On the recordJuly 10, 2019
There is a distinct difference between oversight and unnecessary micromanagement. Protection of civilians is a fundamental part of military operations. DOD standards and policies are some of the most stringent in the world. No force in history has been more committed to limiting harm to civilians than the U.S. military. As a special operator who has had to make these decisions, we need to be very careful of secondary effects of these types of reports, from putting soldiers unnecessarily in harm's way, to pilots being overly cautious to provide close air support, to terrorists living another day to kill more civilians, ironically, because of this overreach and overcaution. Our policies and procedures are sufficient. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote against this amendment.
