is a non-partisan organisation. from the advocacy sector. we came together to save there was a great opportunity for of americans to enroll in coverage, but we need to get the word out. a consumer focused campaign for their options of affordable health coverage. >> first question. >> you talked about your fundraising this year, a lot of it was es noted that less than last year. instead of $27 million. with any very pleased million dollars. at the bus

fundraising, it is about you you need to ources get the job done. and we did, we reached more consumers. as i can blame, it takes a lot take off the ground but now we are cruising and we can do a lot. we spent a lot of time and a lot of effort to link the foundation, building coalitions across the country. is a much ve today bigger organisation. 200 across the country. we have over 4600 organisations we work with. it is really exciting place, we are in a better position that we have ever been to take up the challenges of this next period. not really based on the strong foundation. thankfully we have an even more

efficient campaign. >> between 9.1 million reduced exchanges for next year. expectations are too long? protectors -- projections are always difficult. they had no idea the website would be dysfunctional for two months. in rural america does not spend a lot of time analysing projections. really focused on getting as many people through the door and educating them. the room on monday, how ahead through the way they approach this. it struck me as very pragmatic

and analytical. is what we should be doing at this point. our concern is not exactly what of what could are happen, is how we get this axis that they need. so the consumer has the tools they need to complete enrolment. >> earlier this year for health care plans in 2014, will be an up window for will that be helpful? the first enrolment period, the next e focused on three months. >> groups that are affiliated with holidays and

winter, it is what you have to to get three more million people. >> future enrolment periods are challenging. that said, we have to think about this three-month enrolment period. last arted as soon as the enrolment period ended. we know it takes multiple conversations between consumers. these are the three months we had to get faults through the doors. there is new leadership, you

have a management style. how do you judge the new leadership? >> the two secretaries i have tremendous respect for. i had a management decision, lot to admire. and focus on management getting into specifics about how we make sure that this and a successful enrolment period. that 8 million people went to the exchange, right now the £7.1 million gone through. is this the kind of drop of you think is reasonable?

a lot lier on, there was of criticism saying that those millions of people are not paying for their plans. they suggest that it was going fewer than 7.1 million. of the natural process, folks who are starting the show as market for the first time. who probably do not have insurance in the past. we wouldn't expect some drop-off. is an opportunity here for all to us doing this work, is make sure that they maintain the coverage. how do we help consumers they choose the plan that is best for them. also make them understand how to use the plan. and to make sure they maintain a coverage.

that is something that in rural america has made a priority. obama know the administration, is difficult to communicate with those of spanish and others. how is your good communicating part of the population? population is very important. when you look at who gained a the last enrolment period, latino are top of the list. they are still at the top and the most likely to be uninsured. this is the kind of work that we do. we found that the most get to this y to

population is to empower trusted voices, and get the word out. just sure that it's not about advertisement. also about community health centres and commuter leaders spreading the word. approach from the start in this enrolment period is to empower the trusted voices. this is about getting you and your family affordable coverage. we have seen a lot of success with that. we're good to be holding over 20 different nations in the enrolment across the nation. will be in community with concentrations of the insured, particularly in the latino community, we will try and get them the fact that they need.

>> how is a rural america are be communicating this year. talking about individual may not be s politically popular. you think should talk about this earlier on? >> we always lead a conversation with the great benefits that are available for consumers. lot of that there is a uninsured consumers. the most effective message that we found to reach consumers is to talk about the financial options are available to them. enrolled in y many needed financial help, a lot of them did not even know it was available for them. that is where we focus our

message. it is something that we will to consumers as well, a spider that it is about faxed -- facts to the folks. it is basic to get to them the opportunity that this is. they should that know -- we always understand conversation with this brilliant opportunities. took about the court taken up a case for the tax credits. we are talking somebody that are looking to enroll, what you tell them? >> i am glad you frame the question that way. as we are heading to this enrolment period what does it

mean for consumers? there are millions of people who got financial assistance remains there for them, it has not been taken away from them. people re millions of who had not been enrolled and he did not know there is financial assistance available to them. they need to have the mind that this is there for them. >> plastic -- last year enrolment period, this year is very quiet and both of those fronts. a more active ake role? >> we communicate and coordinate with the administration. they demonstrated a lot of commitment in getting the word out.

