I call this joint hearing of the Subcommittees on Readiness and Seapower and Projection Forces of the House Armed Services Committee to order.

And you also provided extraordinary insight in regard to health care being provided to our military personnel. I urge all members of both subcommittees and the full committee to get a copy and--and it is really very helpful.

And with the accidents, is the technology available to maintain and determine the perimeter of vessels so this won't happen again?

Well, that is so important for Navy and military families.

Thank you, Congressman Davis, for your compassion for the family.

Well, again, thank you. And I just have to reiterate again how professional and independent your reports have been, and so helpful for Members of Congress and our military.

As a lifelong cold warrior promoting victory over communism, it was a dream come true to lead a bipartisan delegation to Eastern Europe in early August reaffirming America's commitment to our new NATO allies in the European Reassurance…

I understand that the U.S. Navy is developing advanced radar capabilities under a research, development, test, and evaluation program called 'Next Generation Surface Search Radar.'

And thank you, Ranking Member Courtney. And truly an indication of how important this hearing is.

I am especially concerned about the shortfalls in the force structure, and whether the sustained operational tempo of a reduced 277-ship Navy may have contributed to these events.

Each August, I conduct a bus tour of South Carolina's Second Congressional District with my wife, Roxanne, and dedicated staff members from all offices. I would like to specifically recognize scheduler Emily Saleeby for this year's very…

This week The Boyd Company released their annual report confirming that South Carolina is the best State to locate or expand a business for jobs. As reported in The Spartanburg Herald-Journal on Monday, the Palmetto State ranks the lowest…

It is time that we enact meaningful restrictions on tourist travel to totalitarian North Korea. I urge the passage of this legislation.

Thank you very much, Ms. Merritt, and indeed, your professionalism is very, very impressive.

One of the objectives of this subcommittee is to bring attention to matters that impact on the overall readiness of the Department of Defense.

This hearing will come to order.

Given the current threats facing our Nation and the budgetary pressure place on the Department of Defense, accountability is paramount and every dollar counts.

It is with sincere gratitude and appreciation I have the opportunity to recognize Candace Rich, legislative assistant for South Carolina's Second Congressional District. I will always appreciate Candace for her years of service on behalf…

The key thing is that we are operating under legal authority properly for our military.

Over and over again we see them using civilians as human shields, targeting civilians, as we saw again yesterday--incredibly enough, mass murder again in Kabul.

Vandenberg famously said that politics should stop at the water's edge.

We should always be mindful that we are dealing with illegal enemy combatants who are not in uniform who will be placing American families at risk.

I particularly appreciate the efforts that you are expressing today.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank each of you for being here today on this very important issue.

This morning at Cameron, South Carolina, I was grateful to join EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, Senator Lindsey Graham, Attorney General Alan Wilson, and Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers to discuss the waters of the United States…