Joe Wilson

The political and military divisions have plagued Libya ever since the 2011 intervention.

ISIS has staged a string of attacks in Libya in recent weeks.

We are all concerned about the recent resumption of sustained violence in Libya.

Thank you, Chairman Deutch, for calling this timely hearing.

And as I conclude, General Thomas, we are really grateful for the F-35s located at Beaufort Marine Corps Air Station.

And thank you again for your determination to address this on behalf of the health and safety of our naval personnel.

We appreciate your determination and best wishes on your future position, too.

As a Member of Congress, as a veteran, but mostly as a military dad, four sons who have served in the branches, it is just so reassuring to have such leadership on behalf of our country.

China and Russia's increasing presence in the Middle East underscores the necessity of American leadership in the region.

In January, Representative Keating and I introduced H.R. 554, the Saudi Educational Transparency and Reform Act, which highlights Saudi Arabia's inflammatory education curriculum.

Thank you, Chairman Deutch, for calling this hearing today on relations between the U.S. and our allies in the Gulf.

The European Defense Initiative is critical to allowing for faster response to the event of any aggression against the territory of our NATO allies.

In the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, there was a direction to the Department of Defense and Department of Energy to develop a pilot program for micro reactors.

I want to join you too in expressing sympathy to the family of the late Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher.

Russia and China are expanding their presence in Latin America. They are using economic and military influence to strategically compete against the U.S. in this vital region and systematically engage with the autocratic regimes.

A significant expense to DOD the annual cost to address corrosion, identified as more than $22 billion dollars in previous reports.

Well, that is terrific. And Congressman Garamendi and I both are keenly interested in modular and micro reactors.

And in line with that, Mr. McMahon, in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, there was a direction to the Department of Defense and Department of Energy to develop a pilot program for micro reactors.

I view these groups as just mini-Hezbollahs that are ready to metastasize into a far greater problem than Hezbollah is today.

We cannot tolerate such acts of hate inside the United States or against our close allies.

We must be clear-eyed about the threats to the United States and our interests.

Since September 11, 2001, our country has been engaged in a long and persistent War on Terrorism.

And, Mr. Roggio, earlier this month the Trump administration designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, IRGC, in its entirety as a foreign terrorist organization.

Well, your efforts are just so appreciated. Thank you very much.

These are a very direct threat to U.S. national security.