1 00:00:01,640 --> 00:00:03,751 Oh there it is . Thank you . Chairman 2 00:00:03,751 --> 00:00:05,780 read uh ranking member in Hough and 3 00:00:05,790 --> 00:00:07,957 thank you all for your service and for 4 00:00:07,957 --> 00:00:10,012 being here again , we appreciate how 5 00:00:10,012 --> 00:00:12,068 accessible you are to this committee 6 00:00:12,068 --> 00:00:14,490 and others . Um General Milley . Last 7 00:00:14,490 --> 00:00:16,657 month I traveled to Poland and Germany 8 00:00:16,657 --> 00:00:19,130 as part of a bipartisan code L led by 9 00:00:19,130 --> 00:00:21,430 Senator ernst several other members of 10 00:00:21,430 --> 00:00:23,650 this committee on the Code L . We had 11 00:00:23,650 --> 00:00:25,706 the privilege of meeting the U . S . 12 00:00:25,706 --> 00:00:27,594 Forces , receiving briefings from 13 00:00:27,594 --> 00:00:29,872 commanders on the situation in Ukraine . 14 00:00:29,872 --> 00:00:31,539 Seeing firsthand the security 15 00:00:31,539 --> 00:00:33,372 assistance and training , NATO's 16 00:00:33,372 --> 00:00:37,000 providing the Ukrainians and this trip . 17 00:00:37,010 --> 00:00:40,450 And horrific , horrific is too light of 18 00:00:40,450 --> 00:00:42,339 a word , I guess to use . But the 19 00:00:42,339 --> 00:00:44,283 horrific images of the Russian war 20 00:00:44,283 --> 00:00:46,283 crimes we've seen since , it really 21 00:00:46,283 --> 00:00:49,410 underscores for me that we can and we 22 00:00:49,410 --> 00:00:52,980 must do more to support Ukraine defeat 23 00:00:52,990 --> 00:00:55,470 Vladimir Putin and defeat what he's 24 00:00:55,470 --> 00:00:57,890 doing . So , President Zelensky 25 00:00:57,900 --> 00:01:00,011 continues to ask for greater american 26 00:01:00,011 --> 00:01:02,360 support to close the skies , Allow 27 00:01:02,360 --> 00:01:04,320 Ukraine to defend itself . I do 28 00:01:04,320 --> 00:01:06,487 understand the arguments as to why the 29 00:01:06,487 --> 00:01:08,780 MiG 29 specifically might not make 30 00:01:08,780 --> 00:01:11,290 sense for Ukrainians defensive battle . 31 00:01:11,290 --> 00:01:13,490 But is there another aircraft that 32 00:01:13,490 --> 00:01:15,490 could fly that could be impactful ? 33 00:01:15,490 --> 00:01:17,712 Something else that could provide close 34 00:01:17,712 --> 00:01:19,768 support ? And and I understand we're 35 00:01:19,768 --> 00:01:22,400 not in the classified setting . Um Are 36 00:01:22,400 --> 00:01:24,590 there other forms of lethal assistance 37 00:01:24,590 --> 00:01:26,590 you could talk about here that that 38 00:01:26,590 --> 00:01:29,790 might help Ukraine Ukrainians defend 39 00:01:29,790 --> 00:01:32,980 themselves against this brutality . The 40 00:01:33,220 --> 00:01:35,350 most effective is that which we have 41 00:01:35,350 --> 00:01:37,461 been providing , which is air defense 42 00:01:37,461 --> 00:01:40,920 systems . So the Russian air force has 43 00:01:40,920 --> 00:01:44,000 not even today established air 44 00:01:44,000 --> 00:01:46,222 superiority , let alone air supremacy , 45 00:01:46,222 --> 00:01:48,444 which is one of the reasons why they're 46 00:01:48,444 --> 00:01:50,667 having great difficulty on the ground . 47 00:01:50,667 --> 00:01:52,833 So the air superiority mission has not 48 00:01:52,833 --> 00:01:52,520 been achieved . Why is that ? It's 49 00:01:52,520 --> 00:01:54,464 because of the survival of the air 50 00:01:54,464 --> 00:01:56,520 defense systems , both the man paths 51 00:01:56,520 --> 00:01:58,687 that we've been providing stingers and 52 00:01:58,687 --> 00:02:00,798 like from other NATO countries , plus 53 00:02:00,798 --> 00:02:02,853 the longer range Sams that have been 54 00:02:02,853 --> 00:02:04,853 provided that they already had . So 55 00:02:04,853 --> 00:02:06,853 that system has denied the airspace 56 00:02:06,853 --> 00:02:08,909 effective use of the airspace to the 57 00:02:08,909 --> 00:02:11,076 Russian military . Now , that's not to 58 00:02:11,076 --> 00:02:10,580 say Russian air is not getting through . 59 00:02:10,580 --> 00:02:12,802 They are on occasion , but for the most 60 00:02:12,802 --> 00:02:14,636 part , they're not very and very 61 00:02:14,636 --> 00:02:16,747 effective . The Russian air force and 62 00:02:16,747 --> 00:02:16,200 and that's the reason is because of the 63 00:02:16,200 --> 00:02:18,256 air defenses , the best method right 64 00:02:18,256 --> 00:02:20,422 now . And the Ukrainians , I talked to 65 00:02:20,422 --> 00:02:22,533 my Ukrainian counterpart every couple 66 00:02:22,533 --> 00:02:24,867 of days , they are very , very thankful . 67 00:02:24,867 --> 00:02:27,089 Extraordinarily thank you on the 60,000 68 00:02:27,089 --> 00:02:29,256 antitank weapons , which is the second 69 00:02:29,256 --> 00:02:29,220 system that is really effective and the 70 00:02:29,220 --> 00:02:31,730 and about 25,000 anti aircraft weapons 71 00:02:31,730 --> 00:02:33,674 systems that have been sent by the 72 00:02:33,674 --> 00:02:35,508 United States and our allies and 73 00:02:35,508 --> 00:02:37,730 partners . So those are the two weapons 74 00:02:37,730 --> 00:02:39,952 systems that have proven most effective 75 00:02:39,952 --> 00:02:42,063 and the one for the air in particular 76 00:02:42,063 --> 00:02:44,230 the best way to deny the soviet or the 77 00:02:44,230 --> 00:02:46,008 Soviets the Russians , uh , the 78 00:02:46,008 --> 00:02:48,008 airspace is through the air defense 79 00:02:48,008 --> 00:02:50,230 systems and that's what they're using . 80 00:02:50,230 --> 00:02:52,230 Well , given the having losses that 81 00:02:52,230 --> 00:02:54,230 Russians have been um , the Russian 82 00:02:54,230 --> 00:02:56,341 military suffered in the Ukraine . We 83 00:02:56,341 --> 00:02:58,341 know they're repositioning like you 84 00:02:58,341 --> 00:03:00,508 said there , uh we're doing a good job 85 00:03:00,508 --> 00:03:02,730 or getting them the lethal support that 86 00:03:02,730 --> 00:03:04,730 they need . How do you assess their 87 00:03:04,730 --> 00:03:06,786 ability as they're repositioning and 88 00:03:06,786 --> 00:03:09,490 trying to resupply ? I would guess 89 00:03:09,500 --> 00:03:13,200 their forces and their Russian ability 90 00:03:13,200 --> 00:03:15,367 and their attack on eastern Ukraine as 91 00:03:15,367 --> 00:03:17,367 they begin to reposition themselves 92 00:03:17,367 --> 00:03:19,790 more down towards the Donbass . The 93 00:03:19,800 --> 00:03:21,744 Russians have been struggling with 94 00:03:21,744 --> 00:03:23,578 their logistical resupply fuel , 95 00:03:23,578 --> 00:03:25,911 ammunition , food also medevac etcetera . 96 00:03:26,040 --> 00:03:27,818 They've been having a very very 97 00:03:27,818 --> 00:03:29,651 difficult time . Part of that is 98 00:03:29,651 --> 00:03:29,620 because the lines of communications 99 00:03:29,620 --> 00:03:31,842 which that they have , the ground lines 100 00:03:31,842 --> 00:03:33,676 of communications are at risk to 101 00:03:33,676 --> 00:03:35,898 dismounted and mounted Ukrainian forces 102 00:03:35,898 --> 00:03:37,842 that are conducting ambushes along 103 00:03:37,842 --> 00:03:39,731 those lines of communication . So 104 00:03:39,731 --> 00:03:39,260 they've really had a difficult time 105 00:03:39,260 --> 00:03:41,750 with logistics . Well and so on the 106 00:03:41,750 --> 00:03:44,140 other side of that , we know if they're 107 00:03:44,150 --> 00:03:46,850 repositioning the Ukrainian military 108 00:03:46,860 --> 00:03:48,638 and ground forces there have to 109 00:03:48,638 --> 00:03:52,130 reposition as well . So um looking 110 00:03:52,130 --> 00:03:54,290 ahead , do you think the Ukrainians 111 00:03:54,290 --> 00:03:56,457 have the right equipment and logistics 112 00:03:56,457 --> 00:03:59,260 in place to two ah 113 00:04:00,240 --> 00:04:02,407 defend against this repositioning that 114 00:04:02,407 --> 00:04:04,160 Russia is seems to be doing , 115 00:04:05,340 --> 00:04:07,680 they are asking for and they could 116 00:04:07,680 --> 00:04:10,600 probably use additional armor and 117 00:04:10,600 --> 00:04:13,290 artillery . Uh And we're looking we're 118 00:04:13,300 --> 00:04:15,189 looking around through allies and 119 00:04:15,189 --> 00:04:17,356 partners to get those types of weapons 120 00:04:17,356 --> 00:04:19,467 systems that require no training . Of 121 00:04:19,467 --> 00:04:19,220 course we have armor and artillery but 122 00:04:19,220 --> 00:04:21,276 it's not the kind that they are used 123 00:04:21,276 --> 00:04:23,053 before and we require months of 124 00:04:23,053 --> 00:04:25,053 training to get them into a U . S . 125 00:04:25,053 --> 00:04:27,109 System . Uh So we are looking around 126 00:04:27,109 --> 00:04:29,220 along with other countries in NATO to 127 00:04:29,220 --> 00:04:31,442 help them out in terms of building them 128 00:04:31,442 --> 00:04:33,609 up for armor and artillery . The fight 129 00:04:33,609 --> 00:04:35,664 down in the southeast the terrain is 130 00:04:35,664 --> 00:04:37,831 different than it is in the north . It 131 00:04:37,831 --> 00:04:39,998 is much more open and and lends itself 132 00:04:39,998 --> 00:04:41,998 to armor , mechanized the offensive 133 00:04:41,998 --> 00:04:44,220 operations on both sides . Uh And uh so 134 00:04:44,220 --> 00:04:46,164 those are the systems that they're 135 00:04:46,164 --> 00:04:45,770 looking for and that's what people are 136 00:04:45,770 --> 00:04:47,826 trying to help them out with . Thank 137 00:04:47,826 --> 00:04:49,937 you . I'm I'm going to submit my next 138 00:04:49,937 --> 00:04:51,992 questions for the record but they're 139 00:04:51,992 --> 00:04:54,214 really important there be for Secretary 140 00:04:54,214 --> 00:04:56,214 Austin and under Secretary McCord . 141 00:04:56,214 --> 00:04:55,930 It's about housing for our junior 142 00:04:55,930 --> 00:04:58,130 enlisted troops . Uh They're not able 143 00:04:58,130 --> 00:05:00,130 to receive their base allowance for 144 00:05:00,130 --> 00:05:02,470 housing . They're transitioning . The 145 00:05:02,480 --> 00:05:04,647 cost of housing is expensive . They're 146 00:05:04,647 --> 00:05:06,813 not getting reimbursed in the way they 147 00:05:06,813 --> 00:05:08,813 should be . We also have issues for 148 00:05:08,813 --> 00:05:11,590 those on um Creech that I have to 149 00:05:11,590 --> 00:05:14,110 travel to far away to go to las Vegas 150 00:05:14,110 --> 00:05:15,999 and go to work . And so I'm gonna 151 00:05:15,999 --> 00:05:18,166 submit those for the record . I see my 152 00:05:18,166 --> 00:05:20,388 time is up and look forward to speaking 153 00:05:20,388 --> 00:05:22,277 with you about that . Thank you . 