al-shabaab's activities made the situation worse as donald yamamoto noted. we expect the situation to decline where conditions worsen. we are working through a variety of mechanisms including addressing the underlying causes as addressed by my colleague. mr. chairman, thank you for your time and look forward to questions. .. >> that's really a multifaceted answer. i'll refer to others for answers, but 50% of those in need are in the territory, and the question is whether or not the u.s. policy or not prevented, and the answer is no, it has not. it's extremely difficult and impossible to deliver food. what the united states has taken has been too easy. the opoc licenses on ngo groups. they are required heightened due diligence procedures to avoid diversion, but essentially it is to allow ngo groups to enter the areas if they can, even if it means paying fees or convoy fees or what have you, as long as there's the due diligence, there's no alternative. even with the easenning of the licensing and procedures, really is shaabab going to allow the delivers? you s

she will also be joined by donald yamamoto and former ambassador to ethiopia. we'll hear from the deputy assistant secretary for population refugees and a former fellow at the council form -- foreign relations. on the second panel, we will hear from germany, -- jeremy, he is led recovery operations route region. next will be the director of africa center and a former professor of justice studies at james madison university. then we will hear from the assistant director for care international, somalia, who recently ran a returned to drought affected areas americans have demonstrated great leadership helping those in need domestically and abroad. i am confident we can partner with the international community. >> welcome. >> i was here in tanzanian and ethiopia. i see firsthand what they do delivering a humanitarian aid as well as care like sustaining technique spherical -- is so critical. i appreciate care being here. and always proud to have a home team here. i am delighted because he can provide insights as an informed reporter. you'll also be able to examine t

humanitarian assistance for usaid, miss lindborg will also be joined on this panel by ambassador donald yamamoto, and former am bass core to ethiopia and djibouti. we'll hear from dr. reuben brigety, a former fellow at the council on foreign relations who has just returned for a visit to the region. on the second panel we will hear from jeremy konyndyk, who has led humanitarian and post conflict recovery operations throughout the region. next is dr. peter pham, director of the africa center of the atlantic council and former professor of justice studies at james madison university. finally we'll hear from mr. wouter schapp, assist ant director for care international somalia based into nairobi' recently returned from a visit to drought infected areas. i am pleased to highlight this crisis. americans have demonstrated great leadership helping those in need domestically and abroad and i'm confident we can continue to partner with the international community. i appreciate each of the witnesses being here today and look forward to your testimony. senator isakson. >> thank you, chairman koonce -- coon