All right. Hearing will come to order. Welcome, everyone. The subcommittee is meeting today to hear testimony on u. S. Policy in iraq. I thank our witness for appearing today. Before recognizing myself for the purpose of making an Opening Statement, i would like to take the opportunity to recognize and thank the members of our committee who served in iraq. Were grateful for your service and your input today is going to be invaluable. I will now ill make an Opening Statement and turn it over to the Ranking Member. Also before i begin on my comments here, i would like to take a moment to express my condolences to the families and friends of the sailors killed in pensacola last friday, the three sailers dedicated their lives were taken from us far too soon. And we need answers about the shooter and how this happened. Certainly at this point, the president and all of us must require the kingdom to give full and transparent cooperation with the United States investigation so we can understand what happened, identify any problems with the vetting process for our military Education Programs and importantly, bring the killer to justice. Since october 1st, tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets in cities throughout iraq, these protests largely driven by uth have called for political reforms, an end to corruption, improved service delivery, and greater Economic Opportunity. Reassuringly, the demonstrators have echoed unifying themes. These persistent peaceful protests led to the resignation of the Prime Minister on december 1st. Unfortunately, Security Forces have met these demonstrations with violence leading to the deaths of at least 400, the arrest of thousands and injuries to as many as 20,000 people. Iraqi authorities have suspended media outlets, theyve closed others. Iraqi leaders must refrain from using violence against peaceful protestors, must hold those accountable, permit the right of the people to peaceably assemble and ensure the continued operation of media and internet throughout iraq. The brave protestors in iraq should know that congress and the American People stand with them and their calls for improved governance, better Economic Opportunities and a brighter future. After decades of u. S. Involvement in iraq, we must support an iraqled process that advances the aspirations of the iraqi people. An aspect of the demonstrations is they have decried iranian influence in iraq. They have chanted iran out, out. They have called for the resignation or removal of iraqi politicians and militia leaders seen as too close to tehran. They have voiced support for the sovereignty and independence of iraq. Iranian has accelerated its interaction since the demonstration began. Tehran has urged officials to take a harder line in cracking down on the protests. In the aftermath of the resist nation of Prime Minister modi, he continues to shape what is happening in iraq. As demonstrations have accelerated. Iranian meddling is hindering the emergence of a peaceful iraq just as theyve undermined the sovereignty and stability of lebanons syria and yemen. The New York Times has reported on hundreds of leaked intelligence reports that demonstrate the extent of influence in baghdad. They learned that tehran built up an arsenal of missiles in iraq to deter the United States, hold american troops at risk, and potentially strike our regional allies and partners. In fact, just this morning, the United States officials stated they believe that groups are behind multiple missile attacks against military bases housing american troops in iraq, operations that have grown increasingly sophisticated and according to radio, there have been at least nine attacks against u. S. Targets in iraq in the past six weeks. Given these challenging developments, a fully staffed u. S. Diplomatic presence in baghdad is vital to preferred leaders to forego violence, meet the threats posed by iran and other unhelpful actor and is secure u. S. Interests. There was an order departure and instructed all nonemergency u. S. Personnel to leave iraq in response to increased security threats. According to the november 2019 Inspector General report, as of october 3rd, there were 352 direct hire u. S. Citizens compared to 563 the day before the ordered departure. The ordered departure has affected all operations of the mission in the iraq and limited their ability to help iraq become a more resilient, independent country and to support counter isis efforts. The report also noted that the ordered departure delayed the vetting of individuals within the iraqi Security Forces which the state department conducts when a Foreign Force is to receive u. S. Founding. Strengthing the isf is crucial that both iran and isis can exploit. According to the report, these delays severely affected the training and equipping of isf personnel. Personnel. I take the threats seriously but im disappointed the state department has not been fully transparent in why it issued the ordered departure and thousand plans to stabilize the u. S. Diplomatic parentheses in iraq. Achieving national object he was in iraq is a joint duty of the executive and legislative branchs. And i urge and expect the state department to work better with Congress Moving forward. State department officially terminated the ordered departure in november but im worried the current diminished diplomatic presence tide our hands. A strong u. S. Diplomatic effort is critical to support and defend the protest moment. Improve governance and limit the intervention of iran and other adversaries in iraq. I look forward to the testimony of our witness. His explanation of how we will achieve our National Goals with the diminished u. S. Presence and his suggestions for the way forward in iraq. And with that i turn it over to the Ranking Member mr. Wilson for his Opening Statement. Thank you, chairman ted deutch for calling this important and timely hearing on the way forward in iraq. Since early october we have