Shelby Considers FY23 Budget Request for U.S. Army

Hearing

U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations and its subcommittee on defense, today considered the fiscal year 2023 (FY23) funding request and budget justification for the Department of the Army during a defense appropriations subcommittee hearing. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth and Army Chief of Staff, General James McConville, testified today during the hearing.

The Vice Chairman's prepared remarks are as follows:

"Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Secretary Wormuth and General McConville, welcome back to the Subcommittee.

"I am looking forward to hearing from both of you on the Army's fiscal year 2023 budget request.

"I have to say, I am concerned by the Army's request.

"With inflation at the highest levels we've seen in 40 years, this request represents a cut from 2022 enacted levels.

"The Army is four years into a once-in-a-generation modernization of its force structure that will shape the nation's ground forces for decades to come. As you rightly note in your written statement, modernization is future readiness.

"Yet, the Army's unfunded list contains several billion dollars' worth of self-assessed "high-risk" modernization requirements, seemingly left out of the budget because of an inadequate topline.

"The Army must also be sufficiently resourced to fight and win in today's increasingly complex security environment.

"As we meet today, we are witnessing the most significant ground war in Europe since World War II, with Ukraine heroically repelling Putin's misguided and poorly executed invasion.

"The Army is playing a key role by rapidly deploying thousands of soldiers to reassure our NATO allies and support Ukraine.

"We also need a strong Army to deter China and respond to provocations by Iran, North Korea, and radical extremist groups.

"To date, the Army has risen to these challenges thanks to consistent and sufficient investments in people, readiness, and modernization.

"I look forward to hearing just how this budget will continue to enable the Army to meet the nation's needs today and in the future. Thank you, Mr. Chairman."

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