 

2339
01:27:53,390 --> 01:27:55,279
and as we go into the future , it 

2340
01:27:55,279 --> 01:27:57,334
transforms at the appropriate time . 

2341
01:27:57,334 --> 01:27:59,569
Very good , sir . Um , and in my last 

2342
01:27:59,569 --> 01:28:02,129
minute , um , in 2021 , General , three 

2343
01:28:02,129 --> 01:28:04,009
highly experienced New York Army 

2344
01:28:04,009 --> 01:28:06,120
National Guard pilots , Chief Warrant 

2345
01:28:06,120 --> 01:28:08,120
Officer Steve Skoda , Chief Warrant 

2346
01:28:08,120 --> 01:28:09,953
Officer Daniel Priel , and Chief 

2347
01:28:09,953 --> 01:28:11,953
Warrant Officer Christian Koch were 

2348
01:28:11,953 --> 01:28:14,065
tragically lost in a helicopter crash 

2349
01:28:14,169 --> 01:28:16,729
during a night training flight in my 

2350
01:28:16,729 --> 01:28:19,270
district , um , a stark reminder of the 

2351
01:28:19,450 --> 01:28:21,617
inherent risks in rotary wing training 

2352
01:28:21,617 --> 01:28:23,890
and operations . Um , any lessons 

2353
01:28:23,890 --> 01:28:25,890
learned from these incidents , uh , 

2354
01:28:25,890 --> 01:28:27,668
being incorporated into updated 

2355
01:28:27,668 --> 01:28:29,890
training protocols , simulator use , or 

2356
01:28:29,890 --> 01:28:32,112
crew coordination , uh , that we should 

2357
01:28:32,112 --> 01:28:34,279
know about ? Uh , Congressman , let me 

2358
01:28:34,279 --> 01:28:36,501
just start off by , uh , I'm a longtime 

2359
01:28:36,501 --> 01:28:39,020
aviator . Uh , not only flying F-16s 

2360
01:28:39,020 --> 01:28:40,979
and F-35s , but flying for a major 

2361
01:28:40,979 --> 01:28:43,146
airline . And I have a son flying this 

2362
01:28:43,146 --> 01:28:45,146
morning called me last night . He's 

2363
01:28:45,146 --> 01:28:47,090
doing a cross-country because he's 

2364
01:28:47,090 --> 01:28:46,939
getting his pilot license . You can 

2365
01:28:46,939 --> 01:28:49,272
believe I'm talking safety all the time . 

2366
01:28:49,272 --> 01:28:51,495
This last week , I had the team in from 

2367
01:28:51,495 --> 01:28:53,495
both the Air National Guard and the 

2368
01:28:53,495 --> 01:28:53,259
Army National Guard . I do it quarterly 

2369
01:28:53,259 --> 01:28:55,370
to make sure we're looking at all the 

2370
01:28:55,370 --> 01:28:57,537
safety across the board . I'm happy to 

2371
01:28:57,537 --> 01:28:59,648
report that the National Guard on the 

2372
01:28:59,648 --> 01:29:01,703
Army National Guard has had no Class 

2373
01:29:01,703 --> 01:29:04,669
A's in 25 or 26 . Um , it is a major 

2374
01:29:04,669 --> 01:29:06,836
focus of , uh , both the Army National 

2375
01:29:06,836 --> 01:29:08,891
Guard and the Air National Guard and 

2376
01:29:08,891 --> 01:29:11,058
across , uh , aviation that we have to 

2377
01:29:11,058 --> 01:29:13,113
learn these lessons from safety . We 

2378
01:29:13,113 --> 01:29:15,336
have to put them out . So they're doing 

2379
01:29:15,336 --> 01:29:17,502
stand-ups on a , on a regular basis to 

2380
01:29:17,502 --> 01:29:19,836
make sure that they're taking , uh , uh , 

2381
01:29:19,836 --> 01:29:21,836
lessons learned from incidents that 

2382
01:29:21,836 --> 01:29:23,891
have happened recently and ones that 

2383
01:29:23,891 --> 01:29:26,113
have happened years ago . So as they do 

2384
01:29:26,113 --> 01:29:25,310
these stand-ups , they can talk and 

2385
01:29:25,310 --> 01:29:27,588
they can remind even the newest pilots . 

2386
01:29:27,588 --> 01:29:29,310
Of how a little bit of loss in 

2387
01:29:29,310 --> 01:29:31,839
concentration or not understanding how 

2388
01:29:31,839 --> 01:29:34,330
something might affect the safety of 

2389
01:29:34,330 --> 01:29:36,330
their flight comes into play and it 

2390
01:29:36,330 --> 01:29:38,441
makes them better and more safe . And 

2391
01:29:38,441 --> 01:29:40,608
I'm seeing on the ground safety and on 

2392
01:29:40,608 --> 01:29:42,663
the air safety both for Air National 

2393
01:29:42,663 --> 01:29:44,663
Guard and Army National Guard , the 

2394
01:29:44,663 --> 01:29:46,830
trends are down and going in the right 

2395
01:29:46,830 --> 01:29:46,640
direction . Very good . Thank you again , 

2396
01:29:46,680 --> 01:29:48,736
gentlemen , and to the men and women 

2397
01:29:48,736 --> 01:29:50,847
who served with you . Appreciate your 

2398
01:29:50,847 --> 01:29:53,069
service to our country . I yield back , 

2399
01:29:53,069 --> 01:29:52,640
sir . Thank you , gentlemen , Mr . 

2400
01:29:52,720 --> 01:29:56,490
Elsie . Hey , Mr . Chairman , thank you 

2401
01:29:56,490 --> 01:29:58,657
all for being here . Uh , before I get 

2402
01:29:58,657 --> 01:30:00,934
started with my comments and questions , 

2403
01:30:00,934 --> 01:30:03,101
I'd like to thank , uh , Kathy Healy . 

2404
01:30:03,169 --> 01:30:05,529
Um , the unsung heroes of all of these 

2405
01:30:05,529 --> 01:30:08,149
men in front of you are the families . 

2406
01:30:08,560 --> 01:30:10,560
You have carried the water for your 

2407
01:30:10,560 --> 01:30:12,727
husband and his family and your family 

2408
01:30:12,727 --> 01:30:15,959
for nearly 40 years , if not more , and 

2409
01:30:15,959 --> 01:30:18,070
you never get the recognition . There 

2410
01:30:18,070 --> 01:30:20,292
should be a medal that equals the Medal 

2411
01:30:20,292 --> 01:30:22,879
of Honor for spouses , especially 

2412
01:30:22,879 --> 01:30:26,640
spouses of generals who have dealt with . 

2413
01:30:26,720 --> 01:30:28,959
A lot over the years and I just want to 

2414
01:30:28,959 --> 01:30:31,126
say thank you and put it on the record 

2415
01:30:31,126 --> 01:30:33,348
that we recognize your sacrifice , uh , 

2416
01:30:33,348 --> 01:30:35,520
over these years and , uh , I think I 

2417
01:30:35,520 --> 01:30:37,687
see a tear streaming down from General 

2418
01:30:37,687 --> 01:30:39,798
Healey's eyes . But God bless you and 

2419
01:30:39,798 --> 01:30:41,909
God bless all the families of members 

2420
01:30:41,909 --> 01:30:44,160
of , uh , of , of what of of the 

2421
01:30:44,160 --> 01:30:46,359
service members , uh , to the senior 

2422
01:30:46,359 --> 01:30:48,439
enlisted advisors sitting behind the 

2423
01:30:48,439 --> 01:30:50,383
men with the stars , you carry the 

2424
01:30:50,383 --> 01:30:52,495
water for the training and excellence 

2425
01:30:52,495 --> 01:30:54,717
of the National Guard and Reserve , and 

2426
01:30:54,717 --> 01:30:57,660
I thank you as well . It is , if you 

2427
01:30:57,660 --> 01:30:59,771
don't know how important we think you 

2428
01:30:59,771 --> 01:31:01,827
are , we were up till 3 o'clock last 

2429
01:31:01,827 --> 01:31:04,049
night voting , and this is probably the 

2430
01:31:04,049 --> 01:31:06,160
first time I've seen the entire panel 

2431
01:31:06,160 --> 01:31:08,382
up here with all the members of Defense 

2432
01:31:08,382 --> 01:31:10,549
Appropriations here at once to include 

2433
01:31:10,549 --> 01:31:12,438
the , uh , the , the chair of the 

2434
01:31:12,438 --> 01:31:14,549
overall committee and the ranker . So 

2435
01:31:14,549 --> 01:31:16,604
we take what you do very seriously . 