witnessed the people of iraq have taken to the streets expressing their democrat rights as guaranteed to them by the iraqi constitution. Citizens of iraq across the country have been protesting the rampant public corruption paralyzing their country and prevented iraq from realizing its full potential. They are asking for the government to finally work for them as it should have been from the very beginning. The protests on the streets have been very clear from the very first protests that they intend to take back their country from iran. Chance of out out iran baghdad remains free. Have been heard daily 50 50 for too long the iranians have been exerting outsized influence in iraq. Corrupting the politicians to do theite la body. Leaders and others have acted with impunity and outside of the formal iraqi chain of command. These armed militias serve only to only in answer to tehran, impose a real challenge to iraqi sovereignty and stability. Tragically the Iraqi Security force as well as the iran aligned Popular Mobilization units formally under the iraqi minister of interior have absenting reacted to the protests in a brutal repressive fashion. Sensing a treat both in iraq and lebanon, where antigovernment protests continuinged with antiiranian sympathy have broken out, iran has decided to reinforce its interference. What we know and see the pmf and Iranian Islamic Revolutionary guard corps established a cell in baghdad in early october. Since then the crackdown resulted in killing 430 civilians and wounding nearly 20,000. In of course the only way the thee kratic tyrannical regime deals with democracy. As we see from the supreme leaders violent crackeds in his own country. My two oldest sons developed a warm appreciation for the iraqi citizens while serving. Iraqi Prime Minister tendered his resignation late last month describing as a peaceful andreaover of power but a new Iraqi Government would be hard to form and would be corrupt and beholden to iran as the current one. At any rate it does not appear the protesters in the streets of iraq are satisfied about i the announcement. The United States must make it a priority to stand for human rights accountability appear meaningful government reform in iraq. We have been handed in my opinion a golden opportunity in which the people much iraq have stood organizically against corruption and iranian influence. We must seize the moment. Thats why my colleague representative Tom Malinowski have introduced hr 5276. Iraq accountability act of 2019. This important bill sends a strong message it to the iraqi people requiring a state Department Review to determine if certain pmf and Ministry Leaders meet the criteria for imposition of sanctions pursuant to the global magnitsky human rights and accountability act. I was grateful to see the Trump Administration moved last week to impose human rights sanctions on three pmf leaders, including two mentioned in the legislation. Notably treasury also designated a senior iraqi politician for widespread corruption at the expense of the iraqi people. This is a good start and must followed up with more action. I urge the administration to continue making a strong stance on this issue and i hope this committee will take up the iraqi human rights and accountability act. Thank you to our witnesses, principle assistant Department Joey Hood for your service to our country and for being here today. The situation in iraq and across the region is complex. And we trust you know that you have your work cut out for you. I look forward to hearing how congress can play an effective role in demanding human rights for the people of iraq and holding those that are violating them in account. Thank you again chairman deutch for leadership. I yield back. Thank you Ranking Member wilson. And please extend to your sons our thanks for in re service. I will. I will now recognize members of the subcommittee for one minute Opening Statements should they choose to make one. Seeing none, without objection, all members may have five days to submit statements, questions and extraneous materials for the record subject to the length limitations in the rules. And its noy pleasure to introduce our witness. Mr. Joey hood is the Principle Department assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern Affairs spent much much his career working in the meeftd and served as deputy chief of mission in kuwait and iraq. And in iran, saudi arabia. Prior to assignments he was accurate aing director of the Iranian Affairs at u. S. Department of state. During time in Foreign Service mr. Hood also served in riyadh and assigned to the u. S. Embassying in yemen and qatar. Thank you for being with us today. Let me remind the witness to limit your testimony for five minutes. Your statement will be meat part of the record. We are aggravate are grateful for your participation today and you are recognized. Thank you, chairman deutch, Ranking Member wilson, members of the skmt, let me also recognize and thank you for the service of those on the committee as well as allen and Addison Wilson for their service to our country in iraq. I know from firsthand experience its not very easy there. But im honored to be with you today to discuss u. S. Policy in iraq and where we go from here. As we have all seen, public demonstrations have swept baghdad and the owner provinces in what began was as a wave of iraqi youth obling to the firing of a war hero soon grew to a Broader Movement demanding elimination of corruption, endemic corruption and great are Economic Opportunity with demonstrators spanning occupational and generational lines. The demonstrators are rightfully tired of bad governance and want more from leaders. Hundreds of iraqis have been killed as you both mentioned. As many as 20,000 injured so far prompting the United States to speak out loudly and frequently to say, stop the killing, bring the killers to justice and protect the peoples right to express themselves freely, including