I value the opportunity to hear, just not the Active, but also the Reserve Components as we seek to get a full picture of our military readiness.

I do very much appreciate the work that this subcommittee made in developing the fiscal year 2017 appropriations bill.

I am concerned that the President's rhetoric and actions weaken our alliances, undermining American leadership while creating a power vacuum in the region that China and Russia appear eager to fill.

Votes cast by Members of Congress make us accountable to our constituents.

I will also add my name to the chorus of people who believe the Senate should ratify UNCLOS.

On Guam, we are particularly concerned with the PLA [People's Liberation Army] Navy's increased presence in the South China Sea.

I believe the United States should use our diplomatic power and influence to bring about a swift resolution to this matter.

So you do agree then.

Just as it will take time to build back readiness, these issues, of course, did not arise overnight.

We know that readiness shortfalls exist, from degraded maintenance capabilities to reduced training hours, and we need to address them.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.