Tim Walberg: “In light of recent events in Benghazi and North Africa, the Pentagon approved the development of the Special Purpose…”

“In light of recent events in Benghazi and North Africa, the Pentagon approved the development of the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force for Crisis Response to function under United States African Command. This task force is specifically tailored for crisis response in Africa, and in April deployed to Spain and Italy. The unit is capable of responding to a wide range of military operations and will provide limited defense crisis response in support of embassies, support non-combatant evacuation operations, provide humanitarian assistance, and assist with disaster relief operations, search and rescue, and other missions as directed. As this force is ramping up, I believe we need to ensure that this valid and important mission is completely and adequately funded. With the rise of Islamic militant groups in Mali, Nigeria and Somalia, and continued unrest in Egypt, Libya and Algeria, the threat is real and growing. The committee has added funds for sustainment and follow-up deployments in fiscal year 2014, but there are substantial concerns that the need may be higher. Funding for this force was not requested in the President's budget, but was included in the House-passed NDAA. I'm hopeful that in establishing a funding source and signaling congressional willingness to support this mission, the Marine Corps will be better able to assess their needs and provide us with a more exact funding request.…”