154 00:05:22,277 --> 00:05:24,388 Senator Rosen . Uh Senator Tuberville 155 00:05:24,388 --> 00:05:26,499 please . Thank you very much . Thanks 156 00:05:26,499 --> 00:05:28,610 for being here today . Secretary . Um 157 00:05:29,140 --> 00:05:31,140 General Milley good to see you last 158 00:05:31,140 --> 00:05:33,029 week . I thought that was a great 159 00:05:33,029 --> 00:05:35,307 change for command down in the centcom . 160 00:05:35,307 --> 00:05:39,260 Uh Secretary Austin as we all know 161 00:05:39,260 --> 00:05:41,316 in the near future . We're gonna get 162 00:05:41,316 --> 00:05:43,427 the I . G . Report on Space command . 163 00:05:43,740 --> 00:05:45,684 Hopefully moving to Huntsville and 164 00:05:45,684 --> 00:05:47,796 Redstone arsenal . We've got a lot of 165 00:05:47,796 --> 00:05:50,450 great comments from from you and uh 166 00:05:50,460 --> 00:05:52,580 sector acting sector of the Air Force 167 00:05:52,590 --> 00:05:55,200 uh sector of Air Force frank Kendall . 168 00:05:55,200 --> 00:05:57,460 And of course General James Dickinson . 169 00:05:57,940 --> 00:06:00,700 All positive comments I . G . Report 170 00:06:00,700 --> 00:06:02,790 will come out in the future . Any 171 00:06:02,790 --> 00:06:05,050 thoughts about future . 172 00:06:06,640 --> 00:06:09,690 Thanks Senator . As you know I I will 173 00:06:09,690 --> 00:06:12,070 never comment on an I . G . On a 174 00:06:12,070 --> 00:06:14,126 subject that's under I . D . I . G . 175 00:06:14,126 --> 00:06:16,790 Scrutiny . So uh when that report comes 176 00:06:16,790 --> 00:06:20,760 out we'll make sure that uh we uh we 177 00:06:21,240 --> 00:06:24,210 good analyze it as quickly as possible 178 00:06:24,210 --> 00:06:27,070 and take on the recommendations . Thank 179 00:06:27,070 --> 00:06:30,580 you . General Milley last year's N . D . 180 00:06:30,580 --> 00:06:34,500 A . 2022 . We we got a jump start on 181 00:06:34,500 --> 00:06:37,470 the Aegis system in Guam . Uh Hopefully 182 00:06:37,470 --> 00:06:39,581 we can continue that next few years . 183 00:06:39,581 --> 00:06:41,581 It's gonna take a while to get that 184 00:06:41,581 --> 00:06:43,692 done . A land based which I think all 185 00:06:43,692 --> 00:06:45,803 of us agree we need uh now we have an 186 00:06:45,803 --> 00:06:47,859 iron dome there . Uh You know that's 187 00:06:47,859 --> 00:06:50,081 kind of to me that would after visiting 188 00:06:50,081 --> 00:06:52,303 Guam a few months ago that'd be kind of 189 00:06:52,303 --> 00:06:54,359 like swatting flies you know uh what 190 00:06:54,359 --> 00:06:53,930 what do you think in the in the near 191 00:06:53,930 --> 00:06:56,208 future we could do with that iron down ? 192 00:06:57,140 --> 00:06:59,196 Well the iron dome is very effective 193 00:06:59,196 --> 00:07:01,418 system but let me just take a step back 194 00:07:01,440 --> 00:07:03,630 for the ballistic missile defense in 195 00:07:03,630 --> 00:07:06,640 the pacific region . It's in uh Senator 196 00:07:06,640 --> 00:07:08,751 Hirono had asked about that earlier . 197 00:07:08,751 --> 00:07:10,640 It's a layered system that starts 198 00:07:10,640 --> 00:07:12,900 literally over in Japan and comes 199 00:07:12,900 --> 00:07:15,122 through the entire pacific and includes 200 00:07:15,122 --> 00:07:17,344 radars and various missile systems that 201 00:07:17,344 --> 00:07:19,622 are arrayed throughout to include Guam , 202 00:07:19,622 --> 00:07:21,860 hawaii Alaska etcetera , specifically 203 00:07:21,860 --> 00:07:24,027 to the iron Dome . It's a great system 204 00:07:24,027 --> 00:07:26,193 um and it's a very accurate system and 205 00:07:26,193 --> 00:07:28,193 it's got a very good track record . 206 00:07:28,193 --> 00:07:30,360 There's all kinds of utility for it in 207 00:07:30,360 --> 00:07:32,582 a wide variety of environments . So I'm 208 00:07:32,582 --> 00:07:34,860 a big fan of the iron dome . Thank you . 209 00:07:34,860 --> 00:07:37,082 Uh General Austin . Our sector . Austin 210 00:07:37,082 --> 00:07:39,590 extremely concerned about the situation 211 00:07:39,590 --> 00:07:42,180 in southwest border . According to the 212 00:07:42,180 --> 00:07:43,791 latest data board patrol has 213 00:07:43,791 --> 00:07:45,902 encountered more than 150,000 illegal 214 00:07:46,140 --> 00:07:48,360 immigrants a month For at least the 215 00:07:48,360 --> 00:07:50,527 past 12 months . And it's estimated at 216 00:07:50,527 --> 00:07:52,416 least 500 illegal immigrants have 217 00:07:52,416 --> 00:07:55,560 invaded the border . Ah Just recently , 218 00:07:56,540 --> 00:07:58,262 I'm especially concerned about 219 00:07:58,262 --> 00:08:00,484 trafficking of drugs , fentaNYL and the 220 00:08:00,484 --> 00:08:02,707 new drug ? Most people haven't heard of 221 00:08:02,707 --> 00:08:04,873 it called ISO , which is 20 times more 222 00:08:04,873 --> 00:08:07,040 lethal than fentaNYL coming across the 223 00:08:07,040 --> 00:08:09,040 border . The new york post reported 224 00:08:09,040 --> 00:08:11,262 yesterday that you approved DHS request 225 00:08:11,262 --> 00:08:13,151 for additional D . O . D . At the 226 00:08:13,151 --> 00:08:14,429 border . That accurate 227 00:08:17,940 --> 00:08:20,370 DHS has did submit a request for our 228 00:08:20,370 --> 00:08:22,700 support . And uh as we have done in the 229 00:08:22,700 --> 00:08:26,450 past , we uh we I 230 00:08:26,460 --> 00:08:30,060 approve the request . We 231 00:08:30,440 --> 00:08:32,750 again , DHS is the lead federal agency 232 00:08:32,750 --> 00:08:35,620 in this endeavor . We provide enabling 233 00:08:35,620 --> 00:08:38,280 support to D . H . S . Uh when and 234 00:08:38,280 --> 00:08:40,169 where we came . And we're legally 235 00:08:40,169 --> 00:08:42,169 possible . Yeah , it's obviously we 236 00:08:42,169 --> 00:08:44,224 need help . Especially if we do away 237 00:08:44,224 --> 00:08:46,224 with title 42 which looks like it's 238 00:08:46,224 --> 00:08:48,420 coming . Uh Have you done any 239 00:08:48,420 --> 00:08:51,570 assessment of or as secretary give you 240 00:08:51,570 --> 00:08:54,820 any assessment about how many we would 241 00:08:54,820 --> 00:08:56,987 need down there if we did do something 242 00:08:57,190 --> 00:08:58,190 in your purview 243 00:09:00,930 --> 00:09:03,980 secretary . Mayorkas obviously Senator 244 00:09:03,980 --> 00:09:06,530 will will work up his requirements and 245 00:09:06,530 --> 00:09:08,641 his assessments and and provide those 246 00:09:08,641 --> 00:09:11,000 to the president . And uh you know , he 247 00:09:11,010 --> 00:09:12,788 certainly has not provided that 248 00:09:12,788 --> 00:09:15,010 assessment to me . Has he talked to you 249 00:09:15,010 --> 00:09:14,820 about it ? You know , maybe in the 250 00:09:14,820 --> 00:09:17,930 future not about future requirements . 251 00:09:17,930 --> 00:09:19,763 He's only talked to me about the 252 00:09:19,763 --> 00:09:22,450 current requirements . Okay . Um 253 00:09:23,940 --> 00:09:27,670 I want to pick up where Senator ernst 254 00:09:27,680 --> 00:09:29,680 was at the end of her questioning . 255 00:09:29,680 --> 00:09:31,958 Anybody can answer this . But you know , 256 00:09:31,958 --> 00:09:34,069 we were going to spend all this money 257 00:09:34,069 --> 00:09:36,860 on these all this great equipment and 258 00:09:36,860 --> 00:09:39,520 we're all good with that . But it takes 259 00:09:39,520 --> 00:09:42,470 people it takes people to do that and 260 00:09:42,470 --> 00:09:44,470 you all know that . And and I would 261 00:09:44,470 --> 00:09:46,637 love to see a better recruiting effort 262 00:09:46,637 --> 00:09:48,470 of spending some money . And and 263 00:09:48,470 --> 00:09:50,692 because we're fighting big tech , we're 264 00:09:50,692 --> 00:09:53,460 we're fighting a lot of areas now being 265 00:09:53,460 --> 00:09:56,210 an all volunteer army . I think we've 266 00:09:56,210 --> 00:09:59,250 got to put up a larger foot forward and 267 00:09:59,250 --> 00:10:01,194 getting the best and the brightest 268 00:10:01,194 --> 00:10:03,760 young men and women in and whatever uh 269 00:10:04,340 --> 00:10:07,380 part of our military and it's I think 270 00:10:07,380 --> 00:10:09,491 it's I think it's gonna be one of the 271 00:10:09,491 --> 00:10:11,658 most important things we do . We can't 272 00:10:11,658 --> 00:10:13,824 fight a war or have a deterrent unless 273 00:10:13,824 --> 00:10:15,991 people really understand . We have got 274 00:10:15,991 --> 00:10:18,047 a fighting force that really is sold 275 00:10:18,047 --> 00:10:20,120 out on this country and wants to lay 276 00:10:20,120 --> 00:10:22,890 their life on the line . And uh just 277 00:10:22,890 --> 00:10:25,057 your thoughts both of y'all's thoughts 278 00:10:25,057 --> 00:10:28,840 on that real quick . I absolutely agree 279 00:10:28,840 --> 00:10:30,951 with you sir . We we need to continue 280 00:10:30,951 --> 00:10:33,173 to invest in the quality of our force . 281 00:10:33,440 --> 00:10:35,960 That's exactly what you've heard come 282 00:10:35,960 --> 00:10:37,682 from our army leadership , the 283 00:10:37,682 --> 00:10:39,793 secretary and the chief and it's what 284 00:10:39,793 --> 00:10:41,738 you'll hear coming from all of our 285 00:10:41,738 --> 00:10:43,627 secretaries . It's what we need , 286 00:10:43,627 --> 00:10:45,780 what's what's made us dominant uh and 287 00:10:45,780 --> 00:10:47,836 the best force in the world and what 288 00:10:47,836 --> 00:10:49,960 we'll need to uh going forward to 289 00:10:49,960 --> 00:10:52,016 continue to be the best force in the 290 00:10:52,016 --> 00:10:54,127 world . And I just want to assure you 291 00:10:54,127 --> 00:10:56,238 and everyone that's listening that we 292 00:10:56,238 --> 00:10:58,360 have tremendous standards and we have 293 00:10:58,370 --> 00:11:00,481 tremendous people in uniform today as 294 00:11:00,481 --> 00:11:02,537 we go forward . We have to take into 295 00:11:02,537 --> 00:11:04,203 account the feature operating 296 00:11:04,203 --> 00:11:06,426 environment , changing the character of 297 00:11:06,426 --> 00:11:06,050 war . So our recruiting does need to be 298 00:11:06,050 --> 00:11:08,161 adjusted . We need to up our game and 299 00:11:08,161 --> 00:11:10,328 we're gonna have to look at uh in some 300 00:11:10,328 --> 00:11:12,272 cases look at different recruiting 301 00:11:12,272 --> 00:11:14,439 bases in order to get people for cyber 302 00:11:14,439 --> 00:11:16,439 and space and and some of the other 303 00:11:16,439 --> 00:11:18,550 high tech things because we're moving 304 00:11:18,550 --> 00:11:20,494 in to literally a different era in 305 00:11:20,494 --> 00:11:20,450 warfare uh and we are gonna have to 306 00:11:20,450 --> 00:11:22,450 adjust our recruiting to match that 307 00:11:22,450 --> 00:11:24,672 future . Thank you . Thank you for your 308 00:11:24,672 --> 00:11:26,617 service . Thank you . Mr . Chair . 