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Good morning, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. Welcome to the Subcommittee's first hearing of the 118th Congress on oversight of the United Nations.
While the President's Budget has been delayed, this Subcommittee has important oversight work that must be done to prepare for our next appropriations bill. This includes a review of our engagement at the United Nations where the United States is the largest donor providing over $12 billion annually.
This significant investment from the American taxpayer is not exempt from the expectation that we see U.S. interests being advanced.
The American people want to see a United Nations that supports, not undermines, our security and that of our allies and partners around the world. Unfortunately, the UN too often fails to deliver.
Good morning. Welcome.
Today's hearing is on the quality of life for our enlisted soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, guardians, and their families.
The five witnesses at the table represent the highest enlisted level of leadership for their respective branches.
This is the first time since 2019 that we've had all of the senior enlisted leaders together to testify on quality-of-life issues. They are truly an impressive group.
This hearing is a great opportunity to identify areas where we can do more to help our service members and their families.
It is also an opportunity to discuss the important connection between facilities, readiness, and quality of life.
Investing in infrastructure bolsters the military's ability to train and fight, while also ensuring our service members and their families are taken care of at home, every day.
The Subcommittee on Defense will come to order.
Today, the Subcommittee will receive testimony on the war in Ukraine.
First, I would like to welcome our two witnesses: Celeste Wallander, who serves as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, and Lieutenant General Douglas Sims II, the Director for Operations at the Joint Chiefs of Staff. We look forward to your testimony.
One year ago, the democratic nation of Ukraine was invaded by Russian forces without provocation. Over the past year, Russia has carried out brutal attacks on Ukrainian forces as well as civilians, including women and children.