2436
01:31:16,604 --> 01:31:18,771
And as Tom Cole said , we shortchanged 

2437
01:31:18,771 --> 01:31:20,716
the guard and reserve . And that's 

2438
01:31:20,716 --> 01:31:22,938
always evident when we go into conflict 

2439
01:31:22,938 --> 01:31:24,959
because whoever has to clean up 

2440
01:31:25,060 --> 01:31:27,171
whatever mess that wasn't planned for 

2441
01:31:27,299 --> 01:31:30,250
is covered by you and your services , 

2442
01:31:30,259 --> 01:31:32,339
and you do so with , with 

2443
01:31:32,339 --> 01:31:34,283
professionalism and expertise that 

2444
01:31:34,283 --> 01:31:36,395
doesn't exist in the active duty . So 

2445
01:31:36,395 --> 01:31:38,395
whenever there's a mess that's been 

2446
01:31:38,395 --> 01:31:40,561
made , we go to the experts , which is 

2447
01:31:40,561 --> 01:31:42,672
why you should , I believe , have the 

2448
01:31:42,672 --> 01:31:44,895
best of everything we have . You should 

2449
01:31:44,895 --> 01:31:47,006
have the newest of everything we have 

2450
01:31:47,006 --> 01:31:49,117
because every pilot . That you've got 

2451
01:31:49,117 --> 01:31:51,283
in your respective units , they're the 

2452
01:31:51,283 --> 01:31:53,506
ones that have 3000 hours as opposed to 

2453
01:31:53,506 --> 01:31:55,672
the newest pilots in the active duty . 

2454
01:31:55,672 --> 01:31:57,839
And I think that , that , uh , getting 

2455
01:31:57,839 --> 01:31:59,950
the newest of everything is extremely 

2456
01:31:59,950 --> 01:32:02,061
important when the F-47 comes out . I 

2457
01:32:02,061 --> 01:32:04,283
think the reserve should get the second 

2458
01:32:04,283 --> 01:32:06,859
squadron . When the MV-75 comes out , I 

2459
01:32:06,859 --> 01:32:08,939
think that the , the , the reserves 

2460
01:32:08,939 --> 01:32:11,106
should get the second squadron because 

2461
01:32:11,106 --> 01:32:13,106
you're going to work it out in ways 

2462
01:32:13,106 --> 01:32:15,106
that only those experts have that , 

2463
01:32:15,106 --> 01:32:17,328
that , that stick with it . Uh , and as 

2464
01:32:17,328 --> 01:32:20,120
far as , you know , keeping lines hot , 

2465
01:32:20,240 --> 01:32:22,351
we're about to find out in the Navy , 

2466
01:32:22,351 --> 01:32:24,518
we're going to have for the first time 

2467
01:32:24,518 --> 01:32:26,759
in 7 decades , no , no aircraft coming 

2468
01:32:26,759 --> 01:32:29,037
off the line that are fighter aircraft . 

2469
01:32:29,037 --> 01:32:31,092
Starting next fall , we won't have a 

2470
01:32:31,092 --> 01:32:33,092
hotline . We're going to transition 

2471
01:32:33,092 --> 01:32:35,549
from the Super Hornet to the FAXX , but 

2472
01:32:35,549 --> 01:32:37,660
with a 3-year gap of new , that can't 

2473
01:32:37,660 --> 01:32:39,882
be allowed to happen . So when it comes 

2474
01:32:39,882 --> 01:32:42,049
to the Army , we know that you operate 

2475
01:32:42,049 --> 01:32:44,160
within a budget . Constraint , but we 

2476
01:32:44,160 --> 01:32:46,327
should keep the line hot for the H60 . 

2477
01:32:46,327 --> 01:32:48,438
The H60 is not going away ever . It's 

2478
01:32:48,438 --> 01:32:50,493
going to always have areas that it's 

2479
01:32:50,493 --> 01:32:52,660
going to be needed , even as the MV-75 

2480
01:32:52,660 --> 01:32:54,882
comes online , which is not necessarily 

2481
01:32:54,882 --> 01:32:54,740
a replacement . It's just another 

2482
01:32:54,740 --> 01:32:57,140
category . So they're both needed , and 

2483
01:32:57,140 --> 01:32:59,569
I hope they continue . With respect to 

2484
01:32:59,569 --> 01:33:02,290
tanking , uh , I would say that we need 

2485
01:33:02,290 --> 01:33:04,569
to emphasize more on contract air 

2486
01:33:04,569 --> 01:33:07,089
services , uh , domestically so that 

2487
01:33:07,089 --> 01:33:10,509
when we do have a need for , uh , for 

2488
01:33:10,770 --> 01:33:13,169
you all and the active component to do 

2489
01:33:13,169 --> 01:33:15,649
tanking , whether it's the Navy's 

2490
01:33:15,649 --> 01:33:19,049
C-130Js , which suddenly , the , the 

2491
01:33:19,049 --> 01:33:21,049
stuff that we have allocated , this 

2492
01:33:21,049 --> 01:33:22,827
panel has allocated through our 

2493
01:33:22,827 --> 01:33:25,049
appropriations bills you're using right 

2494
01:33:25,049 --> 01:33:27,105
now , is that correct ? They've been 

2495
01:33:27,105 --> 01:33:29,049
appropriate . We're not flying the 

2496
01:33:29,049 --> 01:33:31,160
Juliet yet , sir , but they're coming 

2497
01:33:31,160 --> 01:33:33,382
online in another year and a half . But 

2498
01:33:33,382 --> 01:33:35,493
you're given gas in a way that wasn't 

2499
01:33:35,493 --> 01:33:37,438
part of the plan . Yes , sir . The 

2500
01:33:37,438 --> 01:33:39,771
KC-130 tangos are pushing gas right now , 

2501
01:33:39,771 --> 01:33:41,993
right now to carrier strike groups that 

2502
01:33:41,993 --> 01:33:44,105
are operating , you know , just right 

2503
01:33:44,105 --> 01:33:46,049
outside the Red Sea and off of the 

2504
01:33:46,049 --> 01:33:48,410
Straits of Hormuz . Yes , in PA , we 

2505
01:33:48,410 --> 01:33:50,521
lost some of those , and I think some 

2506
01:33:50,521 --> 01:33:52,919
of those were reserve tankers . And so 

2507
01:33:53,419 --> 01:33:55,641
when it comes down to combat , fighters 

2508
01:33:55,641 --> 01:33:57,863
are , but you don't do anything without 

2509
01:33:57,863 --> 01:34:00,030
tankers . Whenever I would do a 7 hour 

2510
01:34:00,030 --> 01:34:02,252
mission in Afghanistan , I would tank 5 

2511
01:34:02,252 --> 01:34:04,419
times . I can't do a 7 hour mission in 

2512
01:34:04,419 --> 01:34:06,363
those faraway lands , no matter if 

2513
01:34:06,363 --> 01:34:08,530
you're Air Force or Navy , without the 

2514
01:34:08,530 --> 01:34:10,530
tankers . And suddenly when the war 

2515
01:34:10,530 --> 01:34:12,697
gets going , people go , Where are the 

2516
01:34:12,697 --> 01:34:14,919
tankers , and we never have enough , so 

2517
01:34:14,919 --> 01:34:17,540
we need to reallocate those as quickly 

2518
01:34:17,540 --> 01:34:20,410
as we can , so . I think most of the 

2519
01:34:20,410 --> 01:34:22,688
questions have been covered here today . 

2520
01:34:22,970 --> 01:34:24,950
You know , you joined the military 

2521
01:34:25,569 --> 01:34:27,680
because you love your country and you 

2522
01:34:27,680 --> 01:34:30,013
want to protect her . That's number one . 

2523
01:34:30,013 --> 01:34:32,236
It's a servant's heart . It's not to be 

2524
01:34:32,236 --> 01:34:34,291
a warrior . It's to be a protector . 

2525
01:34:34,291 --> 01:34:36,347
Sometimes that requires going to war 

2526
01:34:36,347 --> 01:34:38,569
and becoming a warrior . There's a cost 

2527
01:34:38,569 --> 01:34:40,402
to that . And in the active duty 

2528
01:34:40,402 --> 01:34:42,625
component we do that knowing what we're 

2529
01:34:42,625 --> 01:34:44,791
going to do . We decide to stay in and 

2530
01:34:44,791 --> 01:34:47,013
and serve for the for a career or not . 

2531
01:34:47,013 --> 01:34:49,236
What I think sets you guys apart is you 

2532
01:34:49,236 --> 01:34:51,458
all have another life . You've all done 

2533
01:34:51,458 --> 01:34:53,347
something different . You are all 

2534
01:34:53,347 --> 01:34:55,347
experts in another field . You love 

2535
01:34:55,347 --> 01:34:57,180
this country so much that you've 

2536
01:34:57,180 --> 01:34:59,347
decided to keep the uniform on . And I 

2537
01:34:59,347 --> 01:35:01,569
think that uh that that it bears noting 

2538
01:35:01,569 --> 01:35:03,680
that for all of the people in uniform 

2539
01:35:03,680 --> 01:35:05,902
here they have another life and they're 

2540
01:35:05,902 --> 01:35:08,770
continuing to sacrifice um for the for 

2541
01:35:08,770 --> 01:35:10,937
the betterment of our country and when 

2542
01:35:10,937 --> 01:35:12,937
we're talking about protecting this 

2543
01:35:12,937 --> 01:35:15,048
city and I know that it it does cause 

2544
01:35:15,048 --> 01:35:18,000
some , some um . Some hard feelings , 

2545
01:35:18,200 --> 01:35:20,919
but the National Guard is a protector 

2546
01:35:20,919 --> 01:35:23,200
first . Where there is no order , it 

2547
01:35:23,200 --> 01:35:25,256
provides order , and they do so with 

2548
01:35:25,256 --> 01:35:28,299
the heart of protecting our communities . 

