Hearings to examine maritime security in Africa, focusing on assessing threats to United States commercial diplomacy and national security interests.

1[Senate Hearing 119-338]2[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]34                                                       S. Hrg. 119-33856                 MARITIME SECURITY IN AFRICA: ASSESSING7                    THREATS TO COMMERCIAL DIPLOMACY8                    AND NATIONAL SECURITY INTERESTS9=======================================================================1011                                HEARING1213                               BEFORE THE1415                       SUBCOMMITTEE ON AFRICA AND16                          GLOBAL HEALTH POLICY1718                                 OF THE1920                     COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS21                          UNITED STATES SENATE2223                    ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS2425                             FIRST SESSION26                               __________2728                           DECEMBER 10, 20252930                               __________3132       Printed for the use of the Committee on Foreign Relations3334[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]3536                  Available via http://www.govinfo.gov3738                                __________3940                    U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE4163-168 PDF                  WASHINGTON : 202642=======================================================================4344                 COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS4546                JAMES E. RISCH, Idaho, Chairman47PETE RICKETTS, Nebraska                JEANNE SHAHEEN, New Hampshire48DAVID McCORMICK, Pennsylvania          CHRISTOPHER A. COONS, Delaware49STEVE DAINES, Montana                  CHRISTOPHER MURPHY, Connecticut50BILL HAGERTY, Tennessee                TIM KAINE, Virginia51JOHN BARRASSO, Wyoming                 JEFF MERKLEY, Oregon52RAND PAUL, Kentucky                    CORY A. BOOKER, New Jersey53TED CRUZ, Texas                        BRIAN SCHATZ, Hawaii54MIKE LEE, Utah                         CHRIS VAN HOLLEN, Maryland55RICK SCOTT, Florida                    TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois56JOHN R. CURTIS, Utah                   JACKY ROSEN, Nevada57JOHN CORNYN, Texas58             Christopher M. Socha, Staff Director59           Naz Durakoglu, Democratic Staff Director60                   John Dutton, Chief Clerk6162                   SUBCOMMITTEE ON AFRICA AND63                      GLOBAL HEALTH POLICY6465TED CRUZ, Texas                        CORY A. BOOKER, New Jersey66STEVE DAINES, Montana                  CHRISTOPHER A. COONS. Delaware67RAND PAUL, Kentucky                    JEFF MERKLEY, Oregon68JOHN CORNYN, Texas                     CHRIS VAN HOLLEN, Maryland69JOHN BARRASSO, Wyoming7071                              (ii)7273                      C  O  N  T  E  N  T  S7475                              ----------76                                                                   Page7778                               Statements7980Cruz, Hon. Ted, Chairman of the subcommittee, U.S. Senator from81  Texas..........................................................     18283Booker, Hon. Cory A., Ranking Member of the subcommittee, U.S.84  Senator from New Jersey........................................     38586                               Witnesses8788Sylvester, Marco M., Deputy Assistant Secretary for89  Transportation Affairs, Department of State, Washington, DC....90.................................................................     69192    Prepared statement...........................................     79394Nardi, Maggie, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of95  International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, Department of96  State, Washington, DC..........................................     89798    Prepared statement...........................................     999100Perry, Ruth L., Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary,101  Bureau of Oceans and International Enviromental and Scientific102  Affairs, Department of State, Washington, DC...................    11103104    Prepared statement...........................................    13105106              Additional Material Submitted for the Record107108Responses to Additional Questions for the Record Submitted to109  Marco M. Sylvester by Senator Jeanne Shaheen...................    24110111Responses to Additional Questions for the Record Submitted to112  Maggie Nardi by Senator Jeanne Shaheen.........................    24113114Responses to Additional Questions for the Record Submitted to115  Maggie Nardi by Senator Brian Shatz............................    25116117Responses to Additional Questions for the Record Submitted to118  Ruth L. Perry by Senator Jeanne Shaheen........................    26119120Responses to Additional Questions for the Record Submitted to121  Ruth L. Perry by Senator Brian Schatz..........................    27122123                                 (iii)124125MARITIME SECURITY IN AFRICA: ASSESSING THREATS TO COMMERCIAL DIPLOMACY126                    AND NATIONAL SECURITY INTERESTS127128                              ----------129130                    WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2025--pm131132                               U.S. Senate,133                             Subcommittee on Africa134                          and Global Health Policy,135                            Committee on Foreign Relations,136                                                    Washington, DC.137    The subcommittee met, pursuant to notice, at 2:38 p.m., in138room SD-419, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Hon. Ted Cruz,139chairman of the subcommittee, presiding.140    Present: Senators Cruz [presiding], Booker, Shaheen, and141Van Hollen.142143              OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. TED CRUZ,144                    U.S. SENATOR FROM TEXAS145146    Senator Cruz. Good afternoon. Thank you for joining us.147This hearing is called to order.148    Today's hearing focuses on China's dominance of maritime149security in Africa and the importance of strengthening the150U.S.