Rep. Ruben Gallego Seeks Answers from Defense Department on Cancelation of Joint Exercises with South Korea
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis demanding clarity and basic facts concerning President Trump's decision to unilaterally cancel military exercises with South Korea.
"It is distressing to hear that the President made a major decision to cancel exercises without consulting South Korea or even, apparently, leadership at the Pentagon," Rep. Gallego said. "I look forward to learning more about this decision from Secretary Mattis so that we in Congress can take stock of the damage to our reputation, our alliances, and our national security."
The full text of the letter is below and a signed copy of the letter can be found here.
Last month, the House Armed Services Committee approved an amendment to the FY 2019 National Defense Authorization Act introduced by Rep. Gallego that would commit the United States to a robust military presence in South Korea for the foreseeable future, in order to maintain peace and stability in the reason.
In January, Congressman Gallego and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) traveled to South Korea to meet with United States Forces Korea and South Korean Officials. Rep. Gallego also met yesterday with the South Korean Ambassador to the United States, Cho Yoon-je.
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Dear Secretary Mattis:
Following the meeting that President Trump held with Kim Jong-Un in Singapore yesterday, it was revealed that exercises with South Korea had been canceled by the President.
As you know, exercises build readiness, expand interoperability, and promote cooperation with the allies and partners. In the Korean context, they are integral to coordination between the Republic of Korea, U.S. Forces Korea, U.S. Forces Japan, and other allies and partners in the region that would be necessary to the national defense should war break out.
It is distressing to hear that the President made a major decision to cancel exercises without consulting South Korea or even, apparently, leadership at the Pentagon. Therefore, in the wake of this decision, please provide clarity to the following questions.
- Were you or Deputy Secretary Shanahan consulted before the President made the decision to cancel exercises with the Republic of Korea?
- Do you support the decision to cancel exercises with the Republic of Korea?
- Under what circumstances will exercises with the Republic of Korea be rescheduled?
- Was the Minister of Defense, Minister of Foreign Affairs, or President of the Republic of Korea consulted before the decision was made to cancel exercises?
- Is it still your intention to proactively inform Congress of major changes to defense policy with respect to North Korea, South Korea, and northeast Asian security concerns?
I look forward to your reply no later than 30 days following transmission of this letter. Thank you for your service to the Nation.
Ruben Gallego
Member, House Armed Services Committee