Adam Smith

I think the world has only grown more dangerous.

I would just point out that, because of the way this law is written, General Mattis actually will not be going back to civilian life after he leaves. He is still subject to the UCMJ and, therefore, is still, in some ways, a military…

I have enjoyed working with you, respect the way you run the committee, and I look forward to an interesting year.

I think the fact that we work together in a bipartisan way to produce a very important product every year makes this committee, frankly, unique in the House at this point.

Given the gravity of these unprecedented attacks by a foreign state, we need a Congressional investigation that is truly bipartisan.

The first duty of the United States Government is to safeguard the American people and the integrity of our free society from attacks by foreign adversaries.

All Americans should be deeply concerned by the reports that Russian agencies have interfered with a U.S. election.

It takes a network to defeat a network.

I think the most important thing you said there and something that we need to more clearly include in our national security strategy is the building of partners because that is the only way we confront those threats.

Is it too top heavy the way we have it structured with the command structures?

I think this is a very appropriate time to revisit Goldwater-Nichols, to look at the command structure, figure out, you know, what is the best plan going forward.

Is the current combatant command structure the best way to do that?

Could we save some money by consolidating that and trimming that down?

I agree with your comments about both the complexity and the importance of cyber.

It is enormously important that we get to the September goal of next year and have the full ability to audit the Department of Defense.

I urge adoption of the en bloc amendments. I yield back the balance of my time.

I demand a recorded vote. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Louisiana will be postponed. {time} 1545 Amendment No. 3 Offered by Mr. Pearce The Acting…

I claim the time in opposition. The Acting CHAIR (Mr. Hultgren). The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.

I claim the time in opposition to the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.

I don't think we really succeed against ISIS until we remove Assad.

As long as Assad is in power that is another rallying call for ISIS to fight against a brutal dictator.

The only way we win this fight is if we find Sunni allies in the region who are willing to lead that fight.

We need a much clearer message about what that strategy is.

We must put together a clear strategy to defeat them.

There is no question that ISIS is a clear threat that need to be confronted.