2549
01:35:28,680 --> 01:35:30,680
So when they are here , that's what 

2550
01:35:30,680 --> 01:35:32,902
their goal is , and I know that there's 

2551
01:35:32,902 --> 01:35:35,013
some hard feelings about it . But the 

2552
01:35:35,013 --> 01:35:37,124
reality is that I see these young men 

2553
01:35:37,124 --> 01:35:39,180
and women walking around down at the 

2554
01:35:39,180 --> 01:35:41,291
wharf near where I live . They're the 

2555
01:35:41,291 --> 01:35:40,990
nicest people on the planet . They have 

2556
01:35:40,990 --> 01:35:43,046
other jobs . They have families that 

2557
01:35:43,046 --> 01:35:45,669
they're sacrificing time with to keep 

2558
01:35:45,669 --> 01:35:47,780
order , and they've done a good job . 

2559
01:35:47,780 --> 01:35:49,947
But as we've seen last weekend down at 

2560
01:35:49,947 --> 01:35:52,002
Navy Yard , order is still needed as 

2561
01:35:52,002 --> 01:35:54,169
the entire community was overrun where 

2562
01:35:54,169 --> 01:35:56,280
most of our staffers live . That is a 

2563
01:35:56,280 --> 01:35:58,225
scary thing for them , so I'm glad 

2564
01:35:58,225 --> 01:36:00,447
they're here and providing that order , 

2565
01:36:00,447 --> 01:36:02,613
but I also know that it's an impact on 

2566
01:36:02,613 --> 01:36:04,613
the community . But I want to thank 

2567
01:36:04,613 --> 01:36:06,669
everybody who's doing that right now 

2568
01:36:06,669 --> 01:36:08,836
and for those of you who provide those 

2569
01:36:08,836 --> 01:36:11,058
forces , I'm deeply grateful , and I've 

2570
01:36:11,058 --> 01:36:10,560
gone way over . I'm sorry , I didn't 

2571
01:36:10,560 --> 01:36:12,560
mean to do that , Mr . Chairman . I 

2572
01:36:12,560 --> 01:36:15,459
yield back my time . Ms . Lee , uh , 

2573
01:36:15,580 --> 01:36:17,747
thank you , Mr . Chairman . I , um , I 

2574
01:36:17,747 --> 01:36:19,969
associate myself with the comments from 

2575
01:36:19,969 --> 01:36:23,450
the eloquent , uh , Mr . Elsie and , uh , 

2576
01:36:23,660 --> 01:36:26,540
General Healey and Mrs . Healey . I'm 

2577
01:36:26,540 --> 01:36:28,707
wishing you all the best and thank you 

2578
01:36:28,707 --> 01:36:30,779
for your career of service to our 

2579
01:36:30,779 --> 01:36:34,259
country . Um , I wanted to , uh , being 

2580
01:36:34,259 --> 01:36:36,779
from the West , um , when I think about 

2581
01:36:36,779 --> 01:36:38,501
National Guard , I think about 

2582
01:36:38,501 --> 01:36:41,470
wildfires . And General , you know , we 

2583
01:36:41,470 --> 01:36:43,526
have a contingent of airmen from the 

2584
01:36:43,526 --> 01:36:47,350
1502nd Airlift and Airlift Wing in Reno 

2585
01:36:47,350 --> 01:36:49,419
that the high rollers who have been 

2586
01:36:49,419 --> 01:36:53,009
deployed to Central Command . And um I 

2587
01:36:53,009 --> 01:36:55,176
just wanted to ask General Nordhaus if 

2588
01:36:55,176 --> 01:36:57,209
those guardsmen guardsmen remain 

2589
01:36:57,209 --> 01:37:00,390
deployed , uh , this has been a record 

2590
01:37:00,609 --> 01:37:04,129
year of no snowpack in the West and I 

2591
01:37:04,129 --> 01:37:07,680
think um one concern we have is 

2592
01:37:07,680 --> 01:37:10,470
preparation for what I believe will be 

2593
01:37:10,770 --> 01:37:14,089
a record wildfire year and very 

2594
01:37:14,089 --> 01:37:16,145
concerning to me , um , what are the 

2595
01:37:16,145 --> 01:37:18,970
contingency plans , um . You know , if 

2596
01:37:18,970 --> 01:37:21,209
they remain deployed throughout the 

2597
01:37:21,209 --> 01:37:24,279
summer and we see a wildfire , uh , 

2598
01:37:24,290 --> 01:37:26,549
break out , especially in the Sierras . 

2599
01:37:28,080 --> 01:37:30,247
Uh , Congresswoman Lee , thank you for 

2600
01:37:30,247 --> 01:37:32,469
the question . Uh , yeah , our National 

2601
01:37:32,469 --> 01:37:34,413
Guard does 3 of the 4 units of the 

2602
01:37:34,413 --> 01:37:36,580
mobile airborne firefighting systems . 

2603
01:37:36,580 --> 01:37:38,691
They do amazing work . I , I actually 

2604
01:37:38,691 --> 01:37:41,250
landed and was in , uh , California as 

2605
01:37:41,250 --> 01:37:43,472
they launched the first , uh , missions 

2606
01:37:43,472 --> 01:37:45,583
on the palisade fires . Um , and they 

2607
01:37:45,583 --> 01:37:47,770
all came out , um , to be able to do 

2608
01:37:47,770 --> 01:37:49,603
that . All 8 of the aircraft and 

2609
01:37:49,603 --> 01:37:51,659
systems were put in place . So as we 

2610
01:37:51,659 --> 01:37:53,992
work with NIFSI and with the department , 

2611
01:37:53,992 --> 01:37:55,881
we'll continue to watch that very 

2612
01:37:55,881 --> 01:37:58,048
closely and make sure that we have the 

2613
01:37:58,048 --> 01:37:57,910
right aircraft in the right place to 

2614
01:37:57,910 --> 01:38:00,021
get after and serve our nation , um , 

2615
01:38:00,021 --> 01:38:02,077
to make sure that , uh , we can take 

2616
01:38:02,077 --> 01:38:04,077
care of those wild wildfires , uh , 

2617
01:38:04,180 --> 01:38:06,402
within our department and of course the 

2618
01:38:06,402 --> 01:38:08,458
Forest Service as well . Thank you . 

2619
01:38:08,458 --> 01:38:11,470
And speaking of equipment , uh , the 

2620
01:38:11,470 --> 01:38:13,581
Nevada Air National Guard Base , uh , 

2621
01:38:13,589 --> 01:38:15,311
has been fighting for years to 

2622
01:38:15,311 --> 01:38:18,979
recapitalize the C-130H's , um , 

2623
01:38:19,189 --> 01:38:22,580
which , um , Which would be helpful to 

2624
01:38:22,580 --> 01:38:25,180
its ability to continue to fight 

2625
01:38:25,180 --> 01:38:27,291
wildfires , and I understand that one 

2626
01:38:27,291 --> 01:38:29,620
of the points against the Nevada 

2627
01:38:29,620 --> 01:38:31,560
National Guard is deficient in 

2628
01:38:31,569 --> 01:38:34,370
infrastructure to house the C-130Js , 

2629
01:38:34,379 --> 01:38:36,850
and there's 4 infrastructure projects 

2630
01:38:36,850 --> 01:38:39,072
that have been identified as critical , 

2631
01:38:39,072 --> 01:38:41,620
but only one , has the documentation to 

2632
01:38:41,620 --> 01:38:43,939
move forward . And I just wanna ask if 

2633
01:38:43,939 --> 01:38:46,050
I can receive your commitment to work 

2634
01:38:46,050 --> 01:38:48,272
with me to advocate for the funding for 

2635
01:38:48,272 --> 01:38:50,609
the infrastructure needed . To put the 

2636
01:38:50,609 --> 01:38:52,831
Nevada Air National Guard in a position 

2637
01:38:52,831 --> 01:38:54,990
to receive these C-130J's . 

