Kelly Opening Statement at Hearing on Defense Intelligence Posture

Washington, DC, March 17, 2022
United States Representative Trent Kelly (R-MS), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations, delivered the following opening statement at a hearing on defense intelligence priorities and reforms to better support the warfighter and policymakers.
Rep. Kelly's Remarks as prepared for delivery:
Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opening remarks and your leadership in organizing this afternoon's important hearing.
Today's threat landscape continues to grow in scope and complexity; our intelligence enterprise professionals are tasked with yeoman's work on a daily basis to help our nation prepare, defend and react to these threats.
Last year's NDAA mandated the Department execute certain reforms to make intelligence easier to use at the Combatant Commands. This came in response to the 36 star memo sent almost two years ago. I'm interested in hearing from our witnesses today on how the reforms mandated by Section 1622 are progressing.
I am also interested in hearing how the transition of Project Maven from OUSD(I&S) to NGA is developing. This program is of great interest from members on this subcommittee, and we want to make sure this transition does not result in any degradation of capability.
Lastly, I'm eager to get a detailed assessment of the threats our country is currently facing. The current war in Ukraine reminds us that near-peer conflict is an ever-present threat. We must also remain vigilant of continued malign action by Russia and China, especially with respect to Taiwan. But let's not forget about the enduring fight against violent extremist organizations. Last year, at this exact hearing, I described my concerns about an ‘over the horizon' counter terrorism strategy in Afghanistan. Today, I am even more concerned about our ability to maintain pressure on terrorist networks in and around Afghanistan. I'd like to hear a detailed threat assessment from our witnesses outlining the current capabilities of terrorist groups in Afghanistan, West Africa, and East Africa.
I want to thank our witnesses in advance for their time today. I look forward to continuing to work with our Defense Intelligence Enterprise leaders during the 117th Congress to ensure we are appropriately postured to meet and defeat the threats posed by our adversaries.
Mr. Chairman, I yield back.