On the recordJune 15, 2016
I appreciate the gentleman's passion on the issue and his consistent passion. For the record, Mr. Chairman, the Coalition Support Fund allows the Secretary of Defense, as was true of his predecessor, to reimburse any key cooperating nation for logistical and military support, including access, specialized training to personnel, procurement, and provision of supplies and equipment provided by that nation in connection with a United States military operation, and Pakistan is one of those. Receipts for reimbursements are submitted by cooperating nations and are fully vetted by the Pentagon and follow strict--and I say strict-- criteria to meet standards for reimbursement. It is all about reimbursement. All payments are made in arrears and following notification to Members of Congress on appropriate committees. Regarding Pakistan, the Coalition Support Fund remains a critical tool to enable Pakistan to effectively deal with future challenges from the emerging U.S. drawdown--and we are drawing down. It also remains a cost-effective tool for the U.S. to remain engaged in the region and with Pakistan. We shouldn't be abandoning Pakistan, because we might actually have something even worse than what the gentleman describes if we turn our back on Pakistan. Mr. Chairman, I feel strongly this amendment ought to be opposed. I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Visclosky), the ranking member.
