STATEMENT BY
MR.
MIKE PARKER
Thank you,
Mr. Chairman and Distinguished Members of the Committee.
It is a great honor and privilege to appear before
this Committee as the nominee to be the Assistant Secretary of the Army for
Civil Works. I am very grateful to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and
the Secretary of the Army for the trust and confidence that- they-have placed
in me. If confirmed, I pledge that I will work as hard as I possibly can to
serve the soldiers, civilians, and families that make the United States Army
the most powerful and professional army in the world.
The Corps of Engineers has a proud history stretching
back to the beginning of the country. Over the years the Corps has evolved to
emphasize its major civil works responsibilities of today: conservation and
development of the Nation's water resources, which includes flood control,
navigation, shore protection, and environmental restoration. All of these tasks
are important; all are complex and demanding; and all require significant
resources. With competing demands for limited dollars, fulfilling these
requirements becomes more and more challenging; however, I am committed that
should I be confirmed, environmental considerations will remain a key factor in
determining our Civil Works stance for the Nation. The dedicated and able staff
of military and civilian employees who make up the Corps of Engineers has risen
to every challenge in the past and I'm sure will continue to carry out their
responsibilities to the people of this country in these vital areas.
In the last week, you can see the value of the Corps
to this nation and the dedication of its people as we recover from the recent
tragedies at the World Trade Center and at the Pentagon. The Corps is heavily
involved in determining structural integrity and debris management in both
locations and continue to serve as the nation's premier engineers during this
time of crisis. Should I be confirmed, I will be proud to work alongside these
ultimate professionals.
In the ten years during which I had the honor of
representing the Fourth District of Mississippi in the United States House of
Representatives, I applied my commitment to finding practical, realistic
solutions to problems and issues of importance to my constituents. Having
served on various House Committees which deal with a range of issues I can
expect to face as the Assistant Secretary, I understand both the Civil Works
and military programs aspects of the Corps of Engineers and appreciate the
challenges. facing the Corps.
Should I be confirmed, I look forward to serving with
the Army and the Corps during this landmark era of change and transformation. I
look forward to serving with the Army team of Active, Reserve, and National
Guard soldiers who distinguish themselves every day by their dedication and
hard work. I am prepared to undertake the important responsibilities of this
post and am enthusiastic about the opportunities it presents to me to continue
to serve this great country. I am committed to working closely with and
consulting with the various stakeholders in the ongoing Corps projects,
including the Members of Congress who represent the American people. Mr.
Chairman, if confirmed, I look forward to a strong working relationship with
you and this Committee. I would be pleased to answer any questions at this
time. Thank you.