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U.S. Representative Mike Gallagher (R-WI), Chairman of the Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation Subcommittee, delivered the following opening remarks at a hearing on the priorities of the Department of Defense for digital modernization and transformation, artificial intelligence, information technology, and cybersecurity.

Rep. Gallagher's remarks as prepared for delivery:

Since the start of the 118th Congress, the Armed Services Committee has held nine hearings dedicated to driving change in the Department of Defense through adoption of new technology, and pivoting to an innovation-first posture. No one expects the Pentagon to turn on a dime, but I don't think any member believes the Department is moving with the speed, force, or unity of action necessary to get our warfighters what the need. We've established that national security in this century is contingent on rapidly embracing technology and pivoting from platform-centric combat to network-centric warfare. And yet, there doesn't appear to be any adversary as formidable as the change-resistant culture of the Department of Defense.

My hope for this hearing is not only to hear about your plans for the coming fiscal year, but more so, to understand the precise obstacles and hinderances of reform which seem persistently insurmountable. In other words, why it seems to this committee that a year later, the implementation of the policies we have passed and the directives on AI, zero-trust, and software integration from your bosses seem to have little progress. I assume we all agree that speed is essential, and I hope this hearing fosters an honest conversation on what is holding you back and what you are doing to go faster.