through public demonstration and free access to the media and internet. Not surprisingly, another element of iraqs protest movement as you pointed out has been rejection of iran as corrupting influence, including anger at iranian supported Political Parties and armed grums. As you rightly pointed out in the last couple of week. The head of ish irans kuds force and chief exporter of terrorism was reported to have been in baghdad meeting with threateningen and cajoling politicians. This is exactly the type of unacceptable interference iraqi protest. Iraqi demand an end to iran mobster rules. They arms groups like hezbollah and minutes Political Party leaders. But it also floods the iraqi market with cheap, low quality food. Hawks counterfeit and expired pharmaceuticals. And dumps illicit narcotics on the markets as well. At the same time, many iraqis are rejected being painted as tools of american influence. Although many protesters are too young to remember saddams seerny. They are familiar with the shortcoming of political elites whose rise to power many attribute to the United States. In that context its imperative the United States stay as secretary pompeo mass said a force for good across the region. We offer a partnership unmatched, reflecting values and contributes to the security and stability that people need to address the aspirations of the protesters. As secretary pompeo said the United States welcome serious efforts to address demands. But nothing will change until political leaders decide that Government Agencies should provide Public Services rather than serve as atm machines for parties. And until that happens, the peoples demands more a killeen and effective government will not be met, no matter who serves as Prime Minister or in the cabinet. As the secretary has said, well use all the tools at our disposal including designations unthe global magnitsky act like last week to hold people accountable. We will also remain the countrys largest humanitarian donor. Since 2014 alone, we spent more than 2. 6 billion on aid like food, water, medicine and shelter. Were also the largest donor to stabilization, rehabilitating more than 500 schools, 100 Health Centers and 50 Water Treatment plants. Were the largest donor to demining clearing over 86 million square meters of land since 2015. So more than 4 million displaced iraqis could go home and live in safety. This is what we mean when we say we are a force for good in iraq. Our relationship with iraq remains vital for u. S. National security interests. Bolsters iraq as a sovereign, stable, united and democrat partner of the United States continues to be our principle objective. The administration believes a strong kurd stand Regional Government in a unified appear federal iraq is essential to iraqs longterm stability so will continue to work with baghdad to reveal outstanding sources of tension. Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. I look forward to your questions. Thank you very much, mr. Hood. Appreciate your being here. Well now turn to the member questions. Subject to the five minute rule ill begin and then well alternate going to the Ranking Member next. Does the state department recognize state department believe that the drawdown of u. S. Diplomats has hindered our ability to achieve our policy object he was in iraq and put the country on a positive trajectory, and what specific steps i guess depending upon the answer to that question, what specific steps has the department taken to make up for the reduction in u. S. Personnel . Thank you for the question. Mr. Chairman, the short answer is no, we dont believe that the change in Staffing Levels has hindered our abilities to do our jobs there. In fact, when we went on ordered departure in the middle of may it was due to credible new and very serious threats. And so when any post goes on ordered departure there is a large reduction in staff for a temporary period of time. So in this case it went until the beginning of november as you mentioned. And during that time between middle may and the beginning of november, we continued to take a serious look at our staffing, a look that had begun many months before, to decide what the minimal level of staffing was required to achieve our objective as set out by the president S National Security strategy for iraq. And thats the level that we implemented after the lifting of ordered departure. Something that we have consulted with Congressional Staff on. And we formally notified the congress of recently. I am willing and available to come and talk in classified session about specific numbers. We dont tend to get into those discussions for security reasons in an open setting. But i would also urge you to visit as soon as you can so that you can see for yourselves the great jobs that ambassador tuller and his team are doing. Which any measure in terms of cables written, meetings conducted, advocacy conducted, in terms of visits to locations off the embassy compound, we see this team being incredibly effective at getting the job done. I appreciate the offer, mr. Hood, and i think we will take you up on the opportunity to have a full discussion in the appropriate setting. In a november 30th statement protesters in ten iraqi provinces listed seven demands including on ongoing protests until parties disappear and the amendments of the constitution of the fair electoral law and early elections under u. N. Supervision and accountability for all kbrikted in killing protesters. Whats the states departments opinion of the demands . And how is the state Department Working to move forward to help ensure that theyre met . Well, mr. Chairman, i think we need to careful because one of the unique features of this movement is that it doesnt have defined leadership. So there isnt a revolutionary committee or coordinating committee that can issue statements on behalf of all the thousands of people in the street. That said, our embassy team is in contact