309 00:11:26,617 --> 00:11:28,728 Thank you santo bro . Senator kelly , 310 00:11:28,728 --> 00:11:30,790 please thank you . Mr . Chairman and 311 00:11:30,800 --> 00:11:33,210 thank you to all of you for being here 312 00:11:33,210 --> 00:11:35,980 today . Secretary Austin , I want to 313 00:11:35,980 --> 00:11:38,690 discuss preface contamination near 314 00:11:38,690 --> 00:11:41,180 military facilities . This is a big 315 00:11:41,180 --> 00:11:44,210 challenge in Arizona , both of phoenix 316 00:11:44,210 --> 00:11:46,740 and Tucson areas have growing preface 317 00:11:46,740 --> 00:11:50,600 plumes in the groundwater aquifers . 318 00:11:50,630 --> 00:11:52,463 And as we face worsening drought 319 00:11:52,463 --> 00:11:54,463 conditions along the Colorado River 320 00:11:54,540 --> 00:11:57,030 groundwater . So groundwater will 321 00:11:57,030 --> 00:11:59,130 become a more important source of 322 00:11:59,130 --> 00:12:01,430 drinking water for our communities , 323 00:12:01,440 --> 00:12:04,610 including military installations . The 324 00:12:04,620 --> 00:12:07,590 department has Department of Defense 325 00:12:07,590 --> 00:12:10,060 has remedial investigations into p fast 326 00:12:10,060 --> 00:12:12,116 contamination and aquifers near both 327 00:12:12,116 --> 00:12:14,760 luke Air Force base and Davis moth an 328 00:12:14,760 --> 00:12:17,020 Air force base . While I understand 329 00:12:17,020 --> 00:12:19,510 that these investigations can take time 330 00:12:19,520 --> 00:12:22,850 and rely on scarce resources affected 331 00:12:22,950 --> 00:12:25,061 communities , they can't move forward 332 00:12:25,440 --> 00:12:27,662 on permanent solutions with D . O . D . 333 00:12:27,662 --> 00:12:29,440 Until these investigations have 334 00:12:29,440 --> 00:12:31,760 concluded with conditions on the 335 00:12:31,760 --> 00:12:34,560 Colorado River degrading rapidly . I 336 00:12:34,560 --> 00:12:37,460 mean we're in a 1200 Year drought . 337 00:12:38,140 --> 00:12:40,880 Um well the worst drought in 1200 years 338 00:12:40,890 --> 00:12:43,290 and this one we're in has been going on 339 00:12:43,290 --> 00:12:46,940 for 20 years . It's significant and I'm 340 00:12:46,940 --> 00:12:49,160 worried that we may need to rely on 341 00:12:49,160 --> 00:12:52,920 these groundwater aquifer sources as 342 00:12:52,920 --> 00:12:54,976 sources of drinking water instead of 343 00:12:54,976 --> 00:12:57,087 getting all of our drinking water off 344 00:12:57,087 --> 00:13:00,410 of the river . So Mr . Secretary as the 345 00:13:00,410 --> 00:13:02,521 department makes determinations about 346 00:13:02,521 --> 00:13:04,700 which remedial investigations to 347 00:13:04,700 --> 00:13:07,540 prioritize how is it accounting for the 348 00:13:07,540 --> 00:13:10,730 needs of communities in regions that 349 00:13:10,730 --> 00:13:13,360 have a prolonged drought . And because 350 00:13:13,360 --> 00:13:16,580 of that has a higher likelihood of a 351 00:13:16,580 --> 00:13:19,060 future need of using the groundwater . 352 00:13:20,840 --> 00:13:22,980 Uh Thanks senator , I would just like 353 00:13:22,980 --> 00:13:26,350 to emphasize to you that uh the health 354 00:13:26,910 --> 00:13:30,620 and welfare of our troops , our 355 00:13:30,630 --> 00:13:32,580 families and the people in the 356 00:13:32,580 --> 00:13:34,747 community are very , very important to 357 00:13:34,747 --> 00:13:38,190 me . And I certainly we will continue 358 00:13:38,190 --> 00:13:41,320 to focus on getting these uh these 359 00:13:41,330 --> 00:13:44,210 assessments done and uh and work with 360 00:13:44,210 --> 00:13:47,150 the appropriate regulatory agencies to 361 00:13:47,150 --> 00:13:49,206 make sure that we're doing the right 362 00:13:49,206 --> 00:13:51,428 things and we'll move out as quickly as 363 00:13:51,428 --> 00:13:53,810 possible in terms of , you know , where 364 00:13:53,810 --> 00:13:56,970 we go , how we go forward . I think 365 00:13:56,970 --> 00:13:58,914 what you've raised is an important 366 00:13:58,914 --> 00:14:01,026 issue . If you're dependent upon that 367 00:14:01,026 --> 00:14:04,000 uh that a ground source of water , then 368 00:14:04,010 --> 00:14:06,250 the net needs to go into the equation 369 00:14:06,250 --> 00:14:08,830 there and , and in terms of what we 370 00:14:08,830 --> 00:14:10,997 address first and , and that's what it 371 00:14:10,997 --> 00:14:13,108 is . We're gonna apply with uh comply 372 00:14:13,108 --> 00:14:15,340 with the uh , with the regulations . Uh 373 00:14:15,350 --> 00:14:17,350 you know , work with the regulatory 374 00:14:17,350 --> 00:14:19,350 commissions but certainly take into 375 00:14:19,350 --> 00:14:21,350 account some of the things that you 376 00:14:21,350 --> 00:14:23,406 just raised . Well , thank you . The 377 00:14:23,406 --> 00:14:26,180 fiscal year 2022 . Nd A requires that 378 00:14:26,190 --> 00:14:29,440 the body produces schedule . So it 379 00:14:29,440 --> 00:14:31,384 would be really appreciated if you 380 00:14:31,384 --> 00:14:33,607 would consider the drought situation as 381 00:14:33,607 --> 00:14:36,210 that schedules being developed . Um 382 00:14:36,220 --> 00:14:38,420 Secretary Austin also have a question 383 00:14:38,420 --> 00:14:41,590 on tricare eligibility in our remaining 384 00:14:41,590 --> 00:14:43,980 time here With a 385 00:14:43,980 --> 00:14:47,050 4.6% increase in pay and increases in 386 00:14:47,050 --> 00:14:50,800 basic needs . Um And BHS 387 00:14:50,800 --> 00:14:52,800 housing allowance that I pushed for 388 00:14:52,800 --> 00:14:54,522 this budget goes a long way to 389 00:14:54,522 --> 00:14:56,522 addressing the needs of our service 390 00:14:56,522 --> 00:14:58,633 members . And this builds on the work 391 00:14:58,633 --> 00:15:00,689 that the department and Congress did 392 00:15:00,689 --> 00:15:02,689 last year in addressing suicide and 393 00:15:02,689 --> 00:15:04,633 sexual assault in the military . I 394 00:15:04,633 --> 00:15:06,911 commend your attention on these issues . 395 00:15:06,911 --> 00:15:09,022 However , I want to address one other 396 00:15:09,022 --> 00:15:11,430 disparity in the military when it comes 397 00:15:11,430 --> 00:15:14,090 to pay and benefits and that relates to 398 00:15:14,090 --> 00:15:16,201 health care . I'm concerned about the 399 00:15:16,201 --> 00:15:18,368 fact that military families don't have 400 00:15:18,368 --> 00:15:20,290 the same healthcare coverage that 401 00:15:20,290 --> 00:15:22,710 americans enjoy and what I'm getting at 402 00:15:22,710 --> 00:15:24,750 is one specific thing . And I 403 00:15:24,750 --> 00:15:26,528 introduced some bipartisan late 404 00:15:26,528 --> 00:15:28,630 legislation on this to bring Tricare 405 00:15:28,630 --> 00:15:31,100 plans in line with private insurance 406 00:15:31,100 --> 00:15:33,000 plans . My bill , the Healthcare 407 00:15:33,000 --> 00:15:36,360 Fairness for Military Families Act Act 408 00:15:36,360 --> 00:15:38,360 would allow the Children of service 409 00:15:38,360 --> 00:15:40,193 members to stay on their parents 410 00:15:40,193 --> 00:15:43,620 insurance until they're 26 That exists 411 00:15:43,630 --> 00:15:46,740 in civilian life does not exist 412 00:15:46,740 --> 00:15:48,629 currently under tricare . So mr . 413 00:15:48,629 --> 00:15:50,760 Secretary , can I get your commitment 414 00:15:50,860 --> 00:15:52,971 that you will work with my office and 415 00:15:52,971 --> 00:15:54,916 this committee on efforts to bring 416 00:15:54,916 --> 00:15:57,082 tricare in line with private insurance 417 00:15:57,082 --> 00:15:59,193 plans . Yes , senator . You can thank 418 00:15:59,193 --> 00:16:01,304 you and I yield back the remainder of 419 00:16:01,304 --> 00:16:03,416 my time . Thank you . Senator kelly . 420 00:16:03,416 --> 00:16:06,320 Senator Hawley , please thank you . Mr . 421 00:16:06,320 --> 00:16:08,280 Chairman , Thank you gentlemen for 422 00:16:08,280 --> 00:16:12,110 being here . Um General Miller , let me 423 00:16:12,210 --> 00:16:14,980 start with you if I could . Following 424 00:16:15,270 --> 00:16:17,492 Russia's first invasion of Ukraine back 425 00:16:17,492 --> 00:16:20,060 in 2014 Congress stood up the Ukraine 426 00:16:20,060 --> 00:16:22,630 security assistance initiative , which 427 00:16:22,640 --> 00:16:25,080 I hope is has been of some help to the 428 00:16:25,080 --> 00:16:27,247 Ukrainians in the lead up to this most 429 00:16:27,247 --> 00:16:29,400 recent invasion . I want to ask you 430 00:16:29,400 --> 00:16:31,622 about that . What we can draw from that 431 00:16:31,622 --> 00:16:34,170 with regard to Taiwan and over in in a 432 00:16:34,170 --> 00:16:36,580 calm if Congress were to enact a 433 00:16:36,580 --> 00:16:39,660 similar funding mechanism for Taiwan , 434 00:16:40,440 --> 00:16:42,662 do you think that would help strengthen 435 00:16:42,662 --> 00:16:45,080 Taiwan's ability to defend itself 436 00:16:45,090 --> 00:16:47,312 against a potential invasion by china ? 