finally on the first panel is alina romanowski deputy assistant administrator for the middle east orove usaid. since 2013 she's fulfilled the duty of assistant administrator and oversees a large and varied portfolio that provides about $1.5 billion annually and assistance across the middle east region. these romanowski also served at the defense departmen defense dd senior positions involving the near east and south asia. i would like to ask the witnesses to deliver opening statements in the order in which i introduced you and following that we will begin questions and answers. mr. schmierer, to you first. >> chairman, thank you for the invitation to be here today. it's a particular honor to appear here with my colleagues, deputy secretary for defense amanda dory and deputy assistant administrator alina romanowski with whom i enjoyed working on a regular basis. we welcome speaking to you on the issues that you've just outlined and certainly look forward to answering any questions that you and your colleagues may have. i have a full statement which i asked to be submitted for the reco