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| For
Immediate Release: March 11, 2004 |
Contact: |
Harald Stavenas |
Statement of
Chairman Joel Hefley
Hearing on Fiscal Year 2005
National Defense Authorization budget request
and Readiness Needs
This morning the Readiness Subcommittee will hear testimony from the military services on the readiness of their troops and the adequacy of the proposed fiscal year 2005 budget to support readiness.
I am pleased to learn that the reported unit readiness of our troops remains high-this would not be possible without the continued dedication and commitment of each of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines. I hope to hear from the witnesses as to what will be necessary to maintain these readiness levels and to learn where we can expect readiness levels to decline as troops return from deployment.
I am concerned with reports of funding shortfalls in fiscal year 2004. There have been unforeseen circumstances and expenses this year, and that is to be expected as we are fighting a war. I expect the witnesses to testify today to what extent these circumstances are impacting readiness accounts, and to what extent reprogramming and movement of funds will be necessary to continue funding the costs of war. There are also discussions on when supplemental funding for fiscal year 2005 should be provided. Presuming supplemental funding will arrive after the first quarter of fiscal year 2005, I hope the witnesses can provide greater clarity into the services' plans to operate until supplemental funding is provided.
Finally, it would be helpful for each witness to discuss programs or actions that are being taken to increase or maintain readiness levels while also containing operating expenses.
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2120 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
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