-Africa partnership. As I have said before, I intend for151this subcommittee to serve as the primary forum for shaping and152articulating the policies of the United States toward Africa. I153believe that fundamentally China is a global threat that must154be confronted, region by region, territory by territory, and155nation by nation. The challenges posed by China and Africa are156vast. But there is also an immense opportunity for the United157States and for American businesses to flourish.158    In addition to Africa's natural resources, China seeks159total control and dominance of Africa's rare earth minerals,160its land, and its maritime ports. The Chinese Communist Party161is executing a deliberate, methodical strategy to expand its162footprint across Africa, economically, politically, and163militarily with the ultimate goal of undermining the United164States and projecting power into some of the most strategic165regions of the world. Nowhere is that strategy more apparent or166more dangerous than in the maritime domain.167    China understands that control of maritime ports means168control over global commerce and strategic leverage over the169United States. Africa's coastlines sit at the crossroads of170global arteries and Beijing intends to dominate them.171    We have already seen what that looks like. Since 2017,172China has operated a military base in Djibouti, mere miles down173the road from ours. Beijing is also actively negotiating174military access agreements up and down the Horn of Africa.175Their goal is clear--secure naval presence at the gateway to176the Red Sea, which is one of the most critical shipping177corridors in the world.178    And as our adversaries test us with attacks on179international shipping and even direct threats to our own180facilities such as the Houthi threats to U.S. forces in181Djibouti, failing to respond with strength sends one message,182that America is not willing to defend its interests or its183allies. That sentiment only encourages Beijing and every other184hostile actor to keep pushing.185    Today's hearing focuses specifically on maritime security186in Africa and the implications for U.S. commercial diplomacy.187The security of Africa's waters has a direct bearing on the188security of the United States. The continent's Atlantic coast189connects to our homeland through the same maritime routes that190carry our energy supplies, commerce, and unfortunately191transnational criminal flows. On the other side of the192continent, the Red Sea and the Western Indian Ocean form the193western flank of the Indo-Pacific, where China seeks to expand194its naval reach. If we overlook Africa's maritime195vulnerabilities, we leave open pathways that adversaries can196exploit against us.197    This issue is not theoretical. It addresses an acute,198present, and real threat to global commerce and security.199    China's influence in Africa's maritime ports also directly200impacts American workers, our economic stability, and our201national security. First, China's aggressive pursuit of a202military port in West Africa would represent a major threat to203U.S. security. A Chinese naval facility on the Atlantic would204allow Beijing to operate warships, including submarines,205opposite our East Coast. It would also fundamentally put206American cities, shipping, and undersea infrastructure at risk.207    Second, China's malign behavior on the seas already harms208African nations and the United States. Illegal, unreported, and209unregulated fishing by Chinese vessels devastates local210economies, fuels corruption, and drives instability. It also211undermines legitimate U.S. commercial engagement, engagement212that should be building prosperity and trust with our African213partners, not ceding the field to the CCP.214    Third, the maritime domain is increasingly a battleground215for hybrid warfare, including piracy and criminal networks,216human trafficking routes, narcotrafficking routes, sabotage,217and interference with undersea cables, and coercive economic218practices. China is exploiting all of these avenues, not just219one, all of them.220    The United States should modernize and adequately fund the221tools required to counter the CCP's maritime expansion, defend222freedom of navigation, and protect American commercial223interests.224    But let me be clear. We will block any attempt by the CCP225to take advantage of our African partners or the United States.226In previous hearings, I have emphasized the importance of the227United States being the preferred partner for African nations.228We offer transparency, economic growth, the rule of law, and229respect for sovereignty, while China pursues exploitation230across every domain. The CCP intends to displace the United231States globally, and Africa is a critical medium of that232ambition. Maritime domain is one of their many campuses.233    Thank you and I look forward to your testimonies. I now234recognize Ranking Member Booker.235236               STATEMENT OF HON. CORY A. BOOKER,237                  U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW JERSEY238239    Senator Booker. I want to thank Senator