president in the with local orking elected officials that we may not see here in washington dc. my understanding will see moore on the national level in the next few months. we can expect a lot there, we will get the word out. there are millions of people out there who do not enroll in the first enrolment period. there's a massive campaign to get the word out. if the case is that they do not available to them now, we have to think of different ways to commit kit with them. and we found that it is happening in a local level. it is about building a presence in the community partnering with local tv stations and the like. to etimes it is harder

track, but that is how we reached consumers. >> from the local level even if about the credit available, they find it that is of reach for them. around the poverty level, where in between from the tax level they might have to pay a mortgage. some people might not pay for it because they do not feel is affordable enough. should there be cheaper for less consumer protections available? >> one of the big issues we the affordable care act is that consumers had that might sound

affordable and then something went wrong. it turned out plan did not cover what they thought. the requirements out there for plans to make sure that your noggin to be in a position, is ruling the benefit of consumers. the first year that exchanges, how local goods are going to message people about the difference. advice given to them, what are the other problems they could run into? be able year we have to to walk and chew at the same time. on the one hand, when it to get the word out to millions of people. it is harder to reach populations that those that we were in touch with last year.

at the same damage to help those that enrolled last year to renew their coverage. i think it is easy when you're doing this work to stumble on that. to think, how does or message can be fundamental different for two audiences? to it doesn't really have be that different. we are encouraging organisations to use a state cover. down to the mes should ssues that you check the financial that is available to you. a rhaps the eligible for different financial assistance this year. shop around for plans, for those that are enrolling the first time.

there is a 25% increase in the number of insurance companies that are offering plans in the marketplace. folks that have coverage might even find a better option. plan hilosophy is to your and enroll. frame at that way, helps people understand that we can actually talk about a does not ay that confuse consumers. it is a ack end, complicated policy issue. we want to share the information very straightforward. do you think that message is sent to consumers is very positive?

the desire to offer other is good are low prices for competition, there was more r premiums increase than last year. it is not a getting a f them better option, either do not go back to the site they might be worse than before. is that a concern? >> it all goes back to the same point. comeback, check all your options and see what is the best for you. it is fundamentally good news insurance ers that companies are offering cheaper plans. >> health officials talk about testing and

application process, have you got to the application yourself? -- what can you tell about the changes? >> last year consumers had to the process and sometimes they had to re-enter information that they had already given. is a little different because the application process is accommodated to your specific situation. we will see a number of screens reduced to 16. how much user-friendly this is. talk about the website, how user-friendly that is. we found out that many consumers want personal assistance.

that is something i do not want to lose track of. there are many people that are ready to sit down with consumers to help them through the process. >> enrolment groups through the the try had a lot riding on website, the president said that there was nobody angrier than he was about how it turned out. our people last year that it will be better, and the hard be backed up by personal and internet? >> when you're heading into a -- big stage like this one. the coalition is ready for that.

i will say that the website was not functioning well. we also knew that there was a lot we could do. that happened k to consumers which we have not learned. this is not they get somebody information and they are ready to sit down. this takes a lot of contact. for us last year, even in the worst case scenario was not e website working well, it was to get through. we have consumers ready to go through the process. we bring that same perspective the next few months. we are not expecting anything of that level but we will be prepared if there is any bumps. plus th the new enrolment

the renrolment? >> this year they spent several weeks testing it. strategy change for this year? of partners we have, we wanted to get direct consumer outrage. want to double down for the support to other groups. partners in our coalition. we also wanted to work on the tools that could help consumers and other organisations do this work.

a great example of this is the connected application. a hotline aand schedule an appointment on the spot. instead of having a long list through tance the call one by one, they can find the available appointment that is and schedule em it. great tool for consumers. it is also grateful for groups are working on this. really pull the resources and get them functioning as one unit. that is a good example of the tool that we developed. tries to erica also help consumers. >> we have a minute or two left.

