Mike Gallagher: “First, let me say at the outset that I very much appreciate the way the chairwoman and I have been able to work together…”

“First, let me say at the outset that I very much appreciate the way the chairwoman and I have been able to work together on the issue of military education in general. But I have to oppose this amendment. International Military Education and Training, or IMET, is a vital pillar of our national security. In recent years, Ukrainian servicemembers have benefited from IMET to enhance their combat readiness and lethality. As we have seen in the aftermath of Putin's invasion of Ukraine, security partnerships like IMET can help make the difference between life and death and the ability of our allies and partners to withstand foreign aggression. Since 2014, in fact, the U.S. military has played a key role in boosting Ukrainian military capabilities, training alongside them, providing Ukraine with critical weapons and munitions, enabling its reserve component, and more. Our security focus, however, was laser- focused on enhancing Ukraine's ability to defend itself against the Russian invasion. My concern is that the amendment would broaden the scope of IMET and end up watering down the results for both the United States and for our security partners. Promoting human rights, including the rights of women, is a well-established goal of U.S. foreign and development policy. I don't deny that. Instruction on gender roles, female opportunity, and narrowing gaps between men and women should, however, not be a part of the U.S.…”