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Chairman Tierney Comments on GAO’s Report on Interagency Counter-Piracy Efforts off the Horn of Africa PDF Print

Congressman Tierney Comments on GAO’s Report on Interagency

Counter-Piracy Efforts off the Horn of Africa 

 

Washington, DC - Congressman John F. Tierney, Chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, made the following statement in response to the release of the Government Accountability Office report, “Actions Needed to Assess and Update Plan and Enhance Collaboration among Partners Involved in Countering Piracy off the Horn of Africa”:

 

 “I am pleased to receive the Subcommittee’s requested report from GAO on U.S. counter-piracy strategy, which continues and expands the Subcommittee’s ongoing oversight of interagency cooperation within our national security apparatus.  Piracy off the Horn of Africa is a difficult and evolving security challenge that threatens American and international sailors and merchants and impedes maritime commerce.  Countering this complex threat requires a collaborative international and interagency approach, particularly as pirates become more organized, increase their attacks, and expand their area of operation.  While I am concerned that U.S. and international efforts have not yet stopped the growth of piracy, I am pleased that our prevention and interdiction methods have substantially reduced the success rate of pirate attacks.  In accordance with the National Security Council’s 2008 counter-piracy action plan, designed to prevent, disrupt, and prosecute piracy, seven different U.S. agencies have collaborated with international and industry partners to achieve this reduction, and I am grateful for their efforts.  Nevertheless, the report suggests that the NSC could enhance its counter-piracy efforts by further clarifying the agencies’ roles and responsibilities and developing joint implementation guidance.  Additionally, the report reveals that the NSC has not reassessed or evaluated its efforts and has not updated the plan since it was written.  Pirates adapt, adjust, and improve their tactics in response to the changing security environment off the Horn of Africa.  We must do the same.  Without a firm but flexible interagency and international approach, the threat of piracy will continue to grow.  I look forward and remain committed to working with the executive branch to ensure that it does not.”

 

To access the full report click here

 

 

Committee On Oversight and Government Reform

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