437 00:16:48,140 --> 00:16:51,890 I do , yes . And from a military 438 00:16:51,890 --> 00:16:54,130 perspective , is it fair to say that 439 00:16:54,140 --> 00:16:56,196 that strengthening Taiwan's defenses 440 00:16:56,196 --> 00:16:58,790 would help bolster deterrence against 441 00:16:58,790 --> 00:17:02,350 china number one , but also reduce the 442 00:17:02,350 --> 00:17:04,572 operational risk to american forces who 443 00:17:04,572 --> 00:17:06,739 might be called upon to help Taiwan in 444 00:17:06,739 --> 00:17:08,961 the event of an invasion . Absolutely , 445 00:17:08,961 --> 00:17:11,720 yes , this is uh I agree with you and 446 00:17:11,720 --> 00:17:13,998 thank you for those for those comments . 447 00:17:13,998 --> 00:17:16,109 This is why I think it's important to 448 00:17:16,109 --> 00:17:18,220 take that action right now and not to 449 00:17:18,220 --> 00:17:18,010 wait get behind the eight ball . I've 450 00:17:18,010 --> 00:17:20,121 introduced the Armed Taiwan act which 451 00:17:20,121 --> 00:17:22,121 would establish the Taiwan Security 452 00:17:22,121 --> 00:17:24,232 Assistance initiative modeled on what 453 00:17:24,232 --> 00:17:26,454 we did in Ukraine those years ago . And 454 00:17:26,454 --> 00:17:28,454 I I think I hope the committee will 455 00:17:28,454 --> 00:17:30,732 take it up . I think it's an important , 456 00:17:30,732 --> 00:17:32,899 an important initiative . Mr Secretary 457 00:17:32,899 --> 00:17:32,140 if I could switch to you , Secretary 458 00:17:32,140 --> 00:17:34,600 Austin , the Assistant Secretary for 459 00:17:34,600 --> 00:17:36,960 Defense Mara Karlin wrote prior to her 460 00:17:36,960 --> 00:17:39,071 confirmation and had a quarter here . 461 00:17:39,071 --> 00:17:41,238 So I get it right . That deterrence by 462 00:17:41,238 --> 00:17:43,293 denial should be prioritized when it 463 00:17:43,293 --> 00:17:45,516 comes to china and Taiwan in particular 464 00:17:45,516 --> 00:17:47,682 and she went on deterrence by constant 465 00:17:47,682 --> 00:17:49,904 position . Can complement but shouldn't 466 00:17:49,904 --> 00:17:52,016 supplant deterrence by denial when it 467 00:17:52,016 --> 00:17:54,182 comes to deterring china and Assistant 468 00:17:54,182 --> 00:17:56,182 Secretary of Defense Ely Ratner has 469 00:17:56,182 --> 00:17:58,238 said something similar . He told the 470 00:17:58,238 --> 00:18:00,182 committee with China as the pacing 471 00:18:00,182 --> 00:18:02,016 challenge . Taiwan is the pacing 472 00:18:02,016 --> 00:18:03,793 scenario and that's driven by a 473 00:18:03,793 --> 00:18:05,904 strategy of Denial . Okay . With that 474 00:18:05,904 --> 00:18:07,960 setup . Here's here's my question to 475 00:18:07,960 --> 00:18:10,050 you when it comes to the 2022nds and 476 00:18:10,050 --> 00:18:12,106 the NDS priorities . Can you and I'm 477 00:18:12,106 --> 00:18:14,272 aware we're in an unclassified setting 478 00:18:14,272 --> 00:18:16,439 here . But could you , can you tell us 479 00:18:16,640 --> 00:18:19,980 that we will see in the unclassified 480 00:18:19,980 --> 00:18:22,830 summary of the NDS a commitment to 481 00:18:22,830 --> 00:18:24,997 deterrence by denial , Especially when 482 00:18:24,997 --> 00:18:26,719 it comes to china and Taiwan . 483 00:18:31,340 --> 00:18:33,800 Our Defense Strategy accounts for the 484 00:18:33,800 --> 00:18:35,467 things that you just you just 485 00:18:35,467 --> 00:18:37,578 highlighted senator which is why both 486 00:18:37,578 --> 00:18:39,411 of my assistant secretaries have 487 00:18:39,411 --> 00:18:41,467 highlighted that . But yeah , that's 488 00:18:41,467 --> 00:18:43,689 that's that's in the strategy and we'll 489 00:18:43,689 --> 00:18:47,420 make sure that the the , you know , 490 00:18:47,420 --> 00:18:50,390 our unclassified version of the 491 00:18:50,390 --> 00:18:53,220 strategy appropriately reflects what's 492 00:18:53,220 --> 00:18:55,331 in the strategy . Good . Just to make 493 00:18:55,331 --> 00:18:57,498 sure I understand when you say it's in 494 00:18:57,498 --> 00:18:59,387 the strategy , you mean determine 495 00:18:59,387 --> 00:19:01,609 accounted for in the strategy deterring 496 00:19:01,609 --> 00:19:03,276 deterring deterring by denial 497 00:19:03,276 --> 00:19:05,387 deterrence by denial when it comes to 498 00:19:05,387 --> 00:19:07,664 China and Taiwan is is in the strategy . 499 00:19:07,664 --> 00:19:09,831 Have I got that right ? That's right . 500 00:19:09,831 --> 00:19:12,010 And and and then ah I can entertain 501 00:19:12,010 --> 00:19:13,954 your other questions in the in the 502 00:19:13,954 --> 00:19:15,899 classified . Great , but just fair 503 00:19:15,899 --> 00:19:18,121 enough . But just a closed loop on this 504 00:19:18,121 --> 00:19:20,121 you said and you would we would see 505 00:19:20,121 --> 00:19:22,066 that reflected in the unclassified 506 00:19:22,066 --> 00:19:24,121 summary when that's made available ? 507 00:19:24,121 --> 00:19:25,843 What I said was you'll see the 508 00:19:25,843 --> 00:19:28,010 unclassified summary reflect what's in 509 00:19:28,010 --> 00:19:29,788 the what's in the what's in the 510 00:19:29,788 --> 00:19:31,954 classified summary ? Okay . We need to 511 00:19:31,954 --> 00:19:34,121 be mindful of you know , what's what's 512 00:19:34,121 --> 00:19:36,232 transportable . What's uh what we can 513 00:19:36,232 --> 00:19:38,650 move to the to the unclassified session ? 514 00:19:40,440 --> 00:19:42,860 Good . Just staying on this team here 515 00:19:43,540 --> 00:19:45,596 under our Assistant Secretary Ratner 516 00:19:45,596 --> 00:19:47,707 has also testified that Taiwan is the 517 00:19:47,707 --> 00:19:50,990 pacing scenario . Um I think you've 518 00:19:50,990 --> 00:19:53,323 testified to that effect . Mr Secretary . 519 00:19:53,323 --> 00:19:55,268 I think I know I know that General 520 00:19:55,268 --> 00:19:57,212 Milley has said that china was the 521 00:19:57,212 --> 00:19:59,323 pacing challenge . Okay . Great . I I 522 00:19:59,323 --> 00:20:01,546 think General Milley has said that that 523 00:20:01,546 --> 00:20:03,434 the Taiwan scenario that the fate 524 00:20:03,434 --> 00:20:05,212 accompli scenario is the pacing 525 00:20:05,212 --> 00:20:05,000 scenario . If I'm not if I'm wrong 526 00:20:05,000 --> 00:20:07,222 about that generally don't put words in 527 00:20:07,222 --> 00:20:07,070 your mouth . You correct me . I know 528 00:20:07,070 --> 00:20:09,237 that dr Ratner has . So let's stick on 529 00:20:09,237 --> 00:20:11,459 that . I've said it before . Go ahead . 530 00:20:11,459 --> 00:20:13,570 General and I've said that before and 531 00:20:13,570 --> 00:20:15,792 that's the scenario . That's one of the 532 00:20:15,792 --> 00:20:17,737 scenarios that we use uh for force 533 00:20:17,737 --> 00:20:19,792 development and so on and so forth . 534 00:20:19,792 --> 00:20:21,959 But thank you . It is clearly the most 535 00:20:21,959 --> 00:20:24,640 important . Thank you . So here here is 536 00:20:24,650 --> 00:20:26,706 is my question to you Mr Secretary . 537 00:20:26,706 --> 00:20:30,340 Will we see that the the Taiwan 538 00:20:30,340 --> 00:20:32,507 scenario the danger of a fete accompli 539 00:20:32,507 --> 00:20:34,562 will we see that in the unclassified 540 00:20:34,640 --> 00:20:37,080 Summary of the 2022nds 541 00:20:38,640 --> 00:20:40,251 again I'll just say that the 542 00:20:40,251 --> 00:20:42,140 unclassified summary will reflect 543 00:20:42,140 --> 00:20:44,473 what's in the national Defense strategy . 544 00:20:44,473 --> 00:20:46,640 In terms of specific wording . I won't 545 00:20:46,640 --> 00:20:48,696 commit to a specific wording at this 546 00:20:48,696 --> 00:20:50,751 point . Could you could I get you to 547 00:20:50,751 --> 00:20:52,807 commit to this ? Would you would you 548 00:20:52,807 --> 00:20:55,029 echo what what General Milley just said 549 00:20:55,029 --> 00:20:54,940 And and that I assume your assistant 550 00:20:54,940 --> 00:20:56,884 secretaries reflect your views but 551 00:20:56,884 --> 00:20:59,107 that's exactly right . They do . Okay . 552 00:20:59,107 --> 00:21:01,329 And so could you , could you tell me in 553 00:21:01,329 --> 00:21:03,384 your own words that Mr Secretary , I 554 00:21:03,384 --> 00:21:05,551 mean is it , let me ask you this way . 555 00:21:05,551 --> 00:21:04,390 I don't want to put the words in your 556 00:21:04,390 --> 00:21:06,557 mouth . So let me let let me ask you , 557 00:21:06,557 --> 00:21:09,740 is it your view that the Taiwan fait 558 00:21:09,740 --> 00:21:11,610 accompli scenario is the pacing 559 00:21:11,610 --> 00:21:14,140 scenario just as as china is the pacing 560 00:21:14,140 --> 00:21:16,196 threat ? Is that fair to say it is a 561 00:21:16,196 --> 00:21:19,090 pacing scenario and I would say that 562 00:21:19,090 --> 00:21:21,034 our policy of china policy has not 563 00:21:21,034 --> 00:21:23,580 changed . Um My time has expired . I 564 00:21:23,580 --> 00:21:25,302 will have a few more follow up 565 00:21:25,302 --> 00:21:27,191 questions and hopefully also in a 566 00:21:27,191 --> 00:21:29,302 classified setting . Thank you . Mr . 567 00:21:29,302 --> 00:21:28,690 Chairman . Thank you . Senator holly . 568 00:21:28,690 --> 00:21:31,090 Senator Peters please thank you . Mr 569 00:21:31,090 --> 00:21:33,257 Chairman and gentlemen , thank you for 570 00:21:33,257 --> 00:21:35,257 for being here today . I understand 571 00:21:35,257 --> 00:21:37,480 that as part of the U . S . Deterrence 572 00:21:37,490 --> 00:21:40,990 measures up to and after the invasion 573 00:21:40,990 --> 00:21:43,750 of Ukraine there are now three U . S . 574 00:21:43,750 --> 00:21:46,180 Armored brigades forward deployed in 575 00:21:46,180 --> 00:21:49,080 europe . That's the most since early 576 00:21:49,080 --> 00:21:50,940 two the 2000s when the US made a 577 00:21:50,940 --> 00:21:53,420 strategic decision to permanently move , 578 00:21:53,420 --> 00:21:55,642 it's heavy armored forces out of europe 579 00:21:55,642 --> 00:21:57,753 and and bring them back to the United 580 00:21:57,753 --> 00:22:00,570 States recently . Army senior leaders 581 00:22:00,570 --> 00:22:02,792 have said that the strain on the army's 582 00:22:02,792 --> 00:22:06,220 11 active duty armored brigades Abc T . 