On the recordMay 17, 2012
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My amendment integrates duplicative functions related to overseas contingency operation planning, management, and oversight into the U.S. Office for Contingency Operations--responding to a litany of concerns that have been raised in recent years pointing to the mismanagement of U.S. tax dollars in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. In fact, last August, the Commission on Wartime Contracting estimated that as much as $30 billion to $60 billion may have been lost due to waste and fraud in Iraq and Afghanistan. Poor accountability and oversight has also undermined the effectiveness of U.S. operations. As the commission's report notes, there will be a next contingency, whether it takes the form of overseas hostilities or responding to emergencies like terror attacks, natural disasters, or other humanitarian crises. We must take action to ensure we are fully prepared for these scenarios. Systemic problems within the U.S. Government have contributed to serious flaws in the preparation, management, and execution of contingency operations. Currently, responsibilities for these initiatives are spread over several U.S. departments and agencies, resulting in diffused accountability. While there have been positive steps to address issues of coordination, a great deal more needs to be done.…