supreme back this court case. people in 2014 envisage that the time would be so sustained or specific going single piece every or e, whether as medicaid the tax credit. >> it is certainly true that opponents of the law have not felt on the efforts. what strikes me frankly, iis that in the face of that -- in the face of all the controversy. over 16 million americans enrolled in coverage.

statement enormous the power for consumers. there is nothing stronger for me than that reality, that is what motivates us in our work. are at a time, anne filipic thank you very much. back with our reporters. is ut expectation game tthat being played here, some of anne filipic comments. >> we are sally here low expectations about the obama administration. a victory on it.

of the minutes of people who 7 lected the plans, only million have coverage. hit the ans that the cbl predictions. >> quote from the energy "the administration the concept write of success". is that the politics being played here? >> of course the republicans obama ing to go after the and restoration -- administration here. case of enrolment period, and the website.

it will be interesting to see people coming in with the projections. how they go about their work on the ground. very upbeat enrolment projection. >> also mrs filipic talking about enrolment. not be more specific? >> enroll america is an the obama or administration. it was seem in role america would want the enrolment period to be longer. a more affordable option, she did not get behind

that exactly. consumers group have called for this. have to be careful in how they navigate this. groups like enroll america advocate more for this and a period. of there is a number for longer signup periods. have to pay penalties. active in the y community, this is something they really badly want. it is a surprise like in role america and are pushing for that. the ou also asked about supreme court case. or can a put in n does that

enroll america? >> on the one hand groups are confident consumers have not heard about the case. it will not be in their mind when they get to signup. there is a r hand concern that it will be a cloud of the enrolment period. very hard to persuade for people to get and the tax credits. here for d not be future years. with the supreme court places like case, capitol hill has had a lot of republican th surrounding this case. at the same time, the obama

administration is looking to low down the attention to this. >> this is all the time we have this week. i appreciate your time, your questions and your insight. [captions copyright national cable satellite corp. 2014] important the most figure in wisconsin. political other figure. he was one of the first used

the term progressive. a united states senator he was recognised by his peers in 1950. one of the finest senators in american history. of world war onent i. he stood his ground advocating for free speech. he was all about the people. most of the time during speeches all over wisconsin. he would give a speech anywhere. he went to every kind of event that you could imagine and a repetition for himself. to run for was ready governor advocating on behalf of the people. on the first ting studio.

she was born not too far from here. his parents took him away to massachusetts for time. then the return to madison and where he spent his teenage years. he was at the university of decided to efore he take off and find a fortune in chicago. the fact that he came to this part of the country and spent his summers here. he spent his teenage summers on this valiant hails. that is where he got two the love for nature and the understanding of topography of these hills. >> what all of our events from madison.

-- 2015 stupid competition student video competition is on the way. how has this affected you or your community? this cash prizes. martin dempsey and chuck hagel had a hearing on the administration strategy. president obama originally requested more funding for the efforts. he also put a deployment of assist nal personnel to

iraqi security forces. this hearing is just under three hours.

come to order. morning ladies and gentlemen, before we begin i would like to say i will not tolerate disturbances of these proceedings. i want to thank the outset for your cooperation. we have a stop at 1 pm today. consultation with mr smith i ask that each member more than four minutes, rather than the usual to question panel witnesses. thank you. the committee needs toget testimony on the military for syria and iraq. i want to welcome secretary

chuck hagel and martin dempsey. when we last saw you in at a mber the congress to equip syrian rebels. the campaign in iraq had not yet begun. said that the president's small strategy was not enough to destroy isil. this hearing is critical to our understanding of the presidents strategy. and to know what else might be needed. the overall budget amendment that we received on the pays for the campaign and more advisers, but it does not appear to reflect any changes in the strategy.

we know that the airstrikes getting harder as isis changes places. we train iraqi and syrian officials. we might not be able to defeat isil on the field. the president continues his boots on the o ground. how can you successfully mission you have destroy ultimately isil, when some of your best options are taking of the table? both of your predecessors have boots on at we need the ground to hold any can of success on the strategy. a west point graduate told

an conference last month, if you do not put boots on the ground you lose your best option. should it was by the present contain such limitations. support sending our military with our hands behind our backs. risk for our forces increases even more. a chief among them. that they eports detainees are coming back. secretary and gen dempsey,

each time you sign off on you show a lack of responsibility. you are under pressure tto give even more. to continue this release is just as we opened a new front on terror is unwise. mr dempsey again thank you for being here today. this is likely the last hearing will have to gather. all the issues that brings together and never easy i will always appreciate your friendship, your service and dedication to this nation. for those of us who will not be the hundred 14th congress let me express our your leadership and service, above all your devotion to our troops.