583 00:22:06,220 --> 00:22:08,920 S is at a high point and noting that 584 00:22:08,920 --> 00:22:11,380 the rotational units basically need a 3 585 00:22:11,380 --> 00:22:14,560 to 1 rotation ratio to avoid excessive 586 00:22:14,570 --> 00:22:17,900 operational tempo and that 11 active 587 00:22:17,910 --> 00:22:20,060 abc T . S falls short of a of a 588 00:22:20,070 --> 00:22:23,120 sustainable ratio . I also note that 589 00:22:23,120 --> 00:22:24,898 while Congress has consistently 590 00:22:24,898 --> 00:22:27,090 provided funding for at least one 591 00:22:27,090 --> 00:22:29,960 brigade of tanks , each funding cycle , 592 00:22:30,060 --> 00:22:32,200 only three U . S . Army brigades have 593 00:22:32,200 --> 00:22:35,270 been fielded the most modern Abrams 594 00:22:35,280 --> 00:22:38,370 tanks including one brigade set in army 595 00:22:38,370 --> 00:22:41,130 preposition stock in Germany that is 596 00:22:41,130 --> 00:22:44,040 now being forward deployed to to Poland . 597 00:22:44,260 --> 00:22:46,210 So my question for you , secretary 598 00:22:46,220 --> 00:22:48,600 Austin , do you think that we need more 599 00:22:48,600 --> 00:22:50,600 armored forces now than we did last 600 00:22:50,600 --> 00:22:53,050 year as this budget was being developed ? 601 00:22:53,350 --> 00:22:55,600 Both in terms of those armored brigades 602 00:22:55,600 --> 00:22:57,960 forward deployed to europe and those 603 00:22:57,970 --> 00:23:00,810 which we could rotate worldwide . 604 00:23:02,740 --> 00:23:04,900 Thanks Senator , I truly believe that 605 00:23:04,900 --> 00:23:08,200 we have what we need currently as we 606 00:23:08,200 --> 00:23:11,870 figure out the future footprint uh in 607 00:23:11,870 --> 00:23:14,820 NATO , especially on the eastern flank . 608 00:23:14,830 --> 00:23:18,140 Uh if we have additional requirements , 609 00:23:18,140 --> 00:23:20,196 then certainly we'll we'll come back 610 00:23:20,196 --> 00:23:22,210 and ask for additional resources to 611 00:23:22,220 --> 00:23:26,050 remind you that we have over 100,000 612 00:23:26,060 --> 00:23:30,030 troops in either stationed in 613 00:23:30,030 --> 00:23:33,480 europe or or deployed to europe or 614 00:23:33,490 --> 00:23:36,490 operating in europe's waters . And uh 615 00:23:36,490 --> 00:23:39,770 and so we have a robust capability 616 00:23:39,770 --> 00:23:41,881 there . Now , we were able to do what 617 00:23:41,881 --> 00:23:43,992 we did recently as you heard me say , 618 00:23:43,992 --> 00:23:45,881 senator , because of what you did 619 00:23:45,881 --> 00:23:47,603 earlier to provide us with the 620 00:23:47,603 --> 00:23:50,970 resources in E . D . I . You you you 621 00:23:50,970 --> 00:23:53,400 saw that armored brigade combat team 622 00:23:53,400 --> 00:23:56,480 deploy rapidly from fort Stewart , fall 623 00:23:56,480 --> 00:23:59,360 in on pre pre position equipment uh and 624 00:23:59,360 --> 00:24:01,890 then rapidly moved to Germany . And 625 00:24:01,890 --> 00:24:04,370 again that was all possible because of 626 00:24:04,370 --> 00:24:06,426 E . D . I . We've been able to train 627 00:24:06,426 --> 00:24:09,530 heel to toe in uh in the along the 628 00:24:09,530 --> 00:24:11,697 eastern flank because of the resources 629 00:24:11,697 --> 00:24:14,680 that you provided us as well . So uh as 630 00:24:14,680 --> 00:24:16,791 we do our analysis going forward , if 631 00:24:16,791 --> 00:24:18,902 we need additional resources , I will 632 00:24:18,902 --> 00:24:21,124 work with the Secretary of the army and 633 00:24:21,124 --> 00:24:21,050 the Chief of Staff of the army and the 634 00:24:21,050 --> 00:24:23,272 chairman and come back and ask for more 635 00:24:23,272 --> 00:24:25,272 resources if we need them . Great , 636 00:24:25,272 --> 00:24:27,272 thank you . General Milley . Do you 637 00:24:27,272 --> 00:24:30,260 think the the op tempo on the 11 abc T . 638 00:24:30,260 --> 00:24:33,660 S that we have will be sustainable over 639 00:24:33,660 --> 00:24:36,730 the long term given Russia's apparent 640 00:24:36,740 --> 00:24:38,351 expansionist goals in europe 641 00:24:40,940 --> 00:24:43,162 Sen . I think that with 11 , you know , 642 00:24:43,162 --> 00:24:45,273 the 3-1 ratio , you've got three over 643 00:24:45,273 --> 00:24:47,670 there . 321 get your nine . So you need 644 00:24:47,670 --> 00:24:49,837 nine armored brigades plus we have one 645 00:24:49,837 --> 00:24:51,559 rotating back and forth of the 646 00:24:51,559 --> 00:24:53,503 peninsula career . So I think it's 647 00:24:53,503 --> 00:24:55,392 about right , but I'll go back to 648 00:24:55,392 --> 00:24:57,614 General McConville , the Chief Staff of 649 00:24:57,614 --> 00:24:59,781 the Army to make sure that my analysis 650 00:24:59,781 --> 00:24:59,480 is correct . And uh , and I'll get you 651 00:24:59,480 --> 00:25:01,702 a better answer if there's some sort of 652 00:25:01,702 --> 00:25:03,924 stress on the op tempo with the armored 653 00:25:03,924 --> 00:25:06,147 force that hasn't been brought up to me 654 00:25:06,147 --> 00:25:08,424 yet . Specific to this contingency now , 655 00:25:08,424 --> 00:25:10,480 long haul , that depends on how long 656 00:25:10,480 --> 00:25:12,591 the long haul is and that's not known 657 00:25:12,591 --> 00:25:12,410 right now . We're taking a look at that 658 00:25:12,410 --> 00:25:14,600 and we're gonna adjust adjust as we go 659 00:25:14,600 --> 00:25:17,030 here . Great , thank you . General 660 00:25:17,030 --> 00:25:19,252 Milley , the recently released National 661 00:25:19,252 --> 00:25:21,550 Defense Strategy describes china as 662 00:25:21,560 --> 00:25:23,690 quote , our most consequential 663 00:25:23,870 --> 00:25:26,050 strategic competitor and the pacing 664 00:25:26,050 --> 00:25:28,050 challenge for the department end of 665 00:25:28,050 --> 00:25:30,106 quote . And certainly the department 666 00:25:30,106 --> 00:25:32,161 will have to bring the full might of 667 00:25:32,161 --> 00:25:34,161 our joint force to bear in order to 668 00:25:34,161 --> 00:25:36,217 compete with this . This challenge . 669 00:25:36,340 --> 00:25:38,840 Now in dopey comedy is a maritime 670 00:25:38,840 --> 00:25:40,951 domain . So certainly the role of the 671 00:25:40,951 --> 00:25:43,450 Navy and the Marine Corps is very clear 672 00:25:43,740 --> 00:25:45,810 as well as the Air force and space 673 00:25:45,810 --> 00:25:48,290 force will also play a vital role . But 674 00:25:48,290 --> 00:25:50,457 I would like your thoughts as chairman 675 00:25:50,457 --> 00:25:52,800 of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and uh 676 00:25:52,810 --> 00:25:55,460 recognize a decorated army officer . 677 00:25:55,600 --> 00:25:57,730 I'd like to hear your view as to the 678 00:25:57,730 --> 00:26:00,950 role of the army . In indo , in the 679 00:26:00,950 --> 00:26:03,090 indo pacific the Army has a very 680 00:26:03,090 --> 00:26:05,312 important role in the indo pacific . Um 681 00:26:05,312 --> 00:26:07,368 and you know , just go back to World 682 00:26:07,368 --> 00:26:09,534 War Two . There was , I think 15 or 20 683 00:26:09,534 --> 00:26:12,400 divisions , Army and Marine in the Indo 684 00:26:12,400 --> 00:26:16,170 pacific , our largest land wars of the 685 00:26:16,170 --> 00:26:18,281 United States have been fought in the 686 00:26:18,281 --> 00:26:20,503 indo pacific with Vietnam Korea and the 687 00:26:20,503 --> 00:26:22,560 World war two pacific campaigns . So 688 00:26:22,560 --> 00:26:24,227 the ground forces have a very 689 00:26:24,227 --> 00:26:26,449 significant role . But I would say that 690 00:26:26,449 --> 00:26:28,671 in the any sort of future conflict , if 691 00:26:28,671 --> 00:26:30,616 there was one , hopefully there'll 692 00:26:30,616 --> 00:26:32,671 never be one with china . And I , my 693 00:26:32,671 --> 00:26:34,893 estimate is is that the maritime forces 694 00:26:34,893 --> 00:26:36,727 and the naval forces will be the 695 00:26:36,727 --> 00:26:38,838 predominant player . But the military 696 00:26:38,838 --> 00:26:40,893 forces that are on the ground army , 697 00:26:40,893 --> 00:26:43,116 special forces , marine forces and army 698 00:26:43,116 --> 00:26:44,727 ground forces will be really 699 00:26:44,727 --> 00:26:46,893 significant , especially in areas like 700 00:26:46,893 --> 00:26:48,727 air defense , long range fires , 701 00:26:48,727 --> 00:26:51,004 precision fires and special operations . 702 00:26:51,004 --> 00:26:50,460 In addition to that , the amphibious 703 00:26:50,460 --> 00:26:52,627 forces of the marines will be key . Uh 704 00:26:52,627 --> 00:26:54,627 so there is a very important , very 705 00:26:54,627 --> 00:26:56,738 significant role for ground forces in 706 00:26:56,738 --> 00:26:58,849 the pacific but the predominance will 707 00:26:58,849 --> 00:27:00,793 likely be maritime or air forces . 708 00:27:01,040 --> 00:27:03,096 Great , thank you . General Milley . 709 00:27:03,150 --> 00:27:05,317 Senator scott , you are recognized for 710 00:27:05,317 --> 00:27:06,317 your questions . 711 00:27:09,340 --> 00:27:11,562 Thank you . Senator Peters , thank each 712 00:27:11,562 --> 00:27:13,673 of you for being here . Thank you for 713 00:27:13,673 --> 00:27:15,840 your hard work . I know this is a very 714 00:27:15,840 --> 00:27:18,062 this is this is a tough time to serve . 715 00:27:18,062 --> 00:27:20,340 I mean this is probably in my lifetime . 716 00:27:20,340 --> 00:27:19,580 This is one of the most difficult , 717 00:27:19,590 --> 00:27:21,646 difficult times to serve with all of 718 00:27:21,646 --> 00:27:23,757 our enemies . I share the concerns of 719 00:27:23,757 --> 00:27:25,646 the ranking member and many of my 720 00:27:25,646 --> 00:27:27,868 colleagues in the Senate that President 721 00:27:27,868 --> 00:27:27,760 biden's budget request does not reflect 722 00:27:27,760 --> 00:27:30,270 our current defense needs . After many 723 00:27:30,270 --> 00:27:32,381 years of underspending recently began 724 00:27:32,381 --> 00:27:34,603 to grow the defense budget in line with 725 00:27:34,603 --> 00:27:36,437 the threats we face particularly 726 00:27:36,437 --> 00:27:38,830 Communist china Still just last year we 727 00:27:38,830 --> 00:27:40,997 had to increase the president's budget 728 00:27:40,997 --> 00:27:42,941 by more than $25 billion . And for 729 00:27:42,941 --> 00:27:42,740 months now we've been urging the 730 00:27:42,740 --> 00:27:44,907 administration to increase our defense 731 00:27:44,907 --> 00:27:46,851 spending so we can meet our modern 732 00:27:46,851 --> 00:27:48,962 modernization needs to turn if needed 733 00:27:48,962 --> 00:27:50,962 defeat our enemies and overcome the 734 00:27:50,962 --> 00:27:53,073 impact of the terrible inflation this 735 00:27:53,073 --> 00:27:55,296 administration has caused with reckless 736 00:27:55,296 --> 00:27:57,407 spending . So we're living in some of 737 00:27:57,407 --> 00:27:59,629 the most difficult times since the Cold 738 00:27:59,629 --> 00:27:59,410 War with Communist china Russia , Iran 739 00:27:59,410 --> 00:28:01,580 north Korea flexing their muscles , 740 00:28:01,590 --> 00:28:03,646 increasing their hostility to us and 741 00:28:03,646 --> 00:28:05,757 our allies . But you wouldn't know it 742 00:28:05,757 --> 00:28:08,560 based on this budget request . Uh So to 743 00:28:08,560 --> 00:28:10,560 me it's it's disappointing that the 744 00:28:10,560 --> 00:28:12,727 president didn't request a budget that 745 00:28:12,727 --> 00:28:14,893 would do a better job of putting us in 746 00:28:14,893 --> 00:28:16,727 a position that we can deter our 747 00:28:16,727 --> 00:28:18,838 enemies and make sure we take care of 748 00:28:18,838 --> 00:28:21,171 our our service members and their needs . 