Slow reimbursements hurt readiness, the secretary warns.
Readiness Prepared statement of Secretary of Defense William J. Perry to the National Security Subcommittee, House Appropriations Committee, Jan. 25, 1995. Mr. Chairman, members of the committee, it is a pleasure to be here to discuss the readiness of America's armed forces, particularly how to prevent it from being hurt by unbudgeted contingency operations undertaken by the United States. Since taking office the Clinton administration has stressed the importance of sustaining the traditionally high readiness of U.S. forces. Last year's defense budget provided strong support for readiness, and this year's request will be stronger still. However, events of the past year have shown how readiness can erode even when annual defense appropriations are sufficient.