thank you mr chairman and gentlemen for being before us. mr smith can be here this morning so i will read his statement. these are not my words. i am probably very different than the thought will be going on this committee. mr smith will like to thank the windsors for being here today. just a few months ago the president notified congress he would carry more troops. on september 23 the nation of e in defeat patient strike on isil. taking hundreds of and syria iraq

eliminating convoys and limiting the funding of operations. we also drove the leadership underground limiting their to command the forces. we need troops to protect the embassy and advise iraqi security forces. the president has announced that another 1500 will go. we have also enlisted a stock give to the o kurds. the restriction has listed a number of countries. we also want to send special forces to iraq. congress approved a temporary training of the syrian opposition.

in other words, we have come a short amount of time. thank you for the two of you for leadership. even though we have made substantial progress is a lot there remains to be done to combat isil. control le to territorial in iraq, they will plan attacks on the west. agree it is horrible what they have been doing to the people they take like to be heading and executions. going forward we have made many the threat o combat of isil. the congress was to approve the military force against the group.

should that congress pass an amendment but i am a spectacle that we could get a majority to do so. the president also once took trained iraqi forces and congress needs to reauthorise. i want unanimous consent for the united states -- going forward and prosecuting the campaign against isil in iraq or syria will be extremely complex and challenging. both iraq and syria are complex messy situations. whatever course of action we undertake will take years and dedicated efforts. we will have major disagreements with our allies about the outcomes.

russians role in syria will be challenging. our desire is not clearly aligned. we certainly do not have the same interest in syria. the situations are going to be messy and will require constant attention and management. we have a goal to integrate isil, eliminating the leadership and limiting the possibility to strike our allies. hope the panellist here will help to inform about these. >> mr smith had surgery on his and he is recovering. was fully engaged yesterday.

we had a big meeting working on the bill. he was telecommunications -- technology made possible that with us n a room totally engaged. would like to g i mention, several of our members will not be with us next year. some retired some lost that election. let me thank each of you for service to this nation, to your service to this committee, it is much appreciated. this committee has always try to work in a bipartisan manner. -- anyway, enough said, thank you very much. >> thank you.

>> there is a disturbing in the committee. the committee will like to be in order. i will like those in the audience to seize this. thank you very much, thank you for the capitol police. >> chairman, yyour last hearing will not go unrecognised. a very much ing

another gen and opportunity , the to come back and update this committee on what we are doing and why we're doing it. this has not been the only come had with n we have this committee, we have had many more briefings with your staff. have spoken to directly, as well as gen dempsey and other military leaders. opportunity to bring together some explanation i very we are doing, much appreciate. mr chairman your service to committee and this congress, and this country for recognised has been

many years appropriately. continue to be recognised, i want to thank you personally for your support and friendship. i have value that for the last two years. i will miss you personally, and i know this committee will. able and so many dedicated people that are right next to you there will carry on. i do not want this opportunity me expressing my thanks, and best wishes to you and your family for the next chapter in your life. and your many new adventures. and joined this morning, by the joint chiefs of staff gen martin dempsey. appreciated his wise

counsel and partnership, as we have dealt with some of the most complex and difficult issues this country has faced in a long time. all en dempsey appreciates of your service as well. he has played a critical role for the last six month shaping and developing strategy. to thank the commanders as well. president obama, gen dempsey all of our leaders, and i have been very clear that the isil will be t long and it will be difficult. with rumours into our efforts. we want to train and equip more

forces both in iraq and syria. it will succeed only with the strong support of congress and of this committee. testified two months ago, our campaign against isil has made progress. its progress in iraq has been stalled. the iraqi and kurdish forces supported by the us and coalition air strikes. isil still represents a serious threat for our allies in the middle east and us. it still influence forces in northern iraq. as president obama said, i sstill will not be defeated through military force alone. about nds of strategy is supporting inclusive ssustaining a