with Civil Society organizations with a broad range of people from deemia and the media academicia and the media and all across iraqi society. The demands from them as well as people from the steets are demands we have been hearing quite a while, which is an end to endemic corruption, elected representatives who actually represent the will of the people and not just the same faces year in and year out, no matter what the Election Results are. So you now see the council of representatives taking up new legislation for Electoral Reform. We certainly applaud that. The United Nations assistant mission to iraq is providing advice and assistance. Thats part of their mandate. And we think that thats essential for the for there to be real change. But as i said in my opening remarks, if the political leaders wsh not just those elected but the Political Party leaders if they dont fundamentally accept that change is necessary and vital, then nothing is going to be different no matter what faces they put how best, mr. Hood how best can they exhibit their understanding of that . What would be the most significant step they could take in. I think Electoral Reform is obviously important. But there are other measures. We say that this is up to the iraqis to decide how they want to move forward. And how they meet the demands of their own people. But what we say is we have a hand that we are putting out to you. We will help you whenever we see credible partners in the government who want to make positive change. So fighting corruption, reforming the Civil Service, the Electoral Reforms ive talked about, ending their dependens on Iranian Energy for example. It makes no sense for the iraqis to be flaring gas up into the atmosphere and losing billions of dollars while also request importing gas and electricity from iran in order to make electricity. Its literally like carrying coals to new castle. So we in our technical teams are ready and waiting to help them make these changes as soon as we see a credible desire to do so. Thank you, mr. Hood. Mr. Wilson you are recognized thank you, mr. Chairman. And secretary hood thank you for your service. And extensive throughout the middle east. Its very, very impressive and your dedication. Thank you. The iraqi people want to take their Government Back so it works for them and not for the iranian domination. In that vein have we determined if any u. S. Foreign assistance has ended up in the hands of iranian backed militias in iraq . And does our current foreign Aid Assistance framework have safeguards that we can use to ensure that the aid does fallout support the iranian influence in iraq or endemic public corruption . Thank you for the question, congressman, the answer is that yes, we have a lot of systems in place to make sure that our assistance excuse me doesnt go to the armed groups that are supported by the iranians and are outside the control of the central government. We have fulltime staff dedicated to overseeing the vetting efforts. And i would respectfully push back on the oig report that said there was a lapse in the oversight. There has not been. Thats one of the the Top Priorities at the mission to make sure that all human rights vetting, all security vetting is done fully. And in terms of thats in terms of our Security Assistance. In terms of hour our humanitarian assistance we have about a dozen layers of oversight that i can explain in a more closed session to you or to your staff to make sure that our assistance goes to the right people. And, you know, even at our level of ambassador tuller or myself or assistant secretary schenker when we are in the country we go to a lot of locations to make sure our projects are being done, branded, so that people can see the assistance is coming from the American People. Well, thank you, thats very encouraging. Im grateful the Trump Administration has taken a strong stance against iranian backed militias in iraq with american blood on their hands. Can you please explain to the subcommittee, like other groups such as aaah appear the vata corps are not designated as terrorist groups. Congressman, i cant get into internal deliberations about these things. And we certainly dont talk about designations before they happen. But these are things these are issues that we obviously take very seriously. Were always taking in new information and always evaluating it to see what can stand up to the evidentiary standard. As you know the global magnitsky act has quite a high and serious level of of evidentiary standard. And so we need to make sure that these designations can stand up in court. I know thats not what you asked about. You asked about a terrorism designation. But likewise, those are very serious and high standards as well. We have to make sure when we go that route that its an open and shut case. And indeed we appreciate the thoroughness of what you are doing. The Prime Minister of iraq tendered his designation late last month. But the people of iraq are still in the sfreets. What kind of government response to required to begin to meet the demands of the iraqi protesters . Thats a good question, congressman. Its one, frankly i dont have a full answer to because it really depends on the what the iraqi people perceive from their government. They have to believe that their government and the Party Leaders who put representatives into that government are ready and willing to make real and substantive changes. Its true that many of these changes cant happen overnight. But certainly with an expression of credibility and by taking some initial measures they can certainly reassure the people that theyre on the right path. First and foremost, they could stop haves qasim sul mane coming to baghdad and meet no more with hymn and say no more i want normal bilateral trade and tourism. I want to have normal relationships. That means maybe talking to the Iranian Ambassador and not talking to a special forces commander about politics. They could