I welcome everyone to the subcommittee meeting today to hear testimony in iraq. Your witness appearing today, before recognizing myself for the purpose of making up statement i would like to take the opportunity to recognize and thank the members of our committee who served in iraq for your service and your interest today will be invaluable. Your input. I will now make statement and then turn it over to ricky member news we can make an opening statement. Also, before beginning my time, i like to take a moment to news express my condolences to the soldiers killed in pensacola on friday. Three soldiers will dedicated to our country. They were taken far is it too soon. We want answers about the shooter and how the septet happened. The president was quick to share condolences. And certainly at this. , the president and all of us must require the kingdom, and transparent cooperation with the United States in this issue so we can understand what happened. Identify any problems of the vetting process for military Education Programs and importantly and most informally, bring the killers to justice. Since october 1st, 10 sets out thousands of people have taken to the streets in cities cataract. These protest largely driven to political reforms. They had to corruption and improve Service Delivery greater Economic Opportunity reassuringly, the demonstrated have said patriotic themes and explicitly rejected the divisions that are played interest in iraq. These first persistent peaceful unfortunately, the 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 20000 people. Direct parties also Media Outlets including tv, the enclosed others. Iraqi leaders must refrain from using violence against peaceful protesters. In most all those who used of course, especially deadly of course, must permit the right of peoples peacefully a semblance and Assurance Media and the internet throughout iraq. The rate protesters in iraq should note that congress and the market people stay on with him the calls to governments and better Economic Opportunities and brighter future. After decades of u. S. Involvement in a wreck we must support an iraqi led process that advances the aspiration of the iraqi people. An aspect of the demonstrations is that they have tried and influence direct rate protesters in baghdad counter square and elsewhere, iran out, called for the resignation or removal of iraqi politicians and militia leaders, seen as is it too close to terror on. And the voice of support for the sovereignty, and the independence of a wreck. Importantly, iran has accelerated sensitive in the demonstrations that began to run has urged the officials to take those hard live and cracking down on the protest. In the aftermath of the resignation of Prime Minister of ahmadi. Iran continues to shape and demonstrated by multiple trips of possible commander, to baghdad, has demonstrations have accelerated. Iranian meddling is an reemergence of a peaceful and append it prosperous direct just as it has undermined the sovereignty and stability of lebanon news syria, and yemen. In recent weeks, the New York Times has had legs of the extent of the public is also the trend is build up an arsenal chart range Ballistic Missiles in iraq. In order for us to deter the United States and hold american troops at risk, and potentially strike a reasonable allies and partners. In fact, just this morning, and as an state, and iranian link groups hopeful recent missile attacks against military bases housing american troops in iraq, operations that have grown increasingly sophisticated, and according to radio, at least nine attacks against u. S. Targets in iraq in the past six weeks. In these challenging developments, fully staffed u. S. Diplomatic presence in baghdad, is vital to persuade iraqi leaders to forgo violence against protesters, threats posed by the interference of iran and other helpful actors and secure u. S. Interests. I partially made 14th Estate Department issues in order to departure and instructed all of their Emergency Personnel to leave iraq in response to increased security threats. And according to the november 2019 operation risks solve report. As of october 3rd, there will 352 direct tire unisys Citizen ServiceNational Center chief admissions to carry responsibility iraq compared to 563 the day before the order of departure. Reduction of close to 40 percent. According to the Inspector General report, he ordered departure is affected all operations and mission iraq and to help iraq become a more resilient independent aquatic country and to support counter isis efforts. They Inspector General report that also noted, that the delayed vetting of individuals within the iraqi Security Forces and ties and terrorist organizations which the state department conducts when foreign of course and u. S. Funding. They strengthen the isf is crucial to preventing security vacuums in both iran and isis and can exploit. And according to a report these delays, severely affected the training and equipping of isf snow. And the security threats to the diplomatic news i take it seriously. I am disappointed that the state department has not been fully transparent and when they first issued the departure and how it plans to stabilize u. S. Diplomatic presence in iraq. Moving forward and protecting u. S. Dental medicine achieving our National Objectives is the joy duty of the executive and legislative branches and i