Hearing of the Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee - Opening Statement of Rep. Wilson, Markup of FY 2017 National Defense Authorization Act

Hearing

"I am very pleased to welcome everyone here today for the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities Mark Up for the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act.

We are a subcommittee that oversees some of the most innovative and critical aspects of the Department of Defense, including --

- U.S. Cyber Command and cyber programs across the Department of Defense, including major portions of the National Security Agency;
- Defense-wide science and technology efforts, such as the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency -- or DARPA -- and the Military service labs;
- Special Operations Forces;
- And programs that counter weapons of mass destruction from State and non-state actors alike.

This year, the subcommittee has been active in all of these major areas -- and this mark truly represents a comprehensive and bi-partisan product that all members can be proud of.

It is worth mentioning that our oversight often involves reviewing sensitive Department of Defense authorities, programs, and activities. We also participate in Congressional Delegations to see our Servicemen and women at war, and in the field.

The members of this subcommittee take this oversight roll very seriously, as we remain current on activities and programs involving -- most notably -- forces from across the Defense intelligence enterprise, Special Operations Command, and our cyber mission teams.

I am especially proud this morning to highlight a few key areas of our Subcommittee Mark.

This year our mark provides for robust and resilient cyber operations capabilities, supports innovative science and technological advances to meet future challenges, and fully supports our Special Operations Forces who remain at war and globally postured supporting national security objectives.

We extend vital counterterrorism authorities while improving Congressional oversight in this important area.

We also include many provisions to strengthen cyber capabilities and ensure resiliency for Department of Defense networks, weapons systems, and capabilities.

And this mark fully funds U.S. Cyber Command and all Military Service cyber programs, while also providing authorities to improve cyber readiness, and to fully recover from a cyber attack.

This morning I would also like to say thank you to our Ranking Member, Mr. Jim Langevin of Rhode Island, who has been an energetic partner on these issues. It has been a pleasure working with you, Jim, and I look forward to continuing our bipartisan efforts together."

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