We have a vote at 1030 a. M. In order to allow more centers time to ask their questions, agreed brown and i have to submit our Opening Statements for the record. Witnesses to shorten their Opening Statements to a couple minutes each. To ask theim going senators to be very careful to follow the fiveminute allocation for their questions. First we receive testimony from ,he honorable Sigal Mandelker and following her we will hear testimony from ms. Susan thorton. Without anything further, lets proceed. Please proceed. Mandelker i am honored to appear before you to discuss our strategy to combat the oppressive actions of north korea. This administration is applying maximum economic and diplomatic pressure to counter this threat. Are essentialls to this campaign and it become among the semester nations top kinetic tools of choice. Today i will share with you aspects of our strategy, which we are executing at a rapid pace. At a rapid pace were focused on attacking the Financial Vulnerability
This past week, secretary of defense James Madison and Joseph Dunford testified on the 2018 budget request for the pentagon. U. S. Were also asked about strategy in afghanistan. Well, good morning. The Senate Armed Services Committee Meets to receive testimony on the department of defenses fullyear 20 budget request. We welcome secretary matus, general dunford, thank you for your leadership of our minimum and in uniform. Before we begin, we all want to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of Sergeant Eric howe, Sergeant William baze, and corporal dylan aldrich. These three soldiers were killed this weekend in afghanistan. But thoughts and prayers of this committee are with their loved ones. The sacrifice of these heroes is a painful reminder that america is still a nation at war. That is true afghanistan or after 15 years of war. We face a stalemate and urgently need a change in strategy and an increase in resources if we are to change this situation around. We also remain committed t