urge and expect the state department to work better with congress to move forward. See Department Official and terminated the order to departure but it in november worried that that diminished presence have tighter hands. Strong u. S. Diplomatic effort is critical to support defendant. And in anticorruption, prevent the resurgence of isis, and limit the intervention of iran and other adversaries in wreck. I look forward to the testimony and a witness and is his explanation on how we will achieve our National Goals with the diminished u. S. Presence and his suggestions for a way forward. With a wreck and with that i turn it over to the Ranking Member, mr. Wilson for his comments. A. Thank you. Following this important and timely hearing on the way forward to iraq. Since early october, we have witnessed the people of iraq, had taken to the streets. Expressing their democratic rights as guaranteed to them by the iraqi constitution. Citizens abroad, across the country, have been protesting rapid public corruption that is paralyzed country and preventative rock from realizing its full potential. Theyre asking for the government to finally work for them as it shouldve been from the very beginning. The protesters on the streets have been very clear from the very first protest that they intend to take back their country from a run. Chance of an outright run and bigoted remains free have been heard all of us daily. For is it too long, the iranians have been exhorting the site influence iraq fostering networks of corrupt politicians and religious leaders. To do the ayatollah news bidding. The iranian backed militias, like us up, hock and others have acted with impunity. And operate outside of formal iraqi chain of command. These are minutes militias should serve only in answered to tehran. They pose a real challenge to iraqis sovereignty instability. Tragically the iraqi Security Forces as well as the ron alondra Popular Modernization units formally on the iraqi and minister of interior to these democratic protest in a brutal and progressive fashion. Sensing a threat both in iraq and lebanon, where antigovernment protest extends with anti iranian sympathy, have broken out and iran has decided to reinforce its interference. And we know is that the bmf, and Iranian Islamic Revolutionary guard corps, established a joy operating sale in big day in early october and since then the crackdown has resided over killing over 430 civilians and wounding nearly 20000. This of course is the only way that theoretically tyrannical regime knows how to deal with expressions of democracy. As we see from the Supreme Leader news violent crackdown on protest in his own country. My two older suns, alan and addison served in iraq and developed a warm appreciation for citizens. On a vibrant future for iraqi families. Iraqi Prime Minister abdul, tendered his resignation late last month describing it as a missed method of peaceful interboro power in democratic system. But he knew your government will be hard to forum and it will likely be as corrupt as the current one. At any rate it does not appear that the protesters in the streets of iraq, are satisfied by this announcement. The United States, must make it a priority to stay on for human rights and accountability and meaningful government in iraq. We have been handed in my opinion, a golden opportunity was a people of iraq have stood organically against corruption and iranian influence. And we must seize the moment. That is white my colleague rep. Tom malinowski and i have introduced hr 5276 to the iraq human rights accountability act in 2019. This important bill, sends a strong message to the iraqi people by requiring a state department review. To determine at certain pmf and met administrative leaders meet the criteria from physician of sanctions pursuant to the Global Human Rights accountability act. I was painful to see that the Top Administration moved last week to impose human rights sanctions on three pmf leaders. Including, to mention in the legislation. Notably, treasury also designated a senior iraqi politician for widespread corruption. That the expense of the iraqi people. This is the good story. And must be followed up with more action. Hired 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 Principal Assistant deputy joy good. For your service to our country and being here today. The situation iraq and across the region, his complex. We trust you know that you have your work that 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 an account. Thank you again chairman joyce for your leadership. I yield back. Thank you Ranking Member wilson. And please extend to your suns, our thanks for their service. I will not recognize members of subcommittee for one minute opening statements. If it should they choose to make one. Staying none, all members may have five days to submit statements and questions and extraneous materials. In the roles if my pleasure to introduce our witness. As our Principal Deputy secretary estate for the affairs. Is that much of his career working in the leased and served as deputy chief in iraq. And quite. As well as general and principal officer and director saudi arabia. Prior to these assignments, is acting director of Office Iranian affairs at the u. S. Apartment of state during his time in the foreign service, mrd was assigned to the u. S. 70 news and human encounter and i thank you mr. For being with us today. I might remind everybody to submit your testimonies. That went out objection, it will be made part of the written record. I am grateful for your participation today. You are recognized. Thank you chairman deutsch, Ranking Member wilson and members of the committee let me also recognize and thank you for the service on the committee. As well as allen and edison wasnt for their service to our country. In iraq and i know from firsthand experience, has brought very easy. 