start with that very visibly. They could also start by issuing clean contracts to represent puttable contracts to people from iraq and around the world. The people know iranian involvement and corruption when they see it. And they would also know it if their government and leaders pushed back. Thank you again for the extraordinary diplomatic spfs. I yield back. Thank you, mr. Wilson. Mr. Malinowski you are recognize zblad thank you, mr. Chairman. Mr. Hood. Im going to begin off topic for a second to follow up on chairmans reference to the hoeshl shooting in saudi arabia. I want to ask you as an nea representative here today about a specific aspect of that and that is vetting of saudi officers under the leahy law. You may not be able to give me a detailed answer today. But im curious know whether this particular officer had been vetted under the leahy law. Why do we have saudi airmen trading in the United States, given the widespread commission of human rights abuses by the Saudi Air Force in the conduct of its air operations in yemen . Have we devetted and denied training opportunities to any saudis unthe leahy as a result of their conduct in yemen. . I think the whole tragedy insanity dent incident cast a light on the program and that is something that leapt to my mind. And i would appreciate if you have noig anything to say now but also appreciate if you could km back with more detailed answers to the questions. Thank you, congressman. There are some aspects of it that i can answer now and some ill strhave to take back to get more information. But our hearts go out to victims and families of the terrible tragedy in pensacola. The killer is dead. And so there is no more information that we can get from him. But we certainlyi know the authorities are following up with a number of his classmates and others to get to the bottom of what happened and why. I can say with confidence that we fully implement the leahy law. I dont know exactly, you know, what level of scrutiny this individual underwent or his unit. But i can say with confidence that the leahy law was applied. I will get back to you on the questions the other questions that you asked about. But i will say in general that the International MilitaryEducation Training program is one of our crown jewels of Exchange Programs around the world. It exposes future important leaders in military organizations around the world to the United States, to our our views on the law of armed conflict, which are as always part of any imet program. We want to make sure they are the right leaders, though. So let me move back to iraq. And i want to challenge you a little bit on the staffing situation. You talked about an ordered departure. An ordered departure at the state department is sometimes something that has to be done, never something that anybody wants to be done. Because we believe our people should remain in place because they are doing important work. Im not sure if i find credible the explanation that following an ordered departure coincidencely the department decided it didnt need the people there in the first place. Im wondering, is that what you are suggesting . After the review you decided we did not need those people doing that work . And if not then why arent we sending them back . Did we not need a consulate in bhasra for example in is that what the department decided . We are in the having a consular ambassador. Is that correct. Congressman, let me take it back a number of months. The suspension of operations in bhasra happened in the fall of 2018. The ordered departure happened in may of 2019. And youre absolutely right in what you say, that no diplomat ever wants to implement ordered departure, because it feels like a failure. And i felt that very keenly because i was the one in charge of the mission at the time and i was the one who requested it from washington. And i did it with a very heavy heart. But i did it because i was convinced the threats were very serious. Understood and i acknowledge that. But the question is, why arent people going back . Youre suggesting following the difficult solemn decision the department underwent review and decided maybe we dont need the people there in the first place. What were they doing that we dont need done anymore. I waso i wasnt finished with my explanation. Yes. So immediately we started to look at the question of what if these threats remained at a high level . Were not going to be able to remain at ordered departure forever. So we have to decide, what is the smallest number of people that we can have here making our target as small as it can be so as not to give the enemy too much of a starting but also to get our mission done. In followed on work that we had started in january. And even previously but more formally in january to look at exactly what our Staffing Levels ought to be. Because in december the Iraqi Government had declared all of its territory liberated from isis. This was in december of 2018. We knew that our mission was evolving. Staffing at mission iraq has gone up and down over the years in conjunction with the changing environment around it. So our staffing in 2014 looked very different in 2015 once isis was 60 miles from the embassy. Likewise, our staffing looked very different in 2017 and 2018. So there was a review process already under way. But dsh zbsh. You decided you decided the correct number for bhasra is zero. Ill get to bhasra in a second. But it took on new urgency with the ordered departure. And we realized we needed to quickly decide what was the minimal number of staffing that we required to get the job done that was before us . In that place in the fall there were serious and credible treats that led to us spun operations there. And thats where things remain for now. The gentleman yields back, mr. Kinzinger recognized for five months. Thank you, mr. Chairman. And thank you for being here and for your good work for the country. A lot our times our diplomats and diplomatic