This is a joint subcommittee hearing by the Committee on Foreign Affairs’ Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade and the Committee on Armed Services’ Subcommittee on Strategic Forces.

Chairman Poe on the Hearing: “The Administration officially charged Russia with violating the INF Treaty in 2014 and repeated its concerns regarding Russian compliance this year. Although the Russians deny any such violations, that would not be the first time they have not been completely honest with us. Press reports indicate that missile tests in western Russia in violation of the treaty began as early as 2008. Meanwhile, the Administration doesn’t seem to have taken any meaningful steps to return Moscow to compliance other than raising concerns with Russian officials. This hearing will allow members to hear more about these Russian violations from officials from the Departments of State and Defense and what they mean for U.S. arms control policy moving forward.”

Chairman Rogers on the hearing: “Almost one year since the Administration testified that it was considering military options to respond to Russia’s violation of the INF treaty, we have seen little action.  The recently enacted National Defense Authorization Act will compel such responses, which the White House has been holding up.  It is imperative that Putin understands his aggression will be met with a strong American response, even in the face of the President’s reluctance.”

Witnesses

The Honorable Brian P. McKeon
Principal Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Policy
U.S. Department of Defense
[full text of statement]

The Honorable Rose Gottemoeller
Undersecretary for Arms Control and International Security
U.S. Department of State
[full text of statement]

 

***Any changes to witness list will be reflected above.