Cruz for working240together to hold this hearing. I appreciate him and his focus241on these issues. I want to thank the witnesses for being here242today. You all are in really important jobs and have taken time243out to prepare for this hearing and to be here today. It is244much appreciated for what I think is a vital conversation.245    In previous subcommittee hearings, we have heard a lot246about how the Trump administration is saying that they are247prioritizing commercial diplomacy in Africa. As a result, this248hearing is going to examine what the Administration is doing to249secure Africa's maritime domain, which directly connects to250U.S. economic, trade, and security interests.251    Thirty-eight of Africa's 54 countries are either coastal or252island States--38 of the 54. Sub-Saharan Africa has two major253coastlines, one along the Atlantic Ocean, the other along the254Indian Ocean. And so we need to take a look at Africa and its255maritime domain as part of the transatlantic space and the256Indo-Pacific and global security in and of itself.257    And so this is a frustration I have when I hear the258Administration talk about transatlantic or Indo-Pacific policy.259I rarely hear conversations about Africa. The continent also260includes coastlines along the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden,261which are critical to U.S. security interests and the global262economy. In fact, one-third of the world's shipping passes263through Africa's maritime checkpoints--one third--and 25264percent of global trade flows through the Red Sea, the Gulf of265Aden, and to the Western Indian Ocean.266    We cannot ignore the challenges present in Africa's coastal267waters. Not only do these challenges rob the region of economic268progress stability, food security, and sovereignty, they also269affect U.S. shippers, U.S. businesses, and our security270interests, on top of the increasing costs Americans pay for271goods. The safety of our U.S. citizens abroad and competition272with China and Russia and a host of other reasons means that we273should be far more focused on the issues we will be discussing274today.275    And so, here are some of the challenges I would like to276zone in on. Houthis attacks have forced global shipping277companies to divert routes away from the Red Sea, adding 2278weeks and 6,000 nautical miles to a vessel's journey around279South Africa. Insurance premiums for shipping have surged,280raising the cost for goods for consumers here in the United281States and across the globe. In addition, piracy has spiked282again off the coast of Somalia and continues in the Gulf of283Guinea. I would like to hear from you all about how the284Department is working across agencies and with coastal African285countries to increase the security of these shipping lanes.286    Second, as my colleague has mentioned, China is a really287big competitor trying to fill the vacuum that America seems to288be creating through its retreat from the continent of Africa.289China's first foreign military base in Africa is in Djibouti,290near a critical shipping chokepoint and only 4 miles away from291the U.S. strategic base in Djibouti. PRC State-owned firms292control or hold stakes in about 60 to 70 ports across the293African continent, with suspected interests in making dual-use294ports with potential military applications. This should be295frightening or staggering to Americans who are concerned about296our global interests.297    The previous AFRICOM Commander has testified before298Congress, stating that a PRC base on Africa's Atlantic coast299would alter the whole calculus of geostrategic global campaign300plans for U.S. homeland protection. And he later called for301U.S. leadership to counter China's efforts in West Africa,302which frankly are significant. And then on the other hand,303Russia has been in negotiations, as we have seen across the304news, with the Sudanese military government for a number of305years to establish a naval base in Port Sudan, right on the Red306Sea.307    And so today, I would like to hear from you about what the308Department is doing to counter China's naval-basing aspirations309in Africa and how we are working to become a partner of choice310to African countries looking to improve or establish port311infrastructure.312    Africa is also the continent from which the highest share313of human trafficking flows originate. Coastal African countries314are sources, transit points, and destinations for men, women,315and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking.316After the Trump administration's irresponsible decision to317terminate a majority of U.S. foreign assistance programs, I318would really like to hear what the State Department's plan is,319what they are going to do to help countries stop and prevent320this grotesque level of human trafficking.321    Illegal fishing dramatically reduces the catch of local322fisheries, diminishing sources of protein and livelihoods for323regions. Indeed, a lot of the instability we are seeing in some324West African nations has some solid roots to the overfishing325done by many Chinese vessels in West African fisheries. Some326estimates place annual losses to African coastal States due to327illegal fishing at $2.3 to $3.3 billion. China maintains the328largest distance water fishing fleet, with hundreds of vessels329illegally fishing off the coast of West Africa, to devastating330effects on the countries that are on that coast. I would like331to hear from you how the Department is working to combat332illegal fishing and support blue economies along the coast of333Africa. This is vital not just to African interests but to334security interests in the region and U.S. economic interests.335    These cost-cutting