corps dont get the many credit they deserve. Obviously iran a hunl problem in iraq. Im a veteran of that conflict. We operated against, you know, both terrorists and iranians in iraq. And we know that a quarter of american soldiers were killed directly or indirectly by iran. You look at yemen. Yemen mentioned earlier. We know why yemen is destabilized, because of iran. Overthrew a government, give no humanitarian aid. They store weapons in cities to the civilian casualties increase. And somehow theyve gotten not a lot of attention for that. But im deeply saddened by the instability we see obviously across iraq over the past three months. The protests have claimed more than 400 lives as we expect and the definitely injured thousands more mop led primarily by nationalisting sentiments and the protesters are voicing anger with the iranian fruns and interference. Last year, i introduced the iran the destabilization of iraq act with passwood overwhelming support out of the house. Unfortunately because of one or two specific senators did not pass the senate but if signed into law two years ago we may have presented some of the pain and suffering that the iraqi people are dealing with today. And i hope we can learn from the mistakes. Disengaging or using rhetoric about bring everybody home, its a mistake we made with the end of the status of forces agreement in iraq. We all know that that was extended under president bush so the next president could have the courtesy of making a decision whether or not to stay in iraq. And we didnt. We see the results of that now. And hopefully a mistake we dont make again. But i want to ask you specifically it to ensuring the stability of iraq is key to National Security strategy. Thats where i want to begin. While the parties in iraq promised to make much needed Electoral Reform demanded by citizens, these could fail unless iranian influence is curtailed. So im not suggesting we cut off iraq from iran entirely. I dont think thats feasible. Its a 1500 mile border. But we must work with authorities in iraq to push back against irans destable zbigs. The irgc spent considerable sometime and resources dwechl the influence gained in iraq. Does the irgc leadership feel pressure from the protests . And what steps are they taking to shore up support . And how can we counter that. I believe they do feel pressure from the protests, which is one of the reasons why they deployed q. Asa asam sul man the y so quickly. And ner having trouble figuring out to you to reinsert the influence. And unfortunately you see it in the form of armed people infiltrating the protests, especially at night. Even as we speak, even as i was coming in here i saw reports of armed men going around and shooting in a particular area. And, you know, if they think they are going to win hearts and minds of the iraqis with that they are sadly mistaken. And i think if any believe they are going to cow the iraqis into acquiescence i think they are also mistaken. I think the young generation there is fed up. And they feel they have nothing to lose. And so what we need to do is we need to make sure the iraqis understand that once they have leaders in place who are willing to change were willing to work with them. We have a 22 trillion economy. We have amazing businesses that work not on the basis of corruption. Weve got Security Assistance thats bar none the best in the world. And weve got a very generous public willing to provide humanitarian assistance and all sorts of help. So. Let me just ask you briefly, is there any counterinformation. Disinformation when you talk about the killings they blame it on somebody folks are believing or is it well understood its the Iranian Security services doing this stuff. Its well understood that you know, people refer to the third party as the euphemism, meaning its not the Iraqi Government and not the iraqi people. Now, you do have unfortunately armed groups starting to fight each other. And that is the recipe for disaster. So we know that the protesters have been trying to make an effort recently to make sure that armed i will fill traitors cant make their way in. But they can only do so much. The iraqi Security Forces must protect the people and the right to peacefully protest. We call on them to do it and we think they are capable. Thank you i yield back. Mr. Trone you are recognized. Thank you. Mr. Hood, thank you for your service. With the Iraqi Parliament beginning to select a new Prime Minister, will the United States work with that new iraqi Prime Minister if we believe that iran has had too much influence on it and is perhaps too close to that individual . Congressman, we will work with anyone willing to make real change in iraq. You know, its just possible that the iranians may think they have their candidate in there, but that person may stand up and say im an iraqi national, a patriot, you know on the side of my people. Thats always possible. We are not going to try to call the horse race now and say, you know, well back that one and not this one. We will wait until we see what the iraqi people decide. And if there is a credibility leader willing to put iraqs interests first, we dent care his or her name. We are willing to work that person to give iraqis a better future. Because thats in our interests. Lets talk about usaid where reducing staffing again, same theme. They reduced staffing by 80 in iraq. Yet they have dramatically increased programming, including a new 100 million Stabilization Assistance in the anbar province. A 7 million assistance to support ethnic and religious minorities. Bringing total assistance to 19. 