Bergman Opening Statement at Hearing on the Posture and Readiness of the Mobility Enterprise
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Readiness, delivered the following remarks at a joint Readiness and Seapower and Projection Forces subcommittee hearing on the posture and readiness of the mobility enterprise.
Rep.Bergman’s remarks as prepared for delivery:
We are joined today by General Randall Reed, Commander of U.S. Transportation Command. Thank you, General Reed, for being here to testify at this important hearing. I would also like to welcome Mrs. Reed who is in the audience today. We appreciate you being here.
TRANSCOM’s mission is a critical component of our national security posture. The strategic landscape is rapidly evolving as we face increasing competition from near-peer adversaries and our mobility forces are the cornerstone of our ability to project power on a global scale. We are facing an increasingly contested logistics environment, especially in the INDOPACOM Area of Responsibility.
As the single manager for global bulk fuel management and delivery, TRANSCOM has a crucial role in supporting our strategic operations. Given the tyranny of distance that must be overcome, ensuring reliable fuel delivery is paramount. I remain concerned that demand for fuel in the Pacific exceeds capacity and our aging air refueling fleet is an increasing readiness concern.
TRANSCOM also oversees the Department of Defense’s household goods program. I am especially interested in the progress of the transition from the legacy Tender of Service program to the Global Household Goods Contract, the challenges that have been encountered, and TRANSCOM’s plan moving forward. Our focus should always remain on ensuring our servicemembers receive the quality relocation experience they deserve.
I remain concerned about the continued lack of qualified civilian mariners and the impact personnel shortages have on the ability of the Navy and MARAD to support the fleet. It is obvious that we need to grow the civilian mariner pools and expand state maritime academies like the Great Lakes Maritime Academy at Northwestern Michigan College.
Finally, I am also interested in hearing more about how TRANSCOM is navigating budgetary constraints, personnel shortages, and supply chain vulnerabilities to execute its mission requirements. For the previous three years, TRANSCOM did not submit an unfunded priorities list. I hope you consider using this tool going forward to ensure that TRANSCOM is meeting its requirements and does not accept unnecessary risk. This committee is committed to ensuring that TRANSCOM has the resources and support it needs to fulfill its crucial mission.
I look forward to hearing how TRANSCOM plans to confront the challenges of tomorrow. I will now yield to the Ranking Member for his opening statement.
