WASHINGTON, D.C. –   Secretary of Defense James Mattis appeared before the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) to request budget certainty for the military and more funding for troops and equipment to combat global threats, including North Korea, Russia, and Islamic terrorism.

    At last night’s hearing, Congressman Scott DesJarlais, M.D., questioned the retired Marine Corps general about hypersonic technology to maintain the United States’ military advantage over foreign adversaries, rapidly developing their capabilities:

[[{"fid":"358","view_mode":"full","fields":{"format":"full","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"full","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false}},"link_text":null,"attributes":{"height":193,"width":404,"class":"media-element file-full","data-delta":"1"}}]]

Click to watch video

    “The Russians and Chinese are allocating more and more resources towards advanced weaponry and technology and are making rapid gains in these areas, especially hypersonics,” said Rep. DesJarlais (TN-04). “Do you feel like we’re where we need to be to meet these threats?”

    The Secretary explained congressional gridlock and military bureaucracy hold up innovation. “We need acquisition reform, and we need it quickly. We’re bringing in people from private industry with those specific skills sets... Some of the solution requires legislative relief. Much of it requires reform inside the Defense Department.”

    Arnold Air Force Base and the University of Tennessee Space Institute are military research and testing facilities near Rep. DesJarlais’ Fourth District, located at the heart of the Aerospace and Defense Technology Corridor spanning Middle Tennessee. It includes Fort Campbell, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Redstone Arsenal in Alabama.

    Last month, Rep. DesJarlais toured Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the neighboring Y-12 National Security Complex, two nuclear research and storage facilities. He is a member of the Subcommittee on Seapower and Project Forces, overseeing several advanced weapons systems. 

    Secretary Mattis repeatedly emphasized his and Congress’ responsibility to protect servicemen and women at home and in battle. Also a member of the Subcommittee on Readiness, Rep. DesJarlais has voted to increase troops’ pay and benefits, their training and equipment, and to support U.S. allies. He recently traveled to Eastern Europe to discuss international security with NATO allies.

    Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford testified before the Committee as well.

[[{"fid":"359","view_mode":"full","fields":{"format":"full","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"full","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false}},"link_text":null,"attributes":{"height":225,"width":225,"class":"media-element file-full","data-delta":"1"}}]]