OPENING REMARKS OF CHAIRWOMAN HARTZLER

WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), Chairwoman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, made the following remarks, as prepared for delivery, on the hearing titled “Securing the Peace After the Fall of ISIL.”  For hearing testimony and to watch the hearing live click here. 

"We convene today to consider how the United States intends to secure the peace once ISIL is defeated.

This is a very important issue to the Committee, to this subcommittee, and to me, to Ranking Member Moulton, and to other Members.  It is essential and appropriate that we exercise proper oversight as our country’s plans are formulated and funding is authorized.

Following Operation Iraqi Freedom, the United States worked to re-establish civil institutions and rebuild the military and police forces in Iraq.  Nonetheless, conditions in the country deteriorated, leaving a security void that ISIL managed to exploit. We owe it to our men and women in uniform to learn lessons from that experience so that history does not repeat itself.  It is critical that we do all we can here in Congress to ensure a stable Iraq after ISIL is defeated.  Today’s hearing will offer Members an opportunity to learn more about how the Administration intends to achieve success beyond the battlefield. 

Our first panel of very insightful outside experts will discuss the broader strategic issues associated with ISIL’s loss of territory, and highlight critical issues that should be considered as the Administration’s Iraq policy evolves. Our second panel today will address the numerous challenges associated with stabilization and rebuilding in Iraq and discuss the status of US government efforts to improve the political and security environment in Iraq."