Before i call the meeting to order let me apologize fob being a little late i got called on a couple things coming down the hall. Were going to stand at ease thats a military term i learned a long time ago in the air force for just one minute while i talked to my trusted friend the Ranking Member and then well open the meeting. Call this meeting the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee together i apologize for being a little bit late but i wanted to make sure we were on the right track and i didnt mess anything up. I want to welcome secretary shulkin whos had a great start. I dont think anybody started out with a better unanimous vote than he, you cant do any better than unanimous when you get affirmed. I think the vote last week on accountability was extraordinary. And the way we got to the decision working together hand in hand was extraordinary and i commend the Ranking Member on his help in doing the same. Weve got some other things to do today to Start Talking about budget wise and w
Senator mccain 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 to a campaign to defeat isis in libya, yemen, iraq, in syria where u. S. Troops are helping to destroy isis and reclaim muscle and rocked up. Meanwhile, threats aro
The senate to a halt as the fight over obamacare state enters the key to week stretch. You can read more at the hill. Com today. The defense secretary james mattis and general Joseph Dunford chair joint chiefs of staff testify now about the president s 2018 budget for for the pentagon. The Senate Armed Services Committee Held at this hearing last week. Good morning. In the thin Arm Service Committee meets this one tracy testimony on the department of defense fiscal year 2018 budget request. We welcome secretary mattis and chairman dent for, secretary norquist, i thank you for your many years of distinguished service and your leadership of our men and women in uniform. Before we begin, i want to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of Sergeant Eric houck, Sergeant William bays, and Corporal Dillon baldridge. M these three soldiers from the armys 101st Airborne Division were killed this weekend in afghanistan. The thoughts and prayers of this committee are with their loved ones. The sac
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
Testimony on the department of defenses fiscal year 2018 budget request. We welcome secretary mattis, chairman dunford, secretary norquist and thank you for your many years of distinguished service and your leadership of our men and women in uniform before we begin. We all want to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of Sergeant Eric houg, corporal dylan baldridge, these three soldiers from the armys 101st Airborne Division were killed this weekend in afghanistan. The 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 in afghanistan where after 15 years of war we face a stalemate and urgently need a change in strategy and an increase of resources if we are to turn the situation around. We also remain engaged in a Global Campaign to defeat isis and related terrorist groups from libya and yemen to iraq and syria where u. S. Troops are helping to destroy isis and reclaim