Thad Cochran: “I'm certain that the witnesses here today agree that, without this additional funding, our Reserve components would be…”

Mr. Chairman, let me join you in congratulating our panel here and the participation you're bringing to this challenge.

We appreciate very much your leadership in the research effort and we commend you and those who work with you for helping make sure we have what we need in order to make our nation safe and secure.

I understand that the Army's unfunded requirements list includes a $3.1 billion increase in end strength beyond the fiscal year 2017 NDAA mandate.

Ensuring that the Corps has adequate funding to meet its responsibilities is a high priority of mine.