Chairman Ros-Lehtinen on the hearing: “As previous State Department Inspector General reports have highlighted, and what the latest GAO report reaffirms, weaknesses continue to exist in State’s management and oversight of the Antiterrorism Assistance program. The ATA program is meant to train, advise, mentor and equip partner nations with the intent to enhance their counterterrorism capabilities. The United States has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on this program and has trained tens of thousands of individuals. If properly managed and fully implemented, the ATA program can be a valuable tool in our counterterror efforts around the world. This hearing will be an opportunity for Members to review GAO’s report and hear what recommendations it has to ensure the ATA program is being properly managed so as to best advance U.S. national security interests at home and abroad.”

Opening Statements

Witnesses

Mr. Jason Bair
Acting Director 
International Affairs and Trade
U.S. Government Accountability Office
[full text of statement]

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Hearing transcript (PDF)