Lowey statement on 2016 Department of Defense budget request

First, I would like to thank Chairmen Frelinghuysen and Ranking Member Visclosky for this hearing.  Also, I want to welcome incoming Secretary Carter, General Dempsey, Undersecretary McCord, and the rest of our distinguished guests.

The President’s FY16 Budget submission for the Department of Defense is roughly $33 billion above the BCA level. Some of my friends on the other side of the aisle have stated their opposition to the funding levels and revenue portions of the budget request. I would respond that after this committee has cut $1.5 trillion in discretionary spending, excluding sequestration,  are you really unwilling to close tax loopholes for corporations and billionaires in order to invest more in transportation infrastructure, education and job training, biomedical research and other R&D efforts, and the military?

The world is quickly changing, requiring our continued commitment to the defense of this nation and our allies around the world.  Currently, we are fully committed in multiple operations on various continents.  However, we struggle to provide funding that reflects this commitment.  We face a determined and expanding presence with ISIS, support decisions in Ukraine, policy decisions combating cyber threats, and training and assistance missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

Many of the personnel issues we faced in the past are still a concern for our military.  Sexual assault numbers seem to be improving, suggesting more faith in the system, but the overall problem still exists.  We have several recommendations on force structure changes and military compensation reforms to consider.  We are still working to prevent suicides, integrate women into combat positions, and obtain a fully interoperable electronic health care records system between DoD and the VA.  The result of these efforts will ensure quality of life for service members and their families, whether they stay in the military or transition to civilian life.

Fiscal uncertainty aside, we owe it to our military, the nation, and our allies to ensure we prioritize and fund the most critical defense related budget items.

Thank you.