issues do not fit neatly into any one336bureau or office at the State Department, and they involve337multiple U.S. departments and agencies, from State to DoD to338the U.S. Coast Guard, and development agencies like the339Millennium Challenge Corporation and the Development Finance340Corporation. As a result, the U.S. must have interagency341strategies and tools to address the challenges related to342Africa's maritime security.343    With a focus on commercial diplomacy at the State344Department, I would have actually expected a plan, a strategy,345a set of processes put forward to address these issues, these346growing crises, these growing threats against the347Administration's Stated goals. Instead we see the growing348challenges on the continent because of this Administration's349withdrawal from its investments and strategic partnerships on350the continent.351    There is no strategy that I have seen. The Administration352has terminated and defunded many of the bipartisan tools that353my colleagues, including my former colleague, now the Secretary354of State, have endorsed. For years now I have worked on this355committee with partners that understand that this, the growing356strength, the growing population, the growing importance of the357African continent demands from us an effective strategy. It is358very sad, and, in fact, tragic to see the Administration359offering none, and yet pulling away from a continent that360desperately needs American strength, and this unfortunately is361creating a vacuum being filled by the Chinese and the Russians.362    While the Trump administration now is failing, they are363failing to nominate an Assistant Secretary for African Affairs,364which is stunning. It allows U.S. ambassadorial positions365across Africa to remain vacant. We have offered, as Democrats,366to do everything we can to fast-track the process if they will367nominate people for many of these positions. And then the368reductions in force among State Department employees, the369shutdowns of USAID, the terminating of a majority of U.S.370foreign assistance to Africa, the drastic reduction of our371tools, our collective expertise, and our presence, have made372ground for China, Russia, and other malign actors to swoop in373and undermine not just the stability of the continent today,374but to undermine the stability in the future.375    This hearing, I think, is vital and that is why I am376appreciative of my colleague, Ted Cruz. The subcommittee is377having the first hearing since Donald Trump actually has shown378through his leadership vile and insulting language of entire379countries in Africa. I remember when I traveled to Africa right380after, in his first term, when he referred to many countries in381Africa as shithole countries. I had heads of State, peers, and382ambassadors show me such disgust and distress that the leader383of the United States of America would refer to these countries384in this manner.385    But I want to take this opportunity now in Donald Trump's386second term, where he continues that kind of rhetoric, to387strongly condemn the President's hurtful, xenophobic, and388frankly anti-American comments about Somalia, Somalis, and even389Americans like Representative Omar. We know that Somali390refugees and Somali Americans are truly people in this Nation391that have provided such strength and value to who we are. I392know Somali Americans, like every American, which are one of393many ethnic groups that make the fabric of our Nation. They394have shown such strength in their contributions to make our395Nation stronger and better. It is absolutely unconscionable to396me, unimaginable to me, that a President of the United States397would use such vile, hurtful, demeaning, and degrading rhetoric398about any group of Americans, and especially the consequences399it has in our relations with those countries of origin.400    This is an important hearing, but I tell you, my experience401on this committee has been so affirming in the past, I am402hoping that we cannot just talk about these issues, but join403together to work to make sure the State Department actually has404the kind of strategies we need to advance American interests,405American partnerships, and strengthen growth between the U.S.406and nations in Africa.407    And with that, Mr. Chairman, I am grateful.408    Senator Cruz. Thank you. I would now like to introduce our409three witnesses for today.410    Our first witness is Marco Sylvester, Deputy Assistant411Secretary for Transportation Affairs. Marco, I would be remiss412if I did not give a shout-out to your wife, Sara, who spent413several years as my scheduling director, running my life.414Please give Sara my best.415    Senator Booker. Which one is--oh, Sara is not here. Is she416here?417    Senator Cruz. No.418    Senator Booker. Oh, you are here. Fantastic.419    Senator Cruz. I did not even--she was hiding behind you.420OK, well, there you go. I will give the shout-out myself. Good421to see you.422    Senator Booker. That cannot be an easy job, to have been423your scheduler.424    Senator Cruz. Sara, let me know afterwards if he does a425good job or not. Just give me your critique.426    Our second witness is Ms. Maggie Nardi, Deputy Assistant427Secretary for the Office of Africa and the Middle East, and the428Office of International Negotiations in the Bureau of429International Narcotics and Law Enforcement.430    And our third witness is Dr. Ruth Perry, Acting Principal431Deputy Assistant Secretary and Deputy Assistant Secretary for432Ocean, Fisheries, and Polar Affairs in the Bureau of Oceans and433International Environment and Scientific Affairs. She is also a434fellow Texan and a graduate of Texas A&M--Gig 'Em. And I, for435one, am predicting