Contact: Josh Holly; 202.226.3988
Opening Statement of Congressman Todd Akin
Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee Hearing on Provincial Reconstruction Teams & Interagency Stability Operations
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held the latest in its ongoing series of hearings regarding Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) and interagency stability operations. Ranking Republican Todd Akin (R-MO) released the following opening statement for the subcommittee’s hearing:
“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good afternoon to our witnesses, we appreciate you being here today.
“After studying Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) and the subject of interagency stability operations for over four months, the subcommittee is nearing the close of this investigation. Today’s hearing offers an opportunity to hear from administration witnesses on how we are learning from the PRT program as we plan and execute stability operations across the interagency.
“One of the challenges this subcommittee faces as we close out our work on the PRTs and interagency stability operations is figuring out how – if at all – the Congress can move legislation that will ensure that agencies like the Departments of Defense and State will work in lockstep, seamlessly applying the tools of national power. Much of what needs to be done are matters that are within the constitutional prerogative of the Executive Branch, and I’d like to hear from our witnesses on steps they are taking to address this issue. Other initiatives that the Congress could appropriately address would still face hurdles, because much of what needs to be done can only emerge outside the stove piped Congressional committee system.
“I thought the initiatives you’ve raised in your prepared testimony, particularly Secretary Henry’s statement, are helpful and reflect how the Executive is thinking about these issues. As we discuss your initiatives today, I’d like our witnesses to discuss whether and how Congress can advance these priorities.”
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