global coalition, and strengthening local forces on the ground. it also includes cutting isil resources. restricting the force of foreign fighters. providing humanitarian assistance. and a global decline to go for it. done for needs to be political reform, but we seem steps in the right direction. for years the polarising, they try to engage all of the iraqi communities. after that post was left vacant for more than two years. the president of iraq also to an iraqi national guard, which would include all forces. aligning them with central government. might notice that yesterday

was announced that he replaced his most senior commanders, integrating the with more orces senior sunni leaders. this is essential to strengthen that only the iraqi security strengthen a central government that would in fact build trust and confidence with iraqi people. thanks to interest the primacy of the us is not supportinne. have an important coalition to support local forces in iraq and syria. nations are contributing assistance. things are testified here, 60 nations have joined the military campaign against isil. the first strikes coalition

involved bahrain, saudi arabia. it tremendous demonstration of unity with our partners. the us has carried more than 400 airstrikes in iraq and syria. last week canada launched its first extracts in iraq. 12 nations have been involved in strikes in iraq and syria. an additional partners give intelligent surveillance and aircraft. coalition nations have also pledged hundreds of personnel advise and try to reinforce the iraqi forces. nearly all our coalition partners funding their own contributions.

gen john allen is on the lead as he coordinates the coalition strategy and contributions across all the lines of efforts. as a nation we must prepared long and difficult struggle. there will be setbacks, but we are seeing steady and sustainable progress. mr chairman at the most important part. about our on we have own strategy, but we ask ourselves, the questions that you have. can we sustain it' i've can it be sustain after we leave? that is a critical component of our strategy. asking the question and answering it. we are seeing steady and dod ainable progress along mainline of effort.

trunk in progress in this isil wall capacity, and the it's safe havens for its forces. coalition extracts have hit the leadership and is revenue sources. has empowered our ability. forces helped iraqi start regaining territorially along oil territory. isil fighters have reported their tactics. we knew they would, they would adapt and adjust. act in smaller groups, sometimes making it more difficult to identify targets.

they change there communications. this sustained effort on isil effect on an potential recruits. our intelligence is very clear on that. build strength the temple of our campaign will celebrate. to build partner capacity, the local forces can take the fight to isil. today approaching late 1400 are engaged in training and advising programs. you know last week, we will our support iraqi forces

by deploying to 1500 additional military personnel. including two new advisory centres. as new training centres in central iraq. deployment ed this to the president basted on the request of the iraq government. gen dempsey recommendation and the strength of the coalition campaign. additional troops and request to will help iraqi forces, expanding the geography of our mission but not the mission itself. us military personnel were not be engaged in ground combat. face plant to help reinforce the iraqi forces has three steps.

first advise iraqi forces at headquarters level. us and coalition advisers are already helping to plan. that we will expand this mission with two new centres that we have announced. will support their forces eration of iraqi with new weapons and new training sites. this process will help train 12 more than a es and dozen coalition members have sent trainers. third, we will concentrate on broader security reform. to help transform iraqi forces in a more coherent and unified force. this includes the prime

create a effort to national guard. coalition partners are playing an important role in all of these efforts by providing trainers to help regenerate iraqi combat brigades. we are also providing more weapons and arms. this year the us have shipped more than $800 million in weapons. ranging from grenades, small arms, helicopter rockets, tanks- be arriving h will this month. have delivered over million supplies including ammunition. are hairman, in syria

actions against isil are focused and shaping the dynamic which remains the priority. the challenges the ace as isil exploits long-running simmering conflict. because we do not have a partner government to work with in syria or regular military partners to work with as we do in iraq, in the near term our military aims in syria are limited to isolating and destroying isil's safe havens. coalition air strikes in syria are accomplishing this by continuing to target significant isil assets, which has impaired isil's ability to move fighters and equipment into iraq, disrupted their command and control, damaged their training bases, and significantly limited their financial revenue by hitting captured oil fields and disrupting their crude oil distribution and collen