2638
01:38:56,560 --> 01:38:58,560
Uh , Congressman Lee will certainly 

2639
01:38:58,560 --> 01:39:00,680
work with , uh , Nevada and the 

2640
01:39:00,680 --> 01:39:02,736
incredible wings . I've been to both 

2641
01:39:02,736 --> 01:39:04,847
your wings and was recently down with 

2642
01:39:04,847 --> 01:39:06,958
General Waters down in , in Las Vegas 

2643
01:39:06,958 --> 01:39:09,180
as well . And I talked to General Perak 

2644
01:39:09,180 --> 01:39:11,402
about the criteria . We do have MB 12 , 

2645
01:39:11,402 --> 01:39:13,624
which will be the stationing of another 

2646
01:39:13,624 --> 01:39:15,958
C-130J . And so we look forward to , uh , 

2647
01:39:15,958 --> 01:39:17,902
Nevada competing very strongly and 

2648
01:39:17,902 --> 01:39:20,124
working with your state . Thank you . I 

2649
01:39:20,124 --> 01:39:22,240
appreciate that . Um , when we speak 

2650
01:39:22,240 --> 01:39:25,750
about the deployment , uh , to , uh , 

2651
01:39:25,959 --> 01:39:28,799
Epic Fury , um , I know that there are 

2652
01:39:28,799 --> 01:39:30,759
a lot of young people who've been 

2653
01:39:30,759 --> 01:39:33,520
deployed right now , uh , who have 

2654
01:39:33,520 --> 01:39:35,353
never been deployed before , and 

2655
01:39:35,353 --> 01:39:37,520
General Healey , we spoke , uh , about 

2656
01:39:37,520 --> 01:39:39,298
this when you came to my office 

2657
01:39:39,298 --> 01:39:41,600
yesterday . Uh , we talked about the 

2658
01:39:41,600 --> 01:39:44,020
Yellow Ribbon reintegration program , 

2659
01:39:44,359 --> 01:39:46,137
and I guess this is for all the 

2660
01:39:46,137 --> 01:39:48,303
witnesses . I'll start with you , uh , 

2661
01:39:48,303 --> 01:39:50,839
General Healey . What steps are we 

2662
01:39:50,839 --> 01:39:53,520
taking now to prepare to help these 

2663
01:39:53,520 --> 01:39:55,680
reservists and guardsmen when they 

2664
01:39:55,680 --> 01:39:57,902
return home ? Thanks for the question , 

2665
01:39:57,902 --> 01:39:59,791
ma'am , and I appreciate the time 

2666
01:39:59,791 --> 01:40:02,439
yesterday . What we try to do upfront 

2667
01:40:02,439 --> 01:40:04,720
is , is routine training just to make 

2668
01:40:04,720 --> 01:40:06,887
sure the resiliency is built up in all 

2669
01:40:06,887 --> 01:40:08,942
of our members going overseas . When 

2670
01:40:08,942 --> 01:40:11,109
they do deploy , they fall on the same 

2671
01:40:11,109 --> 01:40:13,220
healthcare system , mental healthcare 

2672
01:40:13,220 --> 01:40:15,164
system that the active duty enjoys 

2673
01:40:15,164 --> 01:40:16,950
overseas . This is a little bit 

2674
01:40:16,950 --> 01:40:19,061
different than in previous years . We 

2675
01:40:19,061 --> 01:40:21,172
haven't exercised the muscles , so to 

2676
01:40:21,172 --> 01:40:23,283
speak , to capture people coming back 

2677
01:40:23,283 --> 01:40:25,394
that have been exposed to a TA strike 

2678
01:40:25,394 --> 01:40:27,669
within a few 100 yards . It's , we have 

2679
01:40:27,669 --> 01:40:29,725
young people over there . What we're 

2680
01:40:29,725 --> 01:40:31,836
initially trying to do is ensure that 

2681
01:40:31,836 --> 01:40:34,058
they're they're paired up with somebody 

2682
01:40:34,058 --> 01:40:33,910
a little bit more experienced , and 

2683
01:40:33,910 --> 01:40:36,021
with that experience , I would expect 

2684
01:40:36,021 --> 01:40:38,188
resilience . But when they come back , 

2685
01:40:38,188 --> 01:40:40,354
we're very concerned that we meet them 

2686
01:40:40,354 --> 01:40:42,410
appropriately from the first part of 

2687
01:40:42,410 --> 01:40:44,466
embarkation to identify if there are 

2688
01:40:44,466 --> 01:40:46,632
any issues that they need specifically 

2689
01:40:46,632 --> 01:40:48,854
addressing . When we do bring them back 

2690
01:40:48,854 --> 01:40:50,966
into our units , we want to ensure if 

2691
01:40:50,966 --> 01:40:53,188
it's a classic associate and it's got a 

2692
01:40:53,188 --> 01:40:55,410
a medical treatment facility associated 

2693
01:40:55,410 --> 01:40:55,040
with the active duty that they're 

2694
01:40:55,040 --> 01:40:57,439
prepared as well to treat any type of 

2695
01:40:57,439 --> 01:41:00,910
mental mental aftereffects from being 

2696
01:41:00,910 --> 01:41:02,955
deployed . But the Yellow Ribbon 

2697
01:41:02,955 --> 01:41:05,066
program ultimately is gonna be what's 

2698
01:41:05,066 --> 01:41:07,464
providing that long-term care , uh , 

2699
01:41:07,475 --> 01:41:09,253
not only for them but for their 

2700
01:41:09,253 --> 01:41:11,253
families . We're watching that very 

2701
01:41:11,253 --> 01:41:13,142
closely . Again , we haven't been 

2702
01:41:13,142 --> 01:41:15,253
exposed to this type of conflict in , 

2703
01:41:15,253 --> 01:41:17,142
in quite a bit , so we're , we're 

2704
01:41:17,142 --> 01:41:19,419
concerned about it as well . Thank you . 

2705
01:41:19,419 --> 01:41:21,308
Thank you . My time is up . I , I 

2706
01:41:21,308 --> 01:41:23,419
imagine all of you have the same type 

2707
01:41:23,419 --> 01:41:25,419
of concern . Thank you all for your 

2708
01:41:25,419 --> 01:41:29,370
service . Thank you . Um , this is the 

2709
01:41:29,370 --> 01:41:32,669
Money Committee . And , uh , so I'm 

2710
01:41:32,669 --> 01:41:34,669
going to talk money here for just a 

2711
01:41:34,669 --> 01:41:37,049
minute . Um , and General Nordhaus , uh , 

2712
01:41:37,149 --> 01:41:40,930
the topic . Is state active duty 

2713
01:41:40,930 --> 01:41:43,790
reimbursement . And I know you're well 

2714
01:41:43,790 --> 01:41:47,129
versed on it . Uh , and I want my 

2715
01:41:47,129 --> 01:41:50,009
colleagues around the dais , uh , who 

2716
01:41:50,009 --> 01:41:52,065
aren't familiar with this issue to . 

2717
01:41:52,750 --> 01:41:54,972
Understand it better because we need to 

2718
01:41:54,972 --> 01:41:58,540
fix it . If we truly care about 

2719
01:41:59,479 --> 01:42:02,319
these reservists , this is an issue 

2720
01:42:02,319 --> 01:42:04,375
that needs to be fixed , but they're 

2721
01:42:04,375 --> 01:42:06,750
double taxed . When they're aiding our 

2722
01:42:06,750 --> 01:42:10,020
communities in response to an emergency . 

2723
01:42:11,189 --> 01:42:13,133
States reimburse the guard for the 

2724
01:42:13,133 --> 01:42:15,356
services , but due to the Miscellaneous 

2725
01:42:15,356 --> 01:42:17,411
Receipts Act . A non-federal funding 

2726
01:42:17,411 --> 01:42:19,522
source paying a federal agency causes 

2727
01:42:19,522 --> 01:42:21,633
the funds to be deposited back in the 

2728
01:42:21,633 --> 01:42:23,800
treasury , not in the guard accounts . 

2729
01:42:24,029 --> 01:42:26,370
The guard bureau never sees that money , 

2730
01:42:26,709 --> 01:42:28,765
and then on the backside , the guard 

2731
01:42:28,765 --> 01:42:30,987
still has to pay for the maintenance of 

2732
01:42:30,987 --> 01:42:33,609
that equipment . So in Arkansas this 

2733
01:42:33,609 --> 01:42:36,970
played out not long ago when soldiers 

2734
01:42:36,970 --> 01:42:39,290
from our fires brigade , our 

2735
01:42:39,290 --> 01:42:41,919
expeditionary combat aviation brigade , 

2736
01:42:42,290 --> 01:42:44,810
our infantry brigade , all in response 

2737
01:42:44,810 --> 01:42:47,930
to a winter storm , operated 66 federal 

2738
01:42:47,930 --> 01:42:49,763
vehicles in support of emergency 

2739
01:42:49,763 --> 01:42:51,930
services , the Arkansas State Police , 

2740
01:42:51,930 --> 01:42:53,986
and the state reimbursed the federal 

2741
01:42:53,986 --> 01:42:55,819
government about 20,000 for that 

2742
01:42:55,819 --> 01:42:57,819
equipment use . But instead of that 

2743
01:42:57,819 --> 01:42:57,649
money going to maintaining those 

2744
01:42:57,649 --> 01:42:59,593
vehicles , it's now sitting in the 

2745
01:42:59,593 --> 01:43:01,760
Treasury's general fund . That doesn't 

2746
01:43:01,760 --> 01:43:04,390
seem Very wise to me and it's not just 

2747
01:43:04,390 --> 01:43:06,334
in Arkansas , it's playing out all 

2748
01:43:06,334 --> 01:43:08,557
across the country . General Nordhaus , 

2749
01:43:08,557 --> 01:43:10,779
uh , can you elaborate on just how much 

2750
01:43:10,779 --> 01:43:12,723
of an issue this is to the already 

2751
01:43:12,723 --> 01:43:15,939
constrained budget of our guard ? Um , 

2752
01:43:16,600 --> 01:43:18,822
Congressman Womack , first off , thanks 

2753
01:43:18,822 --> 01:43:20,600
for , uh , allowing me to visit 

2754
01:43:20,600 --> 01:43:22,878
Arkansas last week . Uh , amazing , uh , 

2755
01:43:22,878 --> 01:43:25,229
time there and for our office call . Uh , 

2756
01:43:25,549 --> 01:43:27,660
you talked about the 15 states in the 

2757
01:43:27,660 --> 01:43:29,827
western , um , with the winter storm , 

2758
01:43:29,827 --> 01:43:31,993
but we also have Hawaii going on right 

2759
01:43:31,993 --> 01:43:34,189
now with their flooding , and Guam is 

2760
01:43:34,189 --> 01:43:37,049
now responding to the typhoon . Um , 

2761
01:43:37,430 --> 01:43:39,652
Wisconsin right now has storms up there 

2762
01:43:39,652 --> 01:43:41,874
and so they have guardsmen responding . 

