The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing to discuss the role of our nation’s military in foreign policy. In particular, the hearing focused on the evolving relationship between the Department of Defense and the State Department in dealing with foreign affairs.

Both Deputy Secretary John Negroponte and Under Secretary for Defense Eric Edelman agreed that the role of the two departments were becoming increasingly intertwined, and both are adapting well to the new changes. Edelman said that unique military situations like those in Iraq and Afghanistan require military personnel to assume roles with which they are not accustomed. He went on to say that traditional state conflict is no longer the only form of international conflict, but rather combatants within the states are providing difficulties. These situations become more complicated when the governments of these combatants themselves are US allies.

This shift in relations is exemplified by the creation of groups like United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). Both engage in humanitarian and military duties. However, several members of the panel expressed concern over the “militarization” of foreign policy, which could jeopardize America’s global image and effectiveness. Edelman and Negroponte remained confident that both departments could maintain their roles without such issues, and asked the committee for increased funding for the fiscal year 2009 to expand their efforts.

At a hearing held by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, Richard Greene, deputy director of U.S. foreign assistance at the State Department describes how there are always more variables to consider in foreign assistance, but there is also more promise and hope. (0:31)

 

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Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) expresses concern over the perceived militarization of the US foreign policy (2:08).

 

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At a hearing of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, Congressman George Voinovich (R-Ohio) says the current U.S. foreign aid system is a “cumbersome…relic of the Cold War” requiring consolidation.

 

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Congressman Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) expresses his excitement at the prospect of freedom from oil and the choice of fuel at the 11th Annual Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Expo and Forum. He says the transition to renewables will be “freedom from slavery.”

 

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Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) says the state secrets privilege is vital now that 200 terrorists can litigate their federal detention. He questions the sanity of Democrats and says he does not support the State Secrets Privilege Act since it would prevent courts from being able to dismiss cases in which the government cannot defend itself without revealing classified information. (1:20)

 

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At the 11th Annual Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Expo and Forum, Congressman Zachary Wamp (R-Tenn.) says all Americans can be “patriotic” and contribute to a transition to renewable fuels. He says it is a “bipartisan call to our generation.” (0:50)

 

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Rep. Jane Harman (D-Cali.) says that women serving in the military are more likely to get raped by a fellow solider than killed by enemy fire in Iraq. Harman also said that 41 percent of female veterans said they were victims sexual assault and 29 percent said they were vicitims of rape. (0:42)

 

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Rep. Jane Harman (D-Cali.) says the Department of Defense reported that in 2006, 2,947 sexual assaults were reported, 73 percent more than in 2004. (0:30)

 

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At a hearing on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) delivery of relief donations, Senator Mary Landrieu (D-La.) says FEMA must move away from stubborn requests and must proactively identify problems on the ground. Landrieu says FEMA should be more collaborative and that Americans deserve a better FEMA. (0:49)

 

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