February 05, 2019

Duckworth Discusses Transportation Logistics Security in the Middle East with CENTCOM General

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – At a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing today, U.S. Senator and combat veteran Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) discussed the importance of logistics supply chain security and safety with CENTCOM Commander General Joseph L. Votel. Duckworth, a former Army logistics officer, questioned the commander about the safety of the U.S. military’s supply chain security should conflict with the Iranians escalate in the region. Duckworth also discussed the importance of U.S.-funded military exchange programs in the region, which she herself participated in as an Illinois National Guard officer. Video of her questions during the hearing is available here.

“When I look at a map of the CENTCOM region I can’t help but wonder how your J-4 is able to transport people, equipment and supplies throughout the theater, especially in light of the great power competition and the changing environment as it is,” Duckworth said. “It becomes even more salient when I think about the potential for the Iranians to close the Strait of Hormuz and restrict movement in the Arabian Gulf.”

Duckworth is a new member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), which has jurisdiction over the nation’s common defense, military operations, servicemember pay and retirement, military family benefits and the selective service system. SASC also oversees the Department of Defense, the United States Armed Services and several other national security-related issues at home and abroad. Duckworth served on the U.S. House Armed Services Committee for four years before joining the Senate.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) is a theater-level Unified Combatant Command of the U.S. Department of Defense. The area of responsibility comprises 20 nations, which stretches from Northeast Africa across the Middle East to Central and South Asia. CENTCOM directs and enables military operations and activities with allies and partners to increase regional security and stability in support of enduring U.S. interests. 

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