2763
01:43:41,874 --> 01:43:44,097
So each one of these across the 54 , it 

2764
01:43:44,097 --> 01:43:46,390
happens . Every year these funds go to 

2765
01:43:46,390 --> 01:43:48,669
the Treasury instead of back into the 

2766
01:43:48,669 --> 01:43:51,560
guard units so that we can Get the 

2767
01:43:51,560 --> 01:43:53,727
equipment back up to speed so when the 

2768
01:43:53,727 --> 01:43:55,838
next winter storm happens or the next 

2769
01:43:55,838 --> 01:43:58,004
flood or tornado or hurricane or event 

2770
01:43:58,009 --> 01:44:00,009
that we can respond quickly , we're 

2771
01:44:00,009 --> 01:44:02,176
ready and uh we're there for you . And 

2772
01:44:02,176 --> 01:44:04,120
without that we're losing uh those 

2773
01:44:04,120 --> 01:44:06,839
funds are going to , um , other things 

2774
01:44:06,839 --> 01:44:09,006
that we can't keep the equipment up to 

2775
01:44:09,006 --> 01:44:11,910
speed where it needs to be . I was 

2776
01:44:11,910 --> 01:44:13,966
going to ask a question about Iria , 

2777
01:44:14,229 --> 01:44:16,229
but I just want to say this because 

2778
01:44:16,229 --> 01:44:18,285
I've got another question on another 

2779
01:44:18,285 --> 01:44:20,507
topic that's more important to me right 

2780
01:44:20,507 --> 01:44:22,673
now , and that is , um , for the first 

2781
01:44:22,673 --> 01:44:24,896
time , Mr . Chairman , it pleases me to 

2782
01:44:24,896 --> 01:44:27,149
know that that the administration has 

2783
01:44:27,149 --> 01:44:30,049
asked for the billion dollars in the 

2784
01:44:30,049 --> 01:44:32,271
IRA accounts . Usually you have to rely 

2785
01:44:32,271 --> 01:44:34,438
on the Pentagon to make that request . 

2786
01:44:34,580 --> 01:44:36,747
And , uh , and fund it . And there was 

2787
01:44:36,747 --> 01:44:38,969
one year , it wasn't very long ago , if 

2788
01:44:38,969 --> 01:44:41,136
you remember one year , they wiped out 

2789
01:44:41,136 --> 01:44:43,080
the entire IRA account for another 

2790
01:44:43,080 --> 01:44:46,259
purpose . So , um , this IRA account 

2791
01:44:46,500 --> 01:44:49,609
is , um , while only a billion dollars , 

2792
01:44:49,689 --> 01:44:51,911
and I say only a billion dollars , like 

2793
01:44:51,911 --> 01:44:54,133
it's not a significant , you know , not 

2794
01:44:54,133 --> 01:44:56,467
a , it is a significant amount of money . 

2795
01:44:56,467 --> 01:44:58,578
But over time we haven't been able to 

2796
01:44:58,578 --> 01:45:00,633
keep up with inflation and so that's 

2797
01:45:00,633 --> 01:45:02,633
reducing really the actual purchase 

2798
01:45:02,633 --> 01:45:04,300
power , if you will , of that 

2799
01:45:04,300 --> 01:45:06,467
particular account . But how important 

2800
01:45:06,467 --> 01:45:10,129
it is is in Gria to the overall service . 

2801
01:45:11,189 --> 01:45:13,245
Uh , Congressman , you've heard from 

2802
01:45:13,245 --> 01:45:15,189
everyone on this table , uh , that 

2803
01:45:15,189 --> 01:45:16,911
Angria is the lifeblood of our 

2804
01:45:16,911 --> 01:45:18,689
modernization so that we can be 

2805
01:45:18,689 --> 01:45:20,856
interoperable when we get called to go 

2806
01:45:20,856 --> 01:45:23,133
do Epic Fury or any other mission sets . 

2807
01:45:23,133 --> 01:45:25,133
And we do it innovatively . Our Air 

2808
01:45:25,133 --> 01:45:27,356
National Guard , Air Force Reserve Test 

2809
01:45:27,356 --> 01:45:29,411
Center , uh , really gets 80% of the 

2810
01:45:29,411 --> 01:45:31,467
capabilities at 20% of the cost . So 

2811
01:45:31,467 --> 01:45:33,680
every dollar that goes into Agria is 

2812
01:45:33,680 --> 01:45:35,847
really a huge force multiplier for the 

2813
01:45:35,847 --> 01:45:37,569
National Guard and the reserve 

2814
01:45:37,569 --> 01:45:39,624
component . To be interoperable with 

2815
01:45:39,624 --> 01:45:41,680
our services , I would like for that 

2816
01:45:41,680 --> 01:45:43,902
account to be somewhat indexed , if you 

2817
01:45:43,902 --> 01:45:46,580
will , in its request for inflationary 

2818
01:45:46,580 --> 01:45:48,636
pressures . That to me would be very 

2819
01:45:48,636 --> 01:45:50,700
important . Last question , combat 

2820
01:45:50,700 --> 01:45:53,009
training center rotations . We talked 

2821
01:45:53,009 --> 01:45:55,065
about this yesterday with the Army , 

2822
01:45:55,065 --> 01:45:57,065
with Secretary Driscoll and General 

2823
01:45:57,065 --> 01:45:59,859
Laneve , and I know one of our Arkansas 

2824
01:45:59,859 --> 01:46:02,299
units has taken a spot , volunteered to 

2825
01:46:02,299 --> 01:46:05,629
take a spot . Uh , uh , in a CTC 

2826
01:46:05,629 --> 01:46:07,740
rotation . General Nordhaus , can you 

2827
01:46:07,740 --> 01:46:11,240
share how important the CTC rotations 

2828
01:46:11,240 --> 01:46:14,479
are in building foundational readiness 

2829
01:46:14,479 --> 01:46:17,479
and help the guard , uh , be that 

2830
01:46:17,479 --> 01:46:19,090
operational force that we so 

2831
01:46:19,090 --> 01:46:21,201
desperately need . Uh , Congressman , 

2832
01:46:21,201 --> 01:46:23,423
yes , last year I went to Fort Polk for 

2833
01:46:23,423 --> 01:46:26,339
JRTC and out to Fort Irwin for NTC . 

2834
01:46:26,799 --> 01:46:28,910
This is where our units are getting 

2835
01:46:28,910 --> 01:46:31,390
that complex training environment 

2836
01:46:31,390 --> 01:46:33,390
across the board to be able to pull 

2837
01:46:33,390 --> 01:46:35,629
that all together . Um , and so , each 

2838
01:46:35,629 --> 01:46:37,796
one of these rotations are critical to 

2839
01:46:37,796 --> 01:46:39,962
National Guard's readiness for mission 

2840
01:46:39,962 --> 01:46:42,296
sets that we might get asked to do , or , 

2841
01:46:42,296 --> 01:46:44,407
or are part of a GIF map rotation , a 

2842
01:46:44,407 --> 01:46:46,629
global force management rotation in the 

2843
01:46:46,629 --> 01:46:48,851
future , and so it gets our units ready 

2844
01:46:48,851 --> 01:46:51,018
to go so that they can go forward . So 

2845
01:46:51,018 --> 01:46:53,018
they're critical to our readiness . 

2846
01:46:53,018 --> 01:46:55,073
Yeah , and Arkansas is our brigade , 

2847
01:46:55,073 --> 01:46:57,018
our infantry brigade is one of the 

2848
01:46:57,018 --> 01:46:59,129
units that's going to transition from 

2849
01:46:59,129 --> 01:47:01,185
the infantry structure to the mobile 

2850
01:47:01,185 --> 01:47:03,518
structure . A little less for structure , 

2851
01:47:03,518 --> 01:47:05,573
but even with that , I think the CTC 

2852
01:47:05,573 --> 01:47:08,069
rotations are quite important . I have 

2853
01:47:08,069 --> 01:47:10,402
other questions I'll ask for the record . 

2854
01:47:10,402 --> 01:47:12,291
Did you want to respond to that , 

2855
01:47:12,291 --> 01:47:14,291
Congressman , if I can just add one 

2856
01:47:14,291 --> 01:47:16,402
piece , one other thing that we do at 

2857
01:47:16,402 --> 01:47:18,458
NTCs and JRTCs is we bring our state 

2858
01:47:18,458 --> 01:47:20,569
partnership partners with us . And so 

2859
01:47:20,569 --> 01:47:22,569
both of those , um , the units that 

2860
01:47:22,569 --> 01:47:24,736
were deployed had their state partners 

2861
01:47:24,736 --> 01:47:26,791
with them , you know , that's 60% of 

2862
01:47:26,791 --> 01:47:29,013
the globe are partnered with a National 

2863
01:47:29,013 --> 01:47:31,236
Guard state , territory or the District 

2864
01:47:31,236 --> 01:47:33,458
of Columbia . And thank you to Congress 

2865
01:47:33,458 --> 01:47:35,680
for the additional funds for that state 

2866
01:47:35,680 --> 01:47:37,680
partnership program . Great point . 