749 00:28:21,171 --> 00:28:22,782 I was I was disappointed the 750 00:28:22,782 --> 00:28:25,004 administration wants to decommission 24 751 00:28:25,004 --> 00:28:27,116 ships and weaken our Navy's power and 752 00:28:27,116 --> 00:28:28,727 capabilities . Um I know the 753 00:28:28,727 --> 00:28:31,060 administration said this this is enough . 754 00:28:31,060 --> 00:28:33,270 General Milley , you've I think you've 755 00:28:33,270 --> 00:28:35,850 previously stated that that if you 756 00:28:35,850 --> 00:28:38,072 combine communist china and Russia that 757 00:28:38,072 --> 00:28:40,183 they spend more than the U . S . Does 758 00:28:40,183 --> 00:28:42,950 now . Um Beijing just announced a 7.1% 759 00:28:42,950 --> 00:28:45,760 increase for 2022 . And I think you 760 00:28:45,760 --> 00:28:47,871 just testified in the house that this 761 00:28:47,871 --> 00:28:49,871 budget assumes an inflation rate of 762 00:28:49,871 --> 00:28:52,580 2.2% . But we all know it's it's 8% 763 00:28:52,580 --> 00:28:54,930 plus right now all the manufacturers 764 00:28:54,930 --> 00:28:57,041 talked to or you know are saying it's 765 00:28:57,041 --> 00:28:59,263 it's actually more than that . So while 766 00:28:59,263 --> 00:29:01,486 inflation could could go up and go down 767 00:29:01,486 --> 00:29:03,430 I just I don't think the budget is 768 00:29:03,430 --> 00:29:05,541 clearly enough and it doesn't seem to 769 00:29:05,541 --> 00:29:07,819 me that you that you think it's enough . 770 00:29:07,819 --> 00:29:09,708 So show me how does how does this 771 00:29:09,708 --> 00:29:11,763 happen ? Um You know you seem pretty 772 00:29:11,763 --> 00:29:13,708 pretty persuasive so how does this 773 00:29:13,708 --> 00:29:15,708 happen then we end up with a budget 774 00:29:15,708 --> 00:29:17,874 that it doesn't stay up with inflation 775 00:29:17,874 --> 00:29:20,650 and doesn't do a lot more to deter um 776 00:29:20,660 --> 00:29:23,360 our enemies especially communist china . 777 00:29:24,640 --> 00:29:26,584 Well let me let me say a couple of 778 00:29:26,584 --> 00:29:28,696 things first on the inflation piece , 779 00:29:28,696 --> 00:29:30,918 I'd ask that Mr McCord talked about the 780 00:29:30,918 --> 00:29:32,473 details of how they did the 781 00:29:32,473 --> 00:29:34,473 calculations etcetera . But I fully 782 00:29:34,473 --> 00:29:36,480 support this budget . $773 billion 783 00:29:36,480 --> 00:29:39,720 dollars is a lot of money and it is our 784 00:29:39,720 --> 00:29:42,170 duty to those of us in uniform to make 785 00:29:42,180 --> 00:29:44,970 every The scent of those dollars count 786 00:29:45,430 --> 00:29:47,597 and to deliver for the nation of force 787 00:29:47,597 --> 00:29:49,819 that is capable of defending it . And I 788 00:29:49,819 --> 00:29:52,041 think as I said in my opening statement 789 00:29:52,041 --> 00:29:54,041 we can do that on 773 . Having said 790 00:29:54,041 --> 00:29:56,263 that there's always elements of risk uh 791 00:29:56,263 --> 00:29:58,486 and there's always elements to mitigate 792 00:29:58,486 --> 00:30:00,708 but we have to focus on the future this 793 00:30:00,708 --> 00:30:02,763 budget does that we have to focus on 794 00:30:02,763 --> 00:30:04,930 modernization this budget does that we 795 00:30:04,930 --> 00:30:04,620 put more money in research and 796 00:30:04,620 --> 00:30:06,509 development intentionally in this 797 00:30:06,509 --> 00:30:08,620 budget than has ever been done in any 798 00:30:08,620 --> 00:30:10,731 defense budget . And we have to focus 799 00:30:10,731 --> 00:30:12,898 on the pacing threat of china with the 800 00:30:12,898 --> 00:30:15,176 acute threat as we call it , of Russia . 801 00:30:15,176 --> 00:30:15,020 Very significant . There are areas of 802 00:30:15,020 --> 00:30:17,242 risk . We recognize those areas of risk 803 00:30:17,242 --> 00:30:19,740 but I do think that this budget will 804 00:30:19,750 --> 00:30:22,580 allow us to move forward and and and 805 00:30:22,580 --> 00:30:24,747 take the next steps towards protecting 806 00:30:24,747 --> 00:30:26,969 the United States . Could I ask each of 807 00:30:26,969 --> 00:30:29,640 you , what um how comfortable are you 808 00:30:29,640 --> 00:30:32,200 that this budget is going to do enough 809 00:30:32,210 --> 00:30:35,630 to deter communist china and why why do 810 00:30:35,630 --> 00:30:37,690 you think ? What what what in the 811 00:30:37,690 --> 00:30:39,690 budget and what are the things that 812 00:30:39,690 --> 00:30:41,912 we're doing that you think are gonna be 813 00:30:41,912 --> 00:30:43,801 the key things are going to deter 814 00:30:43,801 --> 00:30:45,857 comments china from trying to expand 815 00:30:45,857 --> 00:30:47,912 first I guess would be into Taiwan . 816 00:30:49,340 --> 00:30:51,396 I'm gonna start General Weston . Our 817 00:30:51,396 --> 00:30:55,360 Secretary Austin , Thanks senator . I 818 00:30:55,360 --> 00:30:57,527 think when we look at the challenge of 819 00:30:57,527 --> 00:30:59,749 china we consider china to be a now and 820 00:30:59,749 --> 00:31:02,670 forever problem in terms of a challenge 821 00:31:03,130 --> 00:31:05,019 And so we want to invest in those 822 00:31:05,019 --> 00:31:07,960 things that help keep us ready , 823 00:31:07,970 --> 00:31:11,560 capable and dominant today but also 824 00:31:11,560 --> 00:31:13,782 recognizing that the challenge of china 825 00:31:13,782 --> 00:31:15,770 will evolve over evolve over time 826 00:31:16,140 --> 00:31:18,210 investing now in those capabilities 827 00:31:18,210 --> 00:31:20,660 that will be relevant down down the 828 00:31:20,660 --> 00:31:23,330 road as well . So you've seen us invest 829 00:31:23,330 --> 00:31:25,720 in technology in this budget , you've 830 00:31:25,720 --> 00:31:27,550 seen us invest in space based 831 00:31:27,550 --> 00:31:30,440 capabilities , uh cyberspace 832 00:31:30,450 --> 00:31:33,620 undersea capabilities , all those 833 00:31:33,620 --> 00:31:36,170 things are focused on not only the 834 00:31:36,170 --> 00:31:39,150 china set but it also provides us great 835 00:31:39,150 --> 00:31:41,610 capability with respect to the acute 836 00:31:41,610 --> 00:31:43,666 threat that we're experiencing right 837 00:31:43,666 --> 00:31:44,999 now . And that's Russia 838 00:31:47,610 --> 00:31:49,554 and Senator I would just have with 839 00:31:49,554 --> 00:31:51,777 respect to deterring china and Taiwan . 840 00:31:51,777 --> 00:31:53,943 I think Senator Hawley hit it right on 841 00:31:53,943 --> 00:31:56,054 the head . The best defense of Taiwan 842 00:31:56,054 --> 00:31:56,050 is done by the Taiwanese . We can 843 00:31:56,050 --> 00:31:58,106 certainly help them is being done in 844 00:31:58,106 --> 00:32:00,328 Ukraine for example and I think there's 845 00:32:00,328 --> 00:32:02,550 a lot of lessons that are coming out of 846 00:32:02,550 --> 00:32:01,960 Ukraine that china has taken very , 847 00:32:01,960 --> 00:32:04,820 very seriously uh crossing the Taiwan 848 00:32:04,820 --> 00:32:06,876 straits and conducting an amphibious 849 00:32:06,876 --> 00:32:08,820 and air assault onto the island of 850 00:32:08,820 --> 00:32:10,987 Taiwan and the city of Taipei with the 851 00:32:10,987 --> 00:32:12,987 millions upon millions of people in 852 00:32:12,987 --> 00:32:12,640 there . The mountainous terrain of 853 00:32:12,640 --> 00:32:14,918 Taiwan . Taiwan is a defensible island . 854 00:32:14,918 --> 00:32:17,029 We just need to help the Taiwanese to 855 00:32:17,029 --> 00:32:19,084 defend it a little bit better and we 856 00:32:19,084 --> 00:32:21,029 can do that . But that is the best 857 00:32:21,029 --> 00:32:22,751 deterrent is to make sure that 858 00:32:22,751 --> 00:32:24,918 deterrence by denial to make sure that 859 00:32:24,918 --> 00:32:27,029 the Chinese know that if they were to 860 00:32:27,029 --> 00:32:28,751 attack Taiwan it's a very very 861 00:32:28,751 --> 00:32:30,973 difficult objective to take . Thank you 862 00:32:30,973 --> 00:32:30,720 interviewed . I know this is a very 863 00:32:30,720 --> 00:32:32,920 difficult time , I mean this in my 864 00:32:32,920 --> 00:32:34,864 lifetime , I don't think , I don't 865 00:32:34,864 --> 00:32:36,976 think we've ever had a threat like we 866 00:32:36,976 --> 00:32:39,087 have now with what Putin is doing and 867 00:32:39,087 --> 00:32:41,309 what she says he's going to do so thank 868 00:32:41,309 --> 00:32:43,420 you for what you're doing . Thank you 869 00:32:43,420 --> 00:32:45,476 Senator scott and um the chairman is 870 00:32:45,476 --> 00:32:47,420 still voting so I get to recognize 871 00:32:47,420 --> 00:32:50,620 myself . Um serving is truly a selfless 872 00:32:50,620 --> 00:32:52,620 act and I want to thank each of our 873 00:32:52,620 --> 00:32:54,342 witnesses for your service and 874 00:32:54,342 --> 00:32:56,453 commitment to our national security . 875 00:32:56,453 --> 00:32:58,509 Um that service comes with honor and 876 00:32:58,509 --> 00:33:00,787 strength as well as pride and humility . 