a national championship of A&M versus Texas436Tech, and I am looking forward to wearing a Switzerland shirt437while cheering them both on.438    Ms. Perry. It is too early.439    Senator Cruz. With that, I will recognize Mr. Sylvester for440your opening statement.441442STATEMENT OF MARCO M. SYLVESTER, DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR443  TRANSPORTATION AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON, DC444445    Mr. Sylvester. Thank you, Senator. Chairman Cruz, Ranking446Member Booker, and distinguished members of the committee,447thank you for the opportunity to discuss maritime challenges in448Africa today.449    Africa's maritime domain is vital to global commerce,450energy, and food security. Under Secretary Rubio's leadership,451the State Department is committed to protecting U.S. interests452by enhancing maritime domain awareness, supporting American453economic interests, and countering malign influence in this454critical region.455    As both of you mentioned in your testimonies, our456adversaries increasingly target strategic African ports,457seeking military and commercial advantages. These nations458promote State-owned and affiliated companies, including459untrusted port technologies, allowing them access to sensitive460information and the ability to disrupt foreign trade. Such461influence undermines host nations' sovereignty over their462infrastructure and fosters corruption. For the United States,463this creates economic and national security risks.464    President Trump's unprecedented successes in rebalancing465our trade relationships globally and Secretary Rubio's emphasis466on advancing U.S. business abroad have opened new opportunities467across Africa. Through diplomatic engagement and targeted468programs, the Department advocates for transparent port469governance and exposes predatory lending. These actions reduce470our adversaries' influence in the transportation sector.471    Our Economic Bureau and the Department's economic officers472on the ground in Africa are identifying commercial473opportunities and facilitating connections for U.S. firms while474supporting fair trade. The Department's 2026 Port Prosperity475Partnership will connect U.S. and African ports to share best476practices, improve security, and foster innovation.477    In the Red Sea and the surrounding sea lanes, Houthi478attacks, enabled by Iranian support, have endangered innocent479seafarers, disrupted trade, and threatened regional stability.480President Trump, through the historic Gaza Peace Plan, is481increasing shipping lane security to the benefit of American482consumers and American security.483    Mr. Chairman, the Trump administration is committed to484growing trade with Africa. A stable, secure maritime sector is485essential to this goal. We support regional cooperation and486African-led solutions that uphold freedom of navigation, the487rule of law, and global prosperity. By increasing our488engagement and commercial diplomacy with African nations, we489help secure vital maritime routes, foster American prosperity,490and safeguard our national security.491    Thank you, and I look forward to your questions.492    [The prepared statement of Mr. Sylvester follows:]493494                Prepared Statement of Marco M. Sylvester495496    Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Booker, distinguished members of the497committee, thank you for the opportunity to discuss maritime challenges498in Africa.499    Africa's maritime domain is vital to global commerce, energy, and500food security. Under Secretary Rubio's leadership, the State Department501is committed to protecting U.S. interests by enhancing maritime domain502awareness, supporting American economic interests, and countering503malign influence in this critical region.504    Strategic African ports are increasingly targeted by our505adversaries seeking military and commercial advantages. These nations506promote state-owned and affiliated companies, including untrusted port507technologies, allowing them access to sensitive information and the508ability to disrupt foreign trade. Such influence undermines host509nations' sovereignty over their infrastructure and fosters corruption.510For the United States, this creates economic and national security511risks.512    President Trump's unprecedented successes in rebalancing our trade513relationships globally and Secretary Rubio's emphasis on advancing U.S.514business abroad have opened new opportunities across Africa. Through515diplomatic engagement and targeted programs, the Department advocates516for transparent port governance and exposes predatory lending. These517actions reduce our adversaries influence in the transportation sector.518    Our Economic Bureau and the Department's economic officers on the519ground in Africa are identifying commercial opportunities and520facilitating connections for U.S. firms while supporting fair trade.521The Department's 2026 Port Prosperity Partnership will connect U.S. and522African ports to share best practices, improve security, and foster523innovation.524    In the Red Sea and surrounding sea lanes, Houthi attacks--enabled525by Iranian support--have endangered innocent seafarers, disrupted526trade, and threatened regional stability. President Trump, through the527historic Gaza Peace Plan, is increasing shipping lane security to the528benefit American consumers.529    Mr. Chairman, the Trump administration is committed to growing530trade with Africa. A stable, secure maritime sector is essential to531this goal. We support regional cooperation and African-led solutions532that uphold freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and global533prosperity. By increasing our engagement and commercial