2867
01:47:37,680 --> 01:47:39,902
Remember we talked about that SPP being 

2868
01:47:39,902 --> 01:47:42,013
a two-way street , helps them , helps 

2869
01:47:42,013 --> 01:47:44,125
us . There's mutual benefit to it . I 

2870
01:47:44,125 --> 01:47:46,458
yield back . Thank you , gentlemen , Mr . 

2871
01:47:46,458 --> 01:47:48,791
Joyce . Hey , Mr . Chairman . Gentlemen , 

2872
01:47:48,791 --> 01:47:50,625
thank you for being here today . 

2873
01:47:50,625 --> 01:47:52,291
Lieutenant General Healey , I 

2874
01:47:52,291 --> 01:47:54,236
appreciate your partnership as the 

2875
01:47:54,236 --> 01:47:55,958
Youngstown Air Reserve Station 

2876
01:47:55,958 --> 01:47:58,013
transitions to the new C-130J . This 

2877
01:47:58,013 --> 01:48:00,069
modernization effort is critical for 

2878
01:48:00,069 --> 01:48:02,291
the 910th Airlift Wing , which operates 

2879
01:48:02,291 --> 01:48:04,513
the department's only fixed-wing aerial 

2880
01:48:04,513 --> 01:48:06,513
spray mission . Can you discuss how 

2881
01:48:06,513 --> 01:48:08,736
this modernization enhances our ability 

2882
01:48:08,736 --> 01:48:10,791
to respond to national disasters and 

2883
01:48:10,791 --> 01:48:13,200
evolving threats ? Erin , thank you 

2884
01:48:13,200 --> 01:48:15,311
very much for the question . Uh , the 

2885
01:48:15,311 --> 01:48:17,478
9/10 is a fantastic wing . It's , it's 

2886
01:48:17,478 --> 01:48:19,644
one of those , one of those true bases 

2887
01:48:19,644 --> 01:48:21,756
when you get the opportunity to visit 

2888
01:48:21,756 --> 01:48:24,033
it , it's a self-contained wonder . Uh , 

2889
01:48:24,033 --> 01:48:26,144
fantastic people working that mission 

2890
01:48:26,144 --> 01:48:28,879
for years in the only spray system that 

2891
01:48:28,879 --> 01:48:30,990
serves the entire . country , whether 

2892
01:48:30,990 --> 01:48:33,101
it's pesticide control , whether it's 

2893
01:48:33,101 --> 01:48:35,305
oil slicks , this current system that 

2894
01:48:35,305 --> 01:48:37,472
they were using under the H models has 

2895
01:48:37,472 --> 01:48:39,424
been effective for years . As we 

2896
01:48:39,424 --> 01:48:41,625
transition right now from H models to 

2897
01:48:41,625 --> 01:48:44,424
J's , we also have to transition that 

2898
01:48:44,424 --> 01:48:46,555
mass system to an EM mass system . 

2899
01:48:46,944 --> 01:48:49,055
There's delays right now currently in 

2900
01:48:49,055 --> 01:48:51,544
the J model production and delivery to 

2901
01:48:51,544 --> 01:48:55,424
Youngstown , and there's also delays 

2902
01:48:55,424 --> 01:48:57,265
with regard to certification and 

2903
01:48:57,265 --> 01:48:59,432
availability of the new EMASS system . 

2904
01:48:59,720 --> 01:49:01,998
We're going to run into a bit of a gap , 

2905
01:49:01,998 --> 01:49:04,330
I predict next year in 207 , where 

2906
01:49:04,330 --> 01:49:06,450
we're going to be stuck with only one 

2907
01:49:06,450 --> 01:49:09,410
potential uh spray system to service 

2908
01:49:09,410 --> 01:49:11,243
the country , and I think that's 

2909
01:49:11,243 --> 01:49:13,354
uncomfortable risk with regard to the 

2910
01:49:13,354 --> 01:49:15,577
mission set that they provide . I'll be 

2911
01:49:15,577 --> 01:49:17,688
working ideally with Congress and the 

2912
01:49:17,688 --> 01:49:20,689
Air Force to try to extend 1 to 2 of 

2913
01:49:20,689 --> 01:49:22,890
our H models from divesting prior to 

2914
01:49:22,890 --> 01:49:24,501
the J models getting there . 

2915
01:49:24,501 --> 01:49:27,069
Unfortunately , the The legacy version 

2916
01:49:27,069 --> 01:49:29,180
of the spray system is not compatible 

2917
01:49:29,180 --> 01:49:31,291
with the new J model , so in order to 

2918
01:49:31,291 --> 01:49:33,458
maintain proper coverage , we're going 

2919
01:49:33,458 --> 01:49:35,680
to be looking for a slight extension of 

2920
01:49:35,680 --> 01:49:37,847
at least 1 to 2 H models until the end 

2921
01:49:37,847 --> 01:49:39,958
of September time frame of 27 when we 

2922
01:49:39,958 --> 01:49:42,790
expect 2 to 3 E mass and J production 

2923
01:49:42,790 --> 01:49:44,709
on time again , sir . Thank you . 

2924
01:49:46,049 --> 01:49:48,569
General Nordhaus , uh , in your written 

2925
01:49:48,569 --> 01:49:51,029
testimony , you made note that over 400 

2926
01:49:51,029 --> 01:49:53,529
guard cyber professionals are activated 

2927
01:49:53,529 --> 01:49:55,290
in 2025 to respond to network 

2928
01:49:55,290 --> 01:49:57,270
intrusions against state and local 

2929
01:49:57,270 --> 01:49:59,492
governments . He described the guard as 

2930
01:49:59,492 --> 01:50:01,714
a cornerstone of the whole of the state 

2931
01:50:01,714 --> 01:50:03,609
cybersecurity strategy . Can you 

2932
01:50:03,609 --> 01:50:05,331
discuss how that cybersecurity 

2933
01:50:05,331 --> 01:50:07,442
collaboration works on the ground and 

2934
01:50:07,442 --> 01:50:09,553
what investments Congress can make to 

2935
01:50:09,553 --> 01:50:11,165
help strengthen that , those 

2936
01:50:11,165 --> 01:50:13,276
partnerships in FY 27 ? Uh , thanks , 

2937
01:50:13,276 --> 01:50:15,609
Congressman . Uh , you know , right now , 

2938
01:50:15,609 --> 01:50:17,442
I talked about in Minnesota with 

2939
01:50:17,442 --> 01:50:19,553
Wynnona County , um , their emergency 

2940
01:50:19,553 --> 01:50:21,609
management system was taken over and 

2941
01:50:21,609 --> 01:50:23,720
they , uh , pushed the guard 16 or 15 

2942
01:50:24,250 --> 01:50:26,417
soldiers out there and what might take 

2943
01:50:26,417 --> 01:50:28,472
months , it sounds like talking with 

2944
01:50:28,472 --> 01:50:30,639
the adjutant general , it's gonna take 

2945
01:50:30,639 --> 01:50:30,169
weeks . It's gonna take a little bit of 

2946
01:50:30,169 --> 01:50:32,169
time , but they're on it . Uh , the 

2947
01:50:32,169 --> 01:50:34,336
National Guard has , you know , on the 

2948
01:50:34,336 --> 01:50:36,502
Air National Guard 16 cyber protection 

2949
01:50:36,502 --> 01:50:39,040
teams . Uh , uh , 11 on the Army 

2950
01:50:39,040 --> 01:50:41,439
National Guard side . And so those 

2951
01:50:41,439 --> 01:50:43,550
cyber professionals , because they're 

2952
01:50:43,550 --> 01:50:45,606
guardsmen , right , they work out in 

2953
01:50:45,606 --> 01:50:47,661
industry , they bring those civilian 

2954
01:50:47,661 --> 01:50:49,717
skill sets in . They're the pros out 

2955
01:50:49,717 --> 01:50:51,828
there that are working for industry , 

2956
01:50:51,828 --> 01:50:54,050
and then they come in and with the tool 

2957
01:50:54,050 --> 01:50:56,328
sets that department , uh , gives them . 