877 00:33:00,787 --> 00:33:02,953 These attributes make our military the 878 00:33:02,953 --> 00:33:04,953 most capable , most combat credible 879 00:33:04,953 --> 00:33:07,064 force in the world . You already know 880 00:33:07,064 --> 00:33:08,787 this . But to ensure that this 881 00:33:08,787 --> 00:33:10,787 continues long into the future , we 882 00:33:10,787 --> 00:33:12,898 must take care of the military's most 883 00:33:12,898 --> 00:33:15,120 important assets are people each of you 884 00:33:15,120 --> 00:33:17,120 have spoken to this as leaders . We 885 00:33:17,120 --> 00:33:18,953 must remove barriers on military 886 00:33:18,953 --> 00:33:20,787 members face in supporting their 887 00:33:20,787 --> 00:33:23,009 families as well . This is an important 888 00:33:23,009 --> 00:33:24,953 readiness issue knowing that their 889 00:33:24,953 --> 00:33:27,064 family is safe and healthy , relieves 890 00:33:27,064 --> 00:33:29,176 the burden on service members so that 891 00:33:29,176 --> 00:33:31,231 they can better focus on the mission 892 00:33:31,231 --> 00:33:33,453 and if necessary , fight for the safety 893 00:33:33,453 --> 00:33:35,398 of others . That is why I hope the 894 00:33:35,398 --> 00:33:37,620 department will work with me to finally 895 00:33:37,620 --> 00:33:37,590 solve a critical issue facing our men 896 00:33:37,590 --> 00:33:39,701 and women in uniform along with their 897 00:33:39,701 --> 00:33:41,960 families . And that is food insecurity 898 00:33:42,940 --> 00:33:44,940 advocacy groups that serve military 899 00:33:44,940 --> 00:33:47,162 families report an increased demand for 900 00:33:47,162 --> 00:33:49,020 support during the pandemic and 901 00:33:49,020 --> 00:33:51,076 Secretary Austin . I appreciate your 902 00:33:51,076 --> 00:33:53,242 leadership in issuing initial guidance 903 00:33:53,242 --> 00:33:55,298 to the D . O . D . Late last year to 904 00:33:55,298 --> 00:33:57,131 begin addressing military hunger 905 00:33:57,131 --> 00:34:00,170 challenges . However , despite your 906 00:34:00,170 --> 00:34:02,114 leadership , there appears to be a 907 00:34:02,114 --> 00:34:04,059 hesitation to fully engage on this 908 00:34:04,059 --> 00:34:06,400 pressing readiness issue department 909 00:34:06,400 --> 00:34:08,670 wide . And we're still hearing 910 00:34:08,670 --> 00:34:10,726 heartbreaking stories of less senior 911 00:34:10,726 --> 00:34:12,837 members of the military struggling to 912 00:34:12,837 --> 00:34:14,837 pay their bills to put good quality 913 00:34:14,837 --> 00:34:17,003 food on the table for their families . 914 00:34:17,003 --> 00:34:19,114 Um , they're still meant , you know , 915 00:34:19,114 --> 00:34:18,670 these these stories are still met in 916 00:34:18,670 --> 00:34:20,590 some quarters with skepticism and 917 00:34:20,590 --> 00:34:23,410 denial that the problem even exists . I 918 00:34:23,410 --> 00:34:25,632 think that's why it's vital the D . O . 919 00:34:25,632 --> 00:34:27,577 D . Fulfills its statutory mandate 920 00:34:27,577 --> 00:34:29,743 under the fiscal year 2020 N . D . A . 921 00:34:29,743 --> 00:34:31,299 And provide Congress with a 922 00:34:31,299 --> 00:34:33,299 comprehensive report examining food 923 00:34:33,299 --> 00:34:35,354 insecurity challenges experienced by 924 00:34:35,354 --> 00:34:37,577 service members and military families . 925 00:34:37,577 --> 00:34:39,688 Secretary Austin , Will you commit to 926 00:34:39,688 --> 00:34:42,021 me that you would deliver the D . O . D . 927 00:34:42,021 --> 00:34:41,230 Study on food insecurity in the 928 00:34:41,230 --> 00:34:43,452 military by the end of this month . And 929 00:34:43,452 --> 00:34:45,563 if you can't do it by the end of this 930 00:34:45,563 --> 00:34:47,786 month , when can you deliver it ? We'll 931 00:34:47,786 --> 00:34:49,841 deliver it as quickly as we possibly 932 00:34:49,841 --> 00:34:51,897 can . And senator , let me thank you 933 00:34:51,897 --> 00:34:54,650 for your leadership in this area . You 934 00:34:54,650 --> 00:34:56,740 know , I've I've really set out to 935 00:34:56,740 --> 00:34:59,460 tackle the issue of economic insecurity 936 00:34:59,460 --> 00:35:01,571 across the board . That's why you see 937 00:35:01,571 --> 00:35:04,810 the pay raise , the elevation of Bh 938 00:35:04,820 --> 00:35:06,860 uh , and some other things . But 939 00:35:07,240 --> 00:35:09,710 certainly I appreciate the support that 940 00:35:09,710 --> 00:35:11,710 you've given us . And I know you'll 941 00:35:11,710 --> 00:35:13,766 continue to give us , but we'll move 942 00:35:13,766 --> 00:35:15,877 out and get you the report as quickly 943 00:35:15,877 --> 00:35:18,320 as possible . Thank you . I I I have no 944 00:35:18,320 --> 00:35:20,431 question of the commitment of each of 945 00:35:20,431 --> 00:35:22,653 the witnesses here today to making sure 946 00:35:22,653 --> 00:35:24,653 that we address this issue . That's 947 00:35:24,653 --> 00:35:26,876 that's not been the problem ? The issue 948 00:35:26,876 --> 00:35:28,987 that I have is that there are , there 949 00:35:28,987 --> 00:35:28,520 is still resistance across the 950 00:35:28,520 --> 00:35:30,890 department . Um Secretary Austin , in 951 00:35:30,890 --> 00:35:32,946 fact , when you first addressed this 952 00:35:32,946 --> 00:35:35,001 issue last november , you tasked the 953 00:35:35,001 --> 00:35:37,223 undersecretary of defense for personnel 954 00:35:37,223 --> 00:35:39,334 and readiness to deliver strategy and 955 00:35:39,334 --> 00:35:41,390 implementation roadmap to strengthen 956 00:35:41,390 --> 00:35:43,557 food security within the force . Would 957 00:35:43,557 --> 00:35:45,668 you commit to sharing that strategy ? 958 00:35:45,668 --> 00:35:47,890 An implementation roadmap with Congress 959 00:35:47,890 --> 00:35:50,001 once it's developed to help us better 960 00:35:50,001 --> 00:35:51,668 understand how D . O . D . Is 961 00:35:51,668 --> 00:35:53,770 addressing military hunger . I will 962 00:35:53,780 --> 00:35:55,870 general thank you . Thank you . And 963 00:35:55,870 --> 00:35:58,170 last year I led the bipartisan effort 964 00:35:58,540 --> 00:36:00,390 to authorize a new basic needs 965 00:36:00,400 --> 00:36:04,100 allowance under fy 2022 . Nd A and I'm 966 00:36:04,100 --> 00:36:05,933 encouraged that the services are 967 00:36:05,933 --> 00:36:08,156 planning to provide this new assistance 968 00:36:08,156 --> 00:36:10,156 in their annual budgets . However , 969 00:36:10,156 --> 00:36:12,044 questions still remain on how the 970 00:36:12,044 --> 00:36:13,933 department will roll out this new 971 00:36:13,933 --> 00:36:15,933 allowance . For example , Secretary 972 00:36:15,933 --> 00:36:17,878 Austin , the final text includes a 973 00:36:17,878 --> 00:36:20,211 compromise that allows you to not count , 974 00:36:20,211 --> 00:36:22,433 so you have the discretion to not count 975 00:36:22,433 --> 00:36:25,800 bh as income um when determining who is 976 00:36:25,810 --> 00:36:27,810 eligible to receive the basic needs 977 00:36:27,810 --> 00:36:30,220 allowance . Um And additionally , 978 00:36:30,220 --> 00:36:32,387 families are going to need to opt into 979 00:36:32,387 --> 00:36:34,640 this . Um So they must understand how 980 00:36:34,640 --> 00:36:37,050 to opt into the food allowance , which 981 00:36:37,050 --> 00:36:39,161 over the years we've learned is often 982 00:36:39,161 --> 00:36:41,106 much easier said than done when it 983 00:36:41,106 --> 00:36:43,050 comes to program participation for 984 00:36:43,050 --> 00:36:45,106 anything you have to opt in for . Um 985 00:36:45,106 --> 00:36:47,217 Secretary Austin , what is the status 986 00:36:47,217 --> 00:36:49,161 of developing and implementing the 987 00:36:49,161 --> 00:36:51,161 basic needs allowance . And can you 988 00:36:51,161 --> 00:36:50,900 share actions that the department 989 00:36:50,900 --> 00:36:52,900 intends to take to ensure that all 990 00:36:52,900 --> 00:36:55,140 service members are made aware of this 991 00:36:55,140 --> 00:36:57,307 new support and encouraged to apply if 992 00:36:57,307 --> 00:37:00,170 eligible . As you may know , we're 993 00:37:00,170 --> 00:37:02,226 still working our way through this , 994 00:37:02,226 --> 00:37:04,337 but I will tell you Senator that I am 995 00:37:04,337 --> 00:37:07,280 predisposed not to making sure that we 996 00:37:07,280 --> 00:37:10,550 provide as much as many benefits to our 997 00:37:10,560 --> 00:37:13,330 troops and our family members as as 998 00:37:13,330 --> 00:37:16,080 possible . And so as we work our way 999 00:37:16,080 --> 00:37:18,302 through this , we're going to make sure 1000 00:37:18,302 --> 00:37:20,524 that it's it's streamlined so that it's 1001 00:37:20,524 --> 00:37:23,220 easy for people to uh to understand 1002 00:37:23,220 --> 00:37:25,360 what they need to do to qualify . And 1003 00:37:25,360 --> 00:37:26,971 and we're gonna again , I am 1004 00:37:26,971 --> 00:37:29,150 predisposed to making sure that they 1005 00:37:29,150 --> 00:37:31,094 get as much as they possibly can . 1006 00:37:31,330 --> 00:37:34,070 Thank you . Will you commit to um using 1007 00:37:34,070 --> 00:37:37,540 your discretion to not count BHS income 1008 00:37:37,930 --> 00:37:41,110 um to the maximum extent possible ? I 1009 00:37:41,110 --> 00:37:43,166 will do everything I can that that's 1010 00:37:43,166 --> 00:37:47,150 legally possible and and feasible uh to 1011 00:37:47,160 --> 00:37:49,680 to give our troops greater capability 1012 00:37:49,680 --> 00:37:51,624 of greater resources . Thank you , 1013 00:37:51,624 --> 00:37:53,902 General . Um And with that . Thank you . 1014 00:37:53,902 --> 00:37:57,210 Senator Senator Blackburn , please 1015 00:37:57,220 --> 00:38:00,540 Thank you . Mr Chairman Secretary 1016 00:38:00,540 --> 00:38:03,450 Austin , why don't we make our 1017 00:38:03,460 --> 00:38:05,340 intelligence reports public ? 