Today, the Subcommittee will convene for an open budget hearing to receive testimony on the National Guard and Reserve Forces.
We are pleased to be joined by our witnesses:
A warm welcome to you all and thank you for your years of distinguished service. I also want to congratulate Lieutenant General Healy on his upcoming retirement this summer.
The men and women of the National Guard and Reserves play a critical role in supporting our national security efforts at home and abroad. They sustain peace and respond to crises, whether managing California wildfires or strengthening international relationships through the State Partnership Program.
The Department’s Counterdrug Program remains a key priority of mine – and the work done through the National Guard Counterdrug Program and National Guard Counterdrug Schools Program continues to have an incredible impact in our communities.
Our military force structure depends on the ability of Guard and Reserves to surge when called. We ask a lot of them, particularly this past year, as demonstrated by their role in Operation Epic Fury. I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the Guardsmen and Reservists, as well as all Service Members, who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country.
With heightened requirements, they are tasked with balancing both a civilian career and their military service. It is important our Guard and Reserves are properly resourced and that we continue to support them and their families.
In Fiscal Year 2027, for the first time, the President’s Budget Request includes funding for the National Guard and Reserve Equipment Account. The Committee has long supported the Guard and Reserves here and we look forward to hearing more about how this change will impact your modernization efforts. I would also like to hear from all of you on how your components are thinking about modernization, current capability gaps, and areas where Congress can be helpful. Additionally, the Guard and Reserves require proper facilities to address growing mission requirements. I look forward to hearing more about the condition of your facilities and resource needs.
I now recognize the distinguished Ranking Member, Ms. McCollum, for her opening remarks.