2958
01:50:56,328 --> 01:50:58,328
Now you have this incredible , uh , 

2959
01:50:58,328 --> 01:51:00,328
capability there . So our guardsmen 

2960
01:51:00,328 --> 01:51:02,550
need to have the same authorities as we 

2961
01:51:02,550 --> 01:51:04,550
go across and think about that from 

2962
01:51:04,550 --> 01:51:06,217
state active duty to Title 32 

2963
01:51:06,217 --> 01:51:08,328
authorities and then to Title 10 . So 

2964
01:51:08,328 --> 01:51:10,495
that however they're used and whatever 

2965
01:51:10,495 --> 01:51:12,606
authority that they can best help the 

2966
01:51:12,606 --> 01:51:14,828
community secure and respond within the 

2967
01:51:14,828 --> 01:51:16,995
homeland for critical infrastructure , 

2968
01:51:16,995 --> 01:51:19,161
but can also uh do homeland defense as 

2969
01:51:19,161 --> 01:51:21,399
cyber protection teams . I can't agree 

2970
01:51:21,399 --> 01:51:23,399
with you more . We need to get more 

2971
01:51:23,399 --> 01:51:25,621
involved in that . It's one area that , 

2972
01:51:25,621 --> 01:51:27,510
uh , unfortunately with CISA , we 

2973
01:51:27,510 --> 01:51:29,455
continue to , uh , cut or , or not 

2974
01:51:29,455 --> 01:51:31,621
provide the information . And when I , 

2975
01:51:31,621 --> 01:51:34,419
uh , brought CISA to my , uh , district 

2976
01:51:34,640 --> 01:51:36,862
and had a hearing , I was amazed at the 

2977
01:51:36,862 --> 01:51:38,862
amount of schools and hospitals and 

2978
01:51:38,862 --> 01:51:41,029
other uh areas that have been attacked 

2979
01:51:41,029 --> 01:51:43,196
already and , and we're not doing much 

2980
01:51:43,196 --> 01:51:45,362
to , to help or provide that effort at 

2981
01:51:45,362 --> 01:51:47,696
a local level . Yes , Congressman , and , 

2982
01:51:47,696 --> 01:51:47,669
and I'm gonna brag on the guard members , 

2983
01:51:47,720 --> 01:51:50,859
this is not about . me , it's about our 

2984
01:51:50,859 --> 01:51:53,370
guards member , but 5 out of the last 6 . 

2985
01:51:54,540 --> 01:51:56,549
Um , championships have been won by 

2986
01:51:56,549 --> 01:51:58,771
these National Guard teams because they 

2987
01:51:58,771 --> 01:52:00,938
have these skill sets and they go back 

2988
01:52:00,938 --> 01:52:03,216
and forth across on the , on , on that . 

2989
01:52:03,216 --> 01:52:03,069
And we have a huge exercise cyber 

2990
01:52:03,069 --> 01:52:05,850
shield coming up with , uh , I believe , 

2991
01:52:06,310 --> 01:52:08,532
I can't remember the exact number , but 

2992
01:52:08,532 --> 01:52:10,754
I think it's 22 states and then they're 

2993
01:52:10,754 --> 01:52:12,977
also bringing in their state partners , 

2994
01:52:12,977 --> 01:52:14,977
um , across the board from 16 or 17 

2995
01:52:14,977 --> 01:52:17,088
nations . So , we're not only helping 

2996
01:52:17,088 --> 01:52:18,977
within , uh , the US but now also 

2997
01:52:18,977 --> 01:52:21,032
taking that partnership capacity and 

2998
01:52:21,032 --> 01:52:23,366
cyber out to , uh , our partner nations . 

2999
01:52:23,366 --> 01:52:25,477
That's something to brag about . Uh , 

3000
01:52:25,477 --> 01:52:27,588
it quickly though , I don't have much 

3001
01:52:27,588 --> 01:52:29,810
time left . Uh , what can we do for you 

3002
01:52:29,810 --> 01:52:32,939
to help enhance those efforts ? Uh , I 

3003
01:52:32,939 --> 01:52:34,883
talked about authorities , so just 

3004
01:52:34,883 --> 01:52:36,828
making sure that the guard has the 

3005
01:52:36,828 --> 01:52:39,050
authorities needed to be able to , if a 

3006
01:52:39,050 --> 01:52:41,217
governor needs them to come out and be 

3007
01:52:41,217 --> 01:52:40,859
able to be on equipment and help the 

3008
01:52:40,859 --> 01:52:43,026
state that they have those authorities 

3009
01:52:43,026 --> 01:52:45,081
to be able to execute it in the tool 

3010
01:52:45,081 --> 01:52:46,803
sets and then , uh , from that 

3011
01:52:46,803 --> 01:52:48,915
standpoint , also making sure that we 

3012
01:52:48,915 --> 01:52:51,081
have , uh , funding in the budget to , 

3013
01:52:51,081 --> 01:52:53,192
uh , grow cyber . There we go . Yes , 

3014
01:52:53,192 --> 01:52:55,192
sir . Thank you very much . I yield 

3015
01:52:55,192 --> 01:52:57,415
back , Mr . Chairman . Thank you . Um , 

3016
01:52:57,415 --> 01:52:59,581
just a couple of comments and I'll ask 

3017
01:52:59,581 --> 01:53:01,692
Ms . McCollum to make comments before 

3018
01:53:01,692 --> 01:53:04,026
we conclude . Um , Mr . Elsey mentioned , 

3019
01:53:04,026 --> 01:53:06,229
and it's true that uh we have a , we 

3020
01:53:06,229 --> 01:53:09,250
have a , a fighter problem . Obviously 

3021
01:53:09,250 --> 01:53:11,750
the F-18 line is shutting down . 

3022
01:53:12,250 --> 01:53:14,472
Probably shouldn't have done that , but 

3023
01:53:14,472 --> 01:53:17,390
we did . Um , uh , the F-16s are old 

3024
01:53:17,390 --> 01:53:19,557
that you have , the F-15s you have are 

3025
01:53:19,557 --> 01:53:23,500
old . Um . Probably a question uh both 

3026
01:53:23,500 --> 01:53:25,667
for Mr . Norhaus and for Mr . Healey , 

3027
01:53:26,250 --> 01:53:29,529
General Healey , um , How critical is 

3028
01:53:29,529 --> 01:53:31,751
it that we get these fighter production 

3029
01:53:31,751 --> 01:53:35,009
numbers up ? In order to make sure that 

3030
01:53:35,009 --> 01:53:37,180
you have adequate aircraft to fly the 

3031
01:53:37,180 --> 01:53:40,000
mission that we count on . Uh , in the 

3032
01:53:40,000 --> 01:53:42,111
future . I'll start with you , John . 

3033
01:53:42,939 --> 01:53:44,995
Chairman , I just take a look at the 

3034
01:53:44,995 --> 01:53:47,270
aerospace control alert mission set 

3035
01:53:47,700 --> 01:53:50,540
that's done . 94% are the fighters 

3036
01:53:50,540 --> 01:53:52,819
across the United States are covered by 

3037
01:53:52,819 --> 01:53:54,763
Air National Guard units . Many of 

3038
01:53:54,763 --> 01:53:57,609
those are flying older F-16 aircraft , 

3039
01:53:57,620 --> 01:53:59,842
and so they need to be modernized as we 

3040
01:53:59,842 --> 01:54:02,009
get into the future . They have strong 

3041
01:54:02,009 --> 01:54:04,290
capabilities now , but as we get to the 

3042
01:54:04,290 --> 01:54:06,290
future and new threats , we have to 

3043
01:54:06,290 --> 01:54:08,234
make sure that we recapitalize our 

3044
01:54:08,234 --> 01:54:11,080
fighters . Sir , and the challenge 

3045
01:54:11,080 --> 01:54:13,302
we've dealt with is we've , we're going 

3046
01:54:13,302 --> 01:54:15,600
to see by the end of the fight up 9% , 

3047
01:54:15,680 --> 01:54:18,080
9.6% of the fighter force within the 

3048
01:54:18,080 --> 01:54:20,247
Air Force Reserve is going to decrease 

3049
01:54:20,247 --> 01:54:22,247
to about 3% . So we're seeing as we 

3050
01:54:22,247 --> 01:54:24,600
diminish and retire aircraft like the 

3051
01:54:24,600 --> 01:54:27,589
A-10 . Uh , rightfully so . The , the 

3052
01:54:27,589 --> 01:54:29,367
challenge is there's not enough 

3053
01:54:29,367 --> 01:54:31,422
production . So directly answer your 

3054
01:54:31,422 --> 01:54:33,422
question , we need those production 

3055
01:54:33,422 --> 01:54:35,533
levels to , to increase so that we're 

3056
01:54:35,533 --> 01:54:37,645
available to retain that talent . One 

3057
01:54:37,645 --> 01:54:39,478
of the examples from , uh , Mr . 