16 billion. Why do the stafrgs reconductions make sense especially when the programming is going to new untested governmental organizations . We only have five usaid staff left in the entire country. How is that going to work . Well, congressman, i would respectfully disagree with all the numbers you put out there. Theyre not accurate. And i would be willing to comen a talk in a closed session about what the numbers actually are, what they were. And what we think they will be moving ahead. But nobody believes in those programs more than i. I was a huge champion of the assistance to anbar because i went out to fluja and saw the tribal shieks sitting in a huge room saying we wanted to kill you before now we want to be partners with you. I said okay if thats the bargain well be here to help. Thats the partnership we offer. The religious and ethnic minorities, i cant tell what you a feeling it is to be in a half destroyed man sterry and knowing our money is restoring that from what isis tried to do with it. Im reminded from every days from things i wear this is the lords prayer in aramaic to sit in the mass among chal dean christians to hear them recite the prayer in the language of jesus. Its so moving. We want to make sure those people can go home and live in safety. We would never agree to staffing cuts so severe putting those programs in jeopardy. Well, if you could get back to the committee and help us get the right numbers, thats what we had. Of the 1. 5 million individuals remain internally displaysed in iraq. And iraqi officials identified 88 billion in recovery needs. How is the u. S. Going to be able to help iraq meet the challenges . And whats the state department doing to assist the Iraqi Government in restoring civil documentation for a million idps, many of whom lost identification, confiscated, steroid by isis and cannot access Vital Health Care and Education Services without it. How can we help . Those are good questions, congressman because we have a lot to offer in that regard. For the rereconstruction needs of the country, of course we dont rebuild countries. We do provide stabilization so that there is water and electricity and those essential services so that then businesses can come in and do their work. Iraq is a middle income country. Theyre one of the Largest Oil Producers in the world. They dont need nor should they want our aid money to provide reconstruction. They should be ready and willing to hire competent, Clean Companies to do that. Unfortunately, were not seeing that just yet, for many of the reasons we talked about here earlier. There is endemic corruption that is preventing this from taking place. But our companies are ready. We are there advocating for them. They just need a good reliable partner in the Iraqi Government. And i know that thats true for other governments as well. In kuwait, we with other governments provided investment guarantees and loan guarantees of more than 30 billion for the reconstruction efforts. Almost none of it has been taken advantage of because the government has so far not been willing to come forward and Fund Projects that our companies would be willing to go in for. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. Mr. Trone. Mr. Vargas you are recognized thank you, mr. Chairman and thank you for the holding the hearing and mr. Ranking member thank you. Mr. Hood which appreciate your service. As stated earlier. I do want to ask questions if i could about the kurds and kurt owe kurdistan. I did have the opportunity some years ago to meet with the kurds in the peshmirga with a colleague of our darrel iss the a. What they were asking for at the time was the alkt to defend themselves and not only that but help us in those areas you mentioned interesting. It was moving to hear you talk about jesus and the lords prayer and aramaic. We in san diego have a number of chaldeans moved to san diego and are wonderful citizens and most lift outside of my district. But i have replaces with them because i have been to iraq a few times now. But how are things going there . When i went there it was interesting to me to see how hard working the people were even within the difficult situation of the fights, they were doing quite well. You saw cranes everywhere. And there was still a lot of optimism, even the the fighting we could see the fires from where we were, the smoke at least not the fires. How what is happening there right now . If you could give us some information . Well, thank you, congressman for the kind words. And for reminding me of daryl issap i was are the to host him before he retired and also in yemen a number of years ago where he was part of the first codel in that country in 15 years. Its a way of me saying its important to see you out in the countries appear we hope you come and visit baghdad and urbil and maybe sulamania because there is a lot going on in the kurto kurdistan region. They have challenges. We are helping them to overcome those as much as we can through dedicated assistance to the peshmirga, trying to convert them from paerpt militias to combined forces responsive to central government, to the Regional Government and the central government. And were providing assistance for them as well to help deal with refugees from syria and the internally displaced people, including the the yazidis. Almost all of whom are displaced in the kurdistan region. And they are going home requires an agreement between baghdad and urbil how to administer their homeland. So far we Vice President seen the progress and we keep pushing for it at every level from her very frequently sfl what about the issue, though, if you could address a bit the issue of the oil. I know there was discussions going on there, trying to get an arrangement with the Prime Minister. And that has seemed to fall by the wayside. What is going on administration. He did have a lot of confidence from the kurdish leaders, and we received reports very frequently that there was progress being made. Its easy to get a little cynical when you hear those reports over and over but no actual results. But it is true that now the talks seem to be paused with the resignation of the Prime Minister and the focus of the government in baghdad on the protests. So, we hope that a new government will take up those negotiations with the kurds as quickly