U.S. House Committee:

Armed Services

Title:

20240312 FC Hearing: U.S. Military Posture and Nat Sec Challenges in North and South America

Date:

Mar 13, 2024

Overview:

The House Foreign Affairs Committee held a hearing on the U.S. Military Posture and National Security Challenges in North and South America, focusing on the threats posed by China, Russia, and transnational criminal organizations in the Western Hemisphere. Witnesses included the Acting Principal Deputy Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs, the Commander of U.S. Southern Command, and the Commander of U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

The Importance of a Sustained U.S. Presence in the Western Hemisphere

Witnesses emphasized the importance of a sustained U.S. presence in the Western Hemisphere, highlighting the need for consistent and predictable funding for security cooperation programs, military exercises, and other activities to counter Chinese and Russian influence.

China's Infrastructure Investments in Latin America and the Caribbean

The committee expressed concerns about China's growing infrastructure investments in Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly the construction of deep-water ports, 5G networks, and space infrastructure. Witnesses highlighted concerns that these investments could be used for military purposes, potentially providing China with a strategic foothold in the region.

Addressing the Threat of Chinese Influence

Witnesses suggested that the U.S. should compete with China by investing in critical infrastructure projects in Latin America and the Caribbean, offering alternative solutions to Chinese state-owned enterprises. They emphasized the importance of building stronger partnerships with like-minded democracies in the region to counter Chinese influence.

The Arctic as a Strategic Region

The Commander of NORTHCOM highlighted the increasing strategic importance of the Arctic, emphasizing the need for specialized training and equipment for U.S. forces operating in the region. He noted the growing presence of Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic, which poses challenges for U.S. security interests.

Funding Requests for Security Cooperation

The Commanders of SOUTHCOM and NORTHCOM requested increased funding for security cooperation programs in Latin America and the Caribbean. They argued that these programs are essential for strengthening partnerships with regional militaries and counterbalancing Chinese military investments.

Concerns about Chinese Nationals Crossing the Southern Border

The committee expressed concern about the increasing number of Chinese nationals apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border, suggesting it could be a potential national security threat. They emphasized the need for a robust vetting process for migrants and to address the root causes of migration.

The Situation in Haiti

The committee expressed concern about the escalating violence and political instability in Haiti. They highlighted the need for a humanitarian response and to provide security assistance to the Haitian National Police. The committee also discussed the potential for a U.S. troop deployment to Haiti to evacuate Americans and provide security for the U.S. Embassy.

The Importance of Cyber Security

Witnesses underscored the critical importance of cyber security, emphasizing that it is a persistent and growing threat to U.S. national security. They highlighted the need for increased resources and investment in cyber defenses and the importance of partnerships with regional actors to strengthen cyber capabilities.

Concerns about the Biden Administration's Border Policies

Several committee members expressed concern about the Biden Administration's immigration policies, arguing that the policies are exacerbating the flow of migrants across the southern border and emboldening transnational criminal organizations. They suggested that the Administration should prioritize border security and consider using DOD assets to deter mass migration.

Threats from Transnational Criminal Organizations

Witnesses highlighted the growing threat posed by transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) in the Western Hemisphere, particularly drug cartels. They discussed the importance of intelligence sharing and cooperation with regional partners to counter these organizations.

The Importance of Human Rights

The Commander of SOUTHCOM highlighted the importance of human rights and the rule of law in the U.S. military's operations in the region. He emphasized the role of the SOUTHCOM human rights office in promoting human rights and building partnerships with human rights advocates and civil society organizations.

Hypersonic Weapons as a Threat

The Commanders of NORTHCOM and NORAD highlighted the significant threat posed by hypersonic weapons, noting the reduced warning times and increased uncertainty associated with these weapons. They called for continued investment in detection, tracking, and defense systems to counter hypersonic threats.

The Need for a Survivable Nuclear Command

The Commander of NORTHCOM expressed concerns about the current posture of the U.S. nuclear command, suggesting that it is vulnerable to hypersonic attacks. He called for a more survivable command structure to ensure the ability to respond to a nuclear attack.

The Fentanyl Crisis

The committee discussed the ongoing fentanyl crisis, emphasizing the role of Chinese precursor chemicals in the production of fentanyl and the need for increased cooperation with Mexico and other regional partners to combat the drug trade.