3058
01:54:39,478 --> 01:54:42,640
Elsie's comments was last year we had a , 

3059
01:54:42,649 --> 01:54:45,879
uh , we , we offered , we had , we're 

3060
01:54:45,879 --> 01:54:47,990
taking physicians who were interested 

3061
01:54:47,990 --> 01:54:50,939
in an F-35 unit . We've received 200 

3062
01:54:50,939 --> 01:54:53,470
qualified applications for 6 positions 

3063
01:54:53,799 --> 01:54:56,479
in that F-35 unit . So that's , that's 

3064
01:54:56,479 --> 01:54:58,646
the function of if we're in the proper 

3065
01:54:58,646 --> 01:55:00,590
aircraft , if we've got the proper 

3066
01:55:00,590 --> 01:55:02,368
production , that's a return on 

3067
01:55:02,368 --> 01:55:04,535
investment for a highly trained , well 

3068
01:55:04,535 --> 01:55:06,479
trained active duty force for much 

3069
01:55:06,479 --> 01:55:08,423
cheaper in the . Reserve and guard 

3070
01:55:08,423 --> 01:55:10,479
going forward . Mr . Chairman , if I 

3071
01:55:10,479 --> 01:55:12,646
could , as a Marine fighter pilot , if 

3072
01:55:12,646 --> 01:55:14,812
I could chime in on that because it is 

3073
01:55:14,812 --> 01:55:14,129
important to us as well as we 

3074
01:55:14,129 --> 01:55:16,129
transition to the F-35C here in the 

3075
01:55:16,129 --> 01:55:18,240
coming years . Our last deployment of 

3076
01:55:18,240 --> 01:55:20,240
the F-18 is going to happen in this 

3077
01:55:20,240 --> 01:55:22,407
next fiscal year into the first island 

3078
01:55:22,407 --> 01:55:24,573
chain , so we are certainly keeping an 

3079
01:55:24,573 --> 01:55:26,796
eye on fighter production . Thank you . 

3080
01:55:27,020 --> 01:55:29,899
I , before I , I wanna thank you for 

3081
01:55:29,899 --> 01:55:32,010
coming here today . We , we depend on 

3082
01:55:32,010 --> 01:55:34,121
the guard and reserve for what you do 

3083
01:55:34,121 --> 01:55:35,955
with service to our country . We 

3084
01:55:35,955 --> 01:55:38,049
appreciate that very much . Uh , 

3085
01:55:38,779 --> 01:55:40,835
General Healey , uh , Mrs . Healey , 

3086
01:55:40,835 --> 01:55:43,001
thank you both for your service . Um , 

3087
01:55:43,359 --> 01:55:45,359
uh , I hope the best for you in the 

3088
01:55:45,359 --> 01:55:47,850
future . Uh , I'll miss you at these , 

3089
01:55:47,959 --> 01:55:50,070
uh , these hearings . We'll be around 

3090
01:55:50,070 --> 01:55:52,240
though . But um now I'll uh thank you 

3091
01:55:52,240 --> 01:55:54,518
again and I'll recognize Mr . McCollum . 

3092
01:55:55,319 --> 01:55:57,208
Thank you and I wanna thank you , 

3093
01:55:57,240 --> 01:56:00,000
Lieutenant Jen uh Anderson for uh 

3094
01:56:00,000 --> 01:56:01,833
stepping up and saying something 

3095
01:56:01,833 --> 01:56:03,778
because this is part of my closing 

3096
01:56:03,778 --> 01:56:06,649
remarks , um . The , the degree of 

3097
01:56:06,649 --> 01:56:10,549
funding , um . For profile 

3098
01:56:10,549 --> 01:56:13,109
for the Marine Corps is not good , and 

3099
01:56:13,109 --> 01:56:15,053
I'm just gonna put this out on the 

3100
01:56:15,053 --> 01:56:17,509
table . Marine Corps Reserves INGRA 

3101
01:56:17,509 --> 01:56:19,620
funding profile has historically been 

3102
01:56:19,620 --> 01:56:21,287
the lowest of all the service 

3103
01:56:21,287 --> 01:56:24,759
components . Um , The 

3104
01:56:24,759 --> 01:56:27,279
marine , um , reservists received 

3105
01:56:27,279 --> 01:56:29,390
substantially less funding than their 

3106
01:56:29,390 --> 01:56:31,446
counterparts in the other services . 

3107
01:56:31,446 --> 01:56:33,668
This has put a long-standing trend into 

3108
01:56:33,668 --> 01:56:35,612
perspective . Let me give you some 

3109
01:56:35,612 --> 01:56:37,390
figures . The funding is around 

3110
01:56:37,390 --> 01:56:41,370
$464 per marine . It's not just the 

3111
01:56:41,370 --> 01:56:43,592
lowest of any of the components , but a 

3112
01:56:43,592 --> 01:56:45,648
significant detachment from the next 

3113
01:56:45,648 --> 01:56:47,703
lowest funded service , which is the 

3114
01:56:47,703 --> 01:56:49,703
Army Reserve , which receives about 

3115
01:56:49,703 --> 01:56:53,569
$788 per soldier , over 70% 

3116
01:56:53,569 --> 01:56:55,402
more per person than the Marines 

3117
01:56:55,402 --> 01:56:57,680
reservist . You play an important role . 

3118
01:56:57,729 --> 01:57:00,169
You just mentioned um the , the , the 

3119
01:57:00,169 --> 01:57:02,930
part that , that deals with flight . Um , 

3120
01:57:02,970 --> 01:57:05,180
but I'm going to task you with some 

3121
01:57:05,180 --> 01:57:07,236
homework . We need to make sure that 

3122
01:57:07,236 --> 01:57:09,458
there's parity . Marines will always go 

3123
01:57:09,458 --> 01:57:11,513
into the fight with what they have , 

3124
01:57:11,513 --> 01:57:13,624
but we need to make sure that there's 

3125
01:57:13,624 --> 01:57:15,402
parity in what they have , uh , 

3126
01:57:15,402 --> 01:57:17,347
especially as we look at the angry 

3127
01:57:17,347 --> 01:57:19,569
accounts . Mr . Joyce , um , brought up 

3128
01:57:19,569 --> 01:57:21,791
cyber , which is hugely important , and 

3129
01:57:21,791 --> 01:57:24,290
I think , uh , some information on what 

3130
01:57:24,290 --> 01:57:26,234
you're all doing on cyber would be 

3131
01:57:26,234 --> 01:57:28,457
helpful for this committee , especially 

3132
01:57:28,457 --> 01:57:30,679
as the Department of Homeland . Um , is 

3133
01:57:30,679 --> 01:57:32,846
cutting what it's doing , it's putting 

3134
01:57:32,846 --> 01:57:36,049
more and more , uh , um , not pressure 

3135
01:57:36,189 --> 01:57:38,245
because you're ready to do the job , 

3136
01:57:38,245 --> 01:57:40,356
but it's putting more activity at the 

3137
01:57:40,356 --> 01:57:42,467
cyber , uh , guard level . We had two 

3138
01:57:42,467 --> 01:57:44,633
attacks in Minnesota this year . First 

3139
01:57:44,633 --> 01:57:46,729
responders were affected with it and 

3140
01:57:46,750 --> 01:57:49,109
they work seamlessly with , um , with 

3141
01:57:49,109 --> 01:57:51,950
our , our , uh , civilian components in 

3142
01:57:51,950 --> 01:57:54,061
the municipalities and counties , but 

3143
01:57:54,061 --> 01:57:56,228
they can't do it alone . These , these 

3144
01:57:56,228 --> 01:57:58,339
attacks are getting more aggressive . 

3145
01:57:58,339 --> 01:58:00,450
The third thing I'd point out , Mr. , 

3146
01:58:00,450 --> 01:58:02,506
Mr . uh , uh , Chair is , you know , 

3147
01:58:02,506 --> 01:58:04,617
when the equipment was coming back to 

3148
01:58:04,617 --> 01:58:06,894
the guard and the reserve , uh , after , 

3149
01:58:06,894 --> 01:58:09,430
um , Afghanistan and Iraq . One of the 

3150
01:58:09,430 --> 01:58:11,597
things that we asked in this committee 

3151
01:58:11,597 --> 01:58:14,910
was a real good profile on . We know 

3152
01:58:14,910 --> 01:58:17,132
it's not gonna come back the same way , 

3153
01:58:17,390 --> 01:58:19,609
but we were asking for it to come back 

3154
01:58:19,669 --> 01:58:21,836
in pretty good shape , so it was ready 

3155
01:58:21,836 --> 01:58:24,709
to go . And this is gonna be true again . 

3156
01:58:25,180 --> 01:58:27,299
As we're deploying this equipment and 

3157
01:58:27,299 --> 01:58:29,859
as you pointed out , um , sometimes is , 

3158
01:58:29,979 --> 01:58:33,299
is much older , uh , equipment that we 

3159
01:58:33,299 --> 01:58:36,140
were on a list to , to , uh , replace 

3160
01:58:36,419 --> 01:58:38,641
and it's not being replaced fast enough 

3161
01:58:38,641 --> 01:58:40,770
and then you have re equipment , uh , 

3162
01:58:40,779 --> 01:58:42,946
turning , turning around coming back , 

3163
01:58:43,060 --> 01:58:45,227
not in the same shape but left uh home 

3164
01:58:45,227 --> 01:58:47,227
with . So , uh , we look forward to 

3165
01:58:47,227 --> 01:58:49,649
working with you and once again , uh , 

3166
01:58:49,700 --> 01:58:52,299
thank you , congratulations on , on 

3167
01:58:52,299 --> 01:58:54,910
service well done . We appreciate it , 

3168
01:58:55,160 --> 01:58:57,620
Mr . Chario back . Thank you , gentle 

3169
01:58:57,620 --> 01:58:59,842
lady , and thank you , thank you to all 

3170
01:58:59,842 --> 01:59:01,842
our witnesses . Uh , this concludes 

3171
01:59:01,842 --> 01:59:03,787
today's hearing . The subcommittee 

3172
01:59:03,787 --> 01:59:03,200
stands adjourned .