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I would like to thank Chairmen Frelinghuysen and Rogers, Ranking Member Visclosky, Secretary Hagel, General Dempsey, Undersecretary Hale, and the rest of our distinguished guests.
The global environment is growing increasingly volatile, with new threats emerging every day, exemplified by the current events in the Ukraine, Syria, and Venezuela. In the fiscal year 2015 bill, we need to work together to help the Department of Defense address very serious challenges, from ending major combat operations in Afghanistan, to addressing enduring threats from North Korea and Iran, and flashpoints in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), Ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, today issued the following statement on President Obama's FY 2015 budget request:
"The FY2015 budget and appropriations process offers Congress its best opportunity in years to reject the politics of brinkmanship and crisis management, and instead fulfill our responsibility to invest in our future, create and protect jobs, and support services on which American families rely.
2013 total enacted level: $605.4 billion
2014 total Committee mark: $592.8 billion
2014 Omnibus: $572.6 billion
· $85.2 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO), which is $2 billion less than the 2013 enacted level.
· $128.8 billion for Military Personnel, which is $1.3 billion more than the 2013 enacted level.
· $159.9 billion for Operation and Maintenance, which is $13.6 billion less than the 2013 enacted level.
· $92.9 billion for Procurement, which is $7.5 billion less than the 2013 enacted level.
· $63.0 billion for Research and Development, which is $6.9 billion less than the 2013 enacted level.