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 southern provinces will began as a way of primarily iraqi youth objecting to the perceived front crying about respected work era, soon grew into a Broader Movement demanding the elimination of corruption, an epidemic corruption and greater Economic Opportunity with demonstrators banning religious, gender, occupation and generational lines. The demonstrators have rightfully tired of leaving in her bed governments. They want more from their leaders. Hundreds of iraqis have been killed as you have both mentioned. And as many as 20000 and yourself are. Prompting the United States to speak out loudly, and frequently to see stop the killing ring the killers to justice. And protect the people news right to express themselves freely including through public demonstrations and free access to the media. And the internet. Not surprisingly another element of erics focus movement and viewed as you have pointed out, has been rejection of irans corrupting influence including anger and iranian supported Political Parties and armed groups. As you rightly pointed out in the last couple of weeks, the head of irans socalled sports and cheap exporter of terrorism was widely reported to be in baghdad, meeting with an threatening and controlling politicians. This is exactly the dive boat an acceptable interference iraqis are protesting in the streets. Iraqis are also demanding an end to irans mobster rules. To run arms terrorist groups like boba, as you mentioned, it manipulates Political Party leaders, but it also floods the iraqi market with chief lowquality code. It talks counterfeit and expired pharmaceuticals. In dump solicit narcotics on the markets as well. At the same time, many iraqis have rejected being painted tools of american influence. Off of many protesters are is it too young to remember saddam news tyranny, theyre all intimately familiar with the shortcomings of their political elites. The rise to power many attribute to the United States. So in that context, its imperative that the United States remain as secretary of pompeo has said, a of course for good across the region. We offer a partnership that is unmatched. And reflect our values, and contributes to the security and instability of the people need. To address the aspirations of the protesters. A secretary said the United States welcomes any serious efforts to address her demands. But nothing will change until political leaders decide the Government Agencies should provide Public Services rather than serve with atm machines for the parties. And until that happens, the people news demands for a clean and effective government, will not be met. No matter who serves as Prime Minister. On the cabinet. As a secretary has said, will use all of the tools at our disposal including designations on the global magnet act like we did last week. So we hold people accountable. We will also remain the country news largest humanitarian donor. Since 2014 alone, we its been more than 2. 6 million on aid like food, water, medicine and shelter. Will also the largest donor to stabilization. Rehabilitating with the 500 schools and a hundred Health Centers in 50 Water Treatment plants. When the largest donors to do mining clearing 86 million square meters of land is 2015. So more than 4 million displaced iraqis can go home. And they could live their lives and safety. This is what we mean when we see we are a of course for good. In iraq. Our relationship with iraq remains vital for u. S. National security interests. Both during iraq as a sovereign staple and united in democratic partner of the United States. They continue to be a principal objective. The administrations belief that a strong varnish stay on government within a unified and federal iraq is also essential to iraqs longterm stability. Some continue to work with baghdad to resolve 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. Now will turn to the member ocean spray five minute roll will begin. Suba does the state department believe that the drawnout diplomats has hindered our ability to achieve our policy in iraq and put the country in a positive trajectory and what specific steps i guess to the answered to the question, what steps have they taken. Thank you for the question. Mr. Chairman, the short answered is no. We dont believe the change in Staffing Levels has hindered our ability to do our jobs there. When we went on our departure and inmate it was due to credible and new and very serious threats. In so many posts, those in order departure, there is a large reduction in staff for a temporary period of time. So in this case it wouldnt tell to build beginning of november as you mentioned and during that time between anime and the beginning of november, we continued to take those serious look at her staff look that had begun many months before to decide what the minimal loophole of staffing was required to achieve our objecti