Wittman Statement Following Hearing On ISIL Strategy

Statement

Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1), House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee Chairman, released the following statement after Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testified before the House Armed Services Committee about the strategy of the United States in dealing with the terrorist group ISIL:

"The testimony by Secretary Hagel and General Dempsey illustrated the significant dangers posed by ISIL and also highlighted the challenges associated with that effort in terms of U.S. involvement. I continue to believe that Congress has a role to play in providing authorization of an extended military effort against ISIL, and that the President must also present to Congress his broader strategy for combatting extremism around the world. There is no question that these perpetrators of such barbarism must be destroyed.

"At the same time, the hearing reinforced the need for Congress to avert the impending defense budget cuts known as sequestration. I asked General Dempsey for his assessment on where our military will be if sequestration and reduced OCO funding are allowed to take effect, and he answered, "We will be less ready than at any time in my forty-year career.' General Dempsey also indicated that he estimates the current state of security affairs will continue for the next generation. In other words, the world is not getting any safer. This is why we must have a responsible defense budget that is governed by strategy.

"I believe that an unwavering commitment to our military's readiness today is absolutely critical for ensuring our ability to respond to threats tomorrow, and to maintain our ability to project power around the world. The sequester has got to be eliminated."

Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.

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