1018 00:38:08,420 --> 00:38:11,890 We share as much as we can from 1019 00:38:11,900 --> 00:38:14,970 our intel reports . But as you know , 1020 00:38:14,970 --> 00:38:17,840 we have to be careful about protecting 1021 00:38:17,970 --> 00:38:21,550 protecting sources and methods so that 1022 00:38:21,550 --> 00:38:24,040 we don't lose capability . And would 1023 00:38:24,040 --> 00:38:27,300 you agree that giving our adversaries 1024 00:38:27,310 --> 00:38:30,620 access to our intel reports is a poor 1025 00:38:30,620 --> 00:38:34,510 decision . Exactly . I think 1026 00:38:34,510 --> 00:38:36,530 that's something that we absolutely 1027 00:38:36,530 --> 00:38:38,850 work to avoid . Okay , and so then why 1028 00:38:38,850 --> 00:38:41,610 did senior biden officials hold nearly 1029 00:38:41,610 --> 00:38:43,980 half a dozen meetings with top chinese 1030 00:38:43,980 --> 00:38:46,820 officials to give them information on 1031 00:38:46,820 --> 00:38:50,210 Russian troop movements ? I don't know 1032 00:38:50,210 --> 00:38:52,980 of . I don't have insights on any 1033 00:38:52,980 --> 00:38:55,147 occurrences like that . So , okay . It 1034 00:38:55,147 --> 00:38:57,490 seems the chinese called up their 1035 00:38:57,500 --> 00:39:00,930 comrades in Russia and sent Moscow the 1036 00:39:00,940 --> 00:39:04,340 intel that biden staffers provided them . 1037 00:39:05,020 --> 00:39:07,750 And it appears that U . S . Officials 1038 00:39:07,750 --> 00:39:10,750 knew Beijing gave the intel to Moscow . 1039 00:39:11,120 --> 00:39:14,370 So , I would imagine you do not support 1040 00:39:14,370 --> 00:39:18,120 giving Russia our intelligence ? I 1041 00:39:18,130 --> 00:39:21,040 am unfamiliar with the issue that you 1042 00:39:21,040 --> 00:39:23,620 raise . But you are right . I do not 1043 00:39:23,620 --> 00:39:26,050 support giving our adversaries general 1044 00:39:26,050 --> 00:39:29,070 Milley . Under what circumstances , if 1045 00:39:29,070 --> 00:39:31,910 any ? Have you advised intelligence 1046 00:39:31,910 --> 00:39:35,610 sharing with Beijing ? Zero . Never . 1047 00:39:35,790 --> 00:39:38,600 Thank you . Given what we know now 1048 00:39:38,610 --> 00:39:41,160 about how that subsequently shared 1049 00:39:41,170 --> 00:39:43,540 information this intelligence went to 1050 00:39:43,540 --> 00:39:46,260 Moscow . What would you advise for 1051 00:39:46,260 --> 00:39:49,560 similar scenarios going forward ? I 1052 00:39:49,560 --> 00:39:51,116 don't think you should give 1053 00:39:51,116 --> 00:39:53,338 intelligence to your adversary period . 1054 00:39:53,520 --> 00:39:55,530 Thank you . What senior leader is 1055 00:39:55,540 --> 00:39:58,300 ultimately responsible for this 1056 00:39:58,300 --> 00:40:00,930 decision of intel sharing . Is it you 1057 00:40:01,310 --> 00:40:04,950 is it Secretary Austin ? Is it jake 1058 00:40:04,950 --> 00:40:07,172 Sullivan ? Is it the president ? Who is 1059 00:40:07,172 --> 00:40:10,850 it ? I'll let the my my opinion is I'll 1060 00:40:10,850 --> 00:40:13,017 give you a couple of answers to that . 1061 00:40:13,017 --> 00:40:14,906 One . Is the Director of National 1062 00:40:14,906 --> 00:40:14,780 Intelligence is responsible for all the 1063 00:40:14,780 --> 00:40:16,947 intelligence agencies and the National 1064 00:40:16,947 --> 00:40:18,891 Intelligence DNA avril Haines ? So 1065 00:40:18,891 --> 00:40:20,891 that's the person who's technically 1066 00:40:20,891 --> 00:40:23,113 responsible . Obviously the President's 1067 00:40:23,113 --> 00:40:24,947 response for everything that the 1068 00:40:24,947 --> 00:40:24,380 government does , the executive branch 1069 00:40:24,380 --> 00:40:26,540 does . Uh And then each of us are 1070 00:40:26,540 --> 00:40:28,318 responsible within our areas of 1071 00:40:28,318 --> 00:40:32,310 responsibility . So um under what 1072 00:40:32,320 --> 00:40:34,930 authorities would we share our 1073 00:40:34,930 --> 00:40:38,590 intelligence with Beijing ? Um I 1074 00:40:38,590 --> 00:40:40,757 would ask that you ask these questions 1075 00:40:40,757 --> 00:40:42,770 of the D . N . I . However , my 1076 00:40:42,770 --> 00:40:44,937 knowledge of the system is is that the 1077 00:40:44,937 --> 00:40:47,159 President andr the Director of National 1078 00:40:47,159 --> 00:40:49,381 Intelligence or perhaps the director of 1079 00:40:49,381 --> 00:40:51,381 the CIA or something like that does 1080 00:40:51,381 --> 00:40:53,381 have authorities . But I don't know 1081 00:40:53,381 --> 00:40:53,280 what those are specifically . And it's 1082 00:40:53,280 --> 00:40:55,058 not something I can answer with 1083 00:40:55,058 --> 00:40:57,710 accuracy . So it's not a practice you 1084 00:40:57,710 --> 00:40:59,932 approve of . But we do know that it has 1085 00:40:59,932 --> 00:41:02,099 happened , correct . I don't know that 1086 00:41:02,099 --> 00:41:04,210 it's happened . I'm not aware of what 1087 00:41:04,210 --> 00:41:06,432 you're talking about . Actually , we've 1088 00:41:06,432 --> 00:41:08,432 talked a good bit about Afghanistan 1089 00:41:08,432 --> 00:41:11,380 today . So did biden's precipitous 1090 00:41:11,390 --> 00:41:15,360 withdrawal from Afghanistan , which 1091 00:41:15,360 --> 00:41:19,240 really fed perceptions of America in 1092 00:41:19,240 --> 00:41:22,880 retreat . Did that play a role in 1093 00:41:22,880 --> 00:41:25,730 shaping Putin Putin's decision to 1094 00:41:25,730 --> 00:41:28,930 invade Ukraine from the intelligence . 1095 00:41:28,930 --> 00:41:31,550 I've read it's not clear . Um I think 1096 00:41:31,550 --> 00:41:33,772 it's certainly as possible , but I also 1097 00:41:33,772 --> 00:41:36,650 know that Putin had aims on Ukraine 1098 00:41:36,660 --> 00:41:40,170 long before the end of the war in 1099 00:41:40,170 --> 00:41:42,170 Afghanistan . In fact , we all know 1100 00:41:42,170 --> 00:41:44,870 that . So he saw his opening . Right . 1101 00:41:44,880 --> 00:41:47,410 Well , the forces were building up , 1102 00:41:47,420 --> 00:41:49,587 they began to build up their forces in 1103 00:41:49,587 --> 00:41:51,930 september october So I think in order 1104 00:41:51,930 --> 00:41:53,930 to do that , they would have had to 1105 00:41:53,930 --> 00:41:56,152 have the plans and approval long before 1106 00:41:56,152 --> 00:41:58,280 september october . They have a habit 1107 00:41:58,280 --> 00:42:00,391 of moving forward . At the end of the 1108 00:42:00,391 --> 00:42:02,447 Olympics . They did it in a way they 1109 00:42:02,447 --> 00:42:04,940 did it in 14 . We were watching and the 1110 00:42:04,950 --> 00:42:07,172 White House chose not to move forward . 1111 00:42:07,172 --> 00:42:09,490 I want to ask you , you have both 1112 00:42:09,500 --> 00:42:12,380 failed and this comes to each of you to 1113 00:42:12,380 --> 00:42:15,310 share with us the budget line items for 1114 00:42:15,310 --> 00:42:18,780 diversity and inclusion initiatives and 1115 00:42:18,790 --> 00:42:22,640 much less any 1116 00:42:22,640 --> 00:42:24,251 way that you would tie those 1117 00:42:24,251 --> 00:42:27,570 initiatives to warfighting . But public 1118 00:42:27,570 --> 00:42:29,900 reporting has given us some insight 1119 00:42:29,920 --> 00:42:33,420 into what is being spent 1120 00:42:33,430 --> 00:42:37,100 and how some of that money has been 1121 00:42:37,100 --> 00:42:39,860 spent . And Secretary Austin earlier 1122 00:42:39,860 --> 00:42:42,400 this year , there was a report that 1123 00:42:42,400 --> 00:42:44,456 said the Department of Defense is to 1124 00:42:44,456 --> 00:42:48,080 studying the issue of allowing 1125 00:42:48,080 --> 00:42:51,270 gender non binary people to serve in 1126 00:42:51,270 --> 00:42:54,850 the military . Is that true ? I 1127 00:42:54,850 --> 00:42:57,910 am supportive of allowing any 1128 00:42:57,920 --> 00:43:00,270 person that's eligible and can meet the 1129 00:43:00,270 --> 00:43:02,381 qualifications to serve their country 1130 00:43:02,381 --> 00:43:04,820 and who is involved in the study , our 1131 00:43:04,820 --> 00:43:07,930 uniformed military personnel involved . 1132 00:43:08,500 --> 00:43:11,400 I can't speak to uh at this point , who 1133 00:43:11,400 --> 00:43:13,890 was involved in in in any other studies 1134 00:43:13,890 --> 00:43:16,057 that that we have ongoing just off the 1135 00:43:16,057 --> 00:43:18,057 top of my head . But I'll certainly 1136 00:43:18,057 --> 00:43:20,168 take the question for . And what will 1137 00:43:20,168 --> 00:43:22,390 the living arrangements be made for non 1138 00:43:22,390 --> 00:43:24,446 binary service members ? Are you all 1139 00:43:24,446 --> 00:43:26,760 going to come back to us and ask for an 1140 00:43:26,760 --> 00:43:29,430 appropriation for housing 1141 00:43:30,290 --> 00:43:32,640 Senator any study that we do . It will 1142 00:43:32,640 --> 00:43:34,807 make certainly be transparent and make 1143 00:43:34,807 --> 00:43:36,862 it available to you . And what about 1144 00:43:36,862 --> 00:43:39,084 gender fluid individuals ? How will you 1145 00:43:39,084 --> 00:43:41,251 handle a service member who identifies 1146 00:43:41,270 --> 00:43:44,470 as male on some days ? And female on 1147 00:43:44,480 --> 00:43:46,950 other days ? Or poly gender ? I want 1148 00:43:46,960 --> 00:43:49,160 individuals I don't care to speculate 1149 00:43:49,160 --> 00:43:52,540 on . You know what we're gonna ask you 1150 00:43:52,540 --> 00:43:54,620 for what we're going to , how we're 1151 00:43:54,620 --> 00:43:56,930 going to qualify people again again . 1152 00:43:58,090 --> 00:43:59,930 Some of this is in litigation in 1153 00:43:59,940 --> 00:44:02,051 various states and you know , I think 1154 00:44:02,400 --> 00:44:04,840 um it's best to take your question for 1155 00:44:04,840 --> 00:44:08,230 the record . Okay I have some questions . 1156 00:44:08,230 --> 00:44:10,397 Mr . Chairman that I'll submit for the 1157 00:44:10,397 --> 00:44:12,619 record . Thank you . Senator Austin . I 1158 00:44:12,619 --> 00:44:15,200 do have some questions on hypersonic . 1159 00:44:15,210 --> 00:44:17,530 Well we will be going immediately sent 1160 00:44:17,530 --> 00:44:19,890 a Blackburn into a classified session 1161 00:44:19,890 --> 00:44:21,946 and those questions I think would be 1162 00:44:21,946 --> 00:44:23,980 answered there . Gentlemen , let me 1163 00:44:23,980 --> 00:44:26,810 thank you for your your testimony . Ah 1164 00:44:27,100 --> 00:44:30,490 We will adjourn the open hearing and uh 1165 00:44:30,820 --> 00:44:32,820 reconvert , reconfirmed . 1166 00:44:33,800 --> 00:44:36,920 Reconstitute the committee and s speech 1167 00:44:36,930 --> 00:44:40,220 to 17 at 12 30 . 1168 00:44:41,700 --> 00:44:45,370 And well at this point I will adjourn 1169 00:44:45,380 --> 00:44:49,160 the open session and join you at 2 30 1170 00:44:49,170 --> 00:44:52,820 SV . 2 to 17 sec to 17 . Thank you .