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Statement of Chairman Adam Smith Terrorism Subcommittee Mark-Up H.R. 5658, National Defense Authorization Act for FY2009

May 8, 2008

"Good morning. Today the Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee takes up its portion of H.R. 5658, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2009. Our subcommittee's portion of the NDAA directly relates to some of the Defense Department's (DoD) most important challenges: the fight against al-Qaida and their allies, the development and effective use of new technology in new kinds of battlefields, and the defense of the United States against unconventional attack.

"Our special operations forces (SOF) continue to operate as the 'tip of the spear' in our fight against al-Qaida and like-minded groups all over the world. SOF personnel work in places like Iraq, Afghanistan, Malaysia, and the Philippines to roll back the spread of terrorist networks and their violent ideology. Recognizing the strain we put on our forces in the current conflicts, this subcommittee's mark supports the expansion of our SOF forces and provides needed equipment and support, including a $185 million increase to President Bush's request to fully fund eight unfunded priorities of U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM).

"Beyond just adding funds, though, our portion of the NDAA recognizes and prioritizes the kind of 'irregular warfare' waged by our military in 21st Century conflicts, including counterinsurgency, stability operations, and strategic communications. Our language elevates irregular warfare management to the level of Assistant Secretary of Defense. We also fund innovative program development through the Irregular Warfare Support Program. Funds have been added to study culture in counterinsurgency environments, including a $90 million increase for embedded cultural advisors in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Our portion of the NDAA also creates a management board to enhance coordination of DoD's counter-terrorism strategic communications. Each of these enhancements will help DoD understand both our enemies and allies in our key theaters of operation so we can better combat terrorists and their violent, totalitarian ideology.

"The subcommittee also focused on enhancing DoD's use of technology. The NDAA funds needed science and technology (S&T) research, creates a clearinghouse to quickly find and distribute commercial information technology (IT) for the military, and establishes a pilot program to enhance transfers of computer software developed at DoD laboratories.

"Additionally, the bill requires several studies on cyber security, energy technology investment, and DoD's S&T workforce sustainability in an effort to promote the recruitment and retention of scientists and engineers. We mandate greater coordination and collaboration between DoD and the VA. Aside from forcing greater intra-government effort, this language will be an important inclusion in the NDAA to ensure our military remains updated and efficient in its use of custom and off-the-shelf technology solutions.

"Finally, the terrorism subcommittee crafted language and funding initiatives to help protect the United States from unconventional attacks. We increased funds over the President's request for the Chemical-Biological Defense Program, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, and other homeland defense initiatives. Our language also clarifies the President's authority to use the Reserves during national emergencies. All of these initiatives aim to prevent and/or minimizing the effects of major, unconventional attacks on the United States.

"I want to thank Members for their expertise and input as we debate the relevant provisions of the NDAA today. This subcommittee worked in a bipartisan way to craft authorizing language that addresses each of these vital areas in DoD policy. I especially want to thank for their work on this bill Ranking Member Mac Thornberry (R-Texas) and former Chairman Jim Saxton (R-N.J.), whom we honor in particular this year as he goes through his last defense bill markup."