Carter on the Hill

Defense Secretary Ash Carter is testifying this morning before the House Appropriations defense subcommittee on the Pentagon's fiscal year 2017 budget request.

Here's an excerpt from his prepared testimony:

At this time last year, we were all facing the bleak prospect of looming budget sequestration, and the damage its return would do to our people and our mission.  I’m grateful that our country’s leaders were able to come together last fall to avert that dismal future, and reach a budget deal that – after several years of fiscal turmoil and reductions – has allowed for greater investment in all our elements of national security and strength. That was what I urged since becoming Secretary of Defense, including in last year’s budget testimony before this committee, and given the threat environment we face around the world, forging that deal was the responsible thing to do. It allows our military personnel and their families to know their future more than just one year at a time, which they deserve.  It lets our defense industry partners be more efficient and cutting edge, as we need them to be.  And, perhaps most importantly, it sends a signal to the world – to friends and potential foes alike – of our nation’s strength and resolve.

To read his full testimony, click here.