as possible and sincerely as possible to get a deal so that the different parts of iraq can be helping each other, as i said earlier, get off of a dependence on Iranian Energy because that doesnt serve anybodys purposes. I appreciate that, well, again, i hope and wish the best and obviously we want to see the transition from this government to Something Else be successful. I guess like my many of my colleague, im very afraid of the influence that iran has now and that, i think, is very, very problematic, especially up in the i would call the plane for lack of a better biblical term. That area is important for caldea frks caldeans and christians. Yizidis as well. Thank you. Thank you. I yield back. Mr. Keating, would you like to be recognized . Youre recognized for five minutes. Wow, thank you, mr. Chairman. I hope im not covering old ground. I was just curious, protests are centering about many issues, influence of iran being one, but also the Economic Conditions and the fact that young people dont have a lot of opportunity or hope, recurrent theme around the world, frankly, but what about some of the usaid, some of the developmental money that could be used where we might want to put more emphasis there . Clearly, we have an interest in stability and i think thats one way we could truly have an avenue maybe where theres a vacuum. Well, thank you for that for those questions and observations, congressman. We our programs actually are focused on the areas that we think the demonstrators are most interested in, which is ending endemic corruption and improving the ability of the government to provide essential services. And so that may take the form of Technical Assistance in getting rid of ghost workers from the Civil Service payrolls. That may be learning how to do trash pickup better throughout a particular province. Weve had successive programs like this administered by usaid and others that have tried to work with willing partners within the government, but its an uphill battle because, as i said earlier, the Political Parties up until now have seen ministries and government offices as atm machines for their parties and not as agencies that must provide services to their publics. So, until we have partners like that throughout the government, were not going to be able to make much progress. Are they i just remember with the military in afghanistan, the Afghan Security and other places, when they went to Digital Payments, that was something that took an avenue of corruption away. And, are they doing that in iraq . Are most of these municipalities, civil work thats being done, are they paying people digitally so its going directly to the people that are working . Not enough, congressman, and its one of our highest priorities that we convey to the minister of finance and to the deputy Prime Minister in the kurdistan region who are partners with us and who are working toward Digital Payments as much as possible. Is that a technological barrier they have or they just dont want to do it . Well, its boastth, congressman. Think its safe to say there is a psychological, to be fair, there is a psychological element for people who have been at war in one form or another for over 40 years that they like the cash and they like to put it in their mattresses. Wow. So that if they have to flee, theyve got it, or if another dictator comes in, they are, you know, not so beholden or if the banks get robbed, they dont have to worry. The Banking System is nascent to nonexistent, and so thats another big part of the problem, but could we help at all in that regard . Yes, sir, and we are. I know that our treasury attache works on this as a fulltime job and in the kurdistan region, were working with his excellency, the deputy Prime Minister, on these very issues through a usaid program that hes taken very well lastly, something you just said about peoples dissatisfaction and the corruption that surrounds just the regular dispensation of local services, whether its trash pickup or basic public works, other activities, is it possible that as youre looking at those kind of actions that that could be a window in for isis . You know, i know that in syria, in other areas, when there was really rampant corruption and people werent getting services, they would slowly engrain themselves within a community and then start to build up trust and then eventually try and influence those things and get a foot foothold in a Community Like that. Is there any opportunity to do that that isis might take advantage of or is it just too far advanced in iraq so that wouldnt be an issue . I think, congressman, that was the case in 2014 when people were just completely fed up with their government, again, at that time, and many of them saw a difference with isis, but that is absolutely no longer the case. There is no longer any iraqis who would fall for that. They are virtually united in their hatred for this organization and so while there are, obviously, pockets here and there, just like in other countries, the iraqi Security Forces backed up by support from people and Intelligence Networks and from the International Coalition led by the United States, theyre really taking the fight to those isis in writinge inging id probably ask about the banking infrastructure, what we could do, that kind of work. Perhaps private entities in the u. S. Could work in dealing with that. Ill do that in writing and ill yooeld back yields back. Thank you, mr. Keating. I thank the witness. Thanks very much for being here. Thanks to the members for participating. Grateful for your testimony and service to our country. Members of the subcommittee, as mr. Keating just referenced, may have additional questions. We ask that you please respond to those questions in writing and i ask that my colleagues to the extent they have questions submit them to the subcommittee clerk within five business days, and with that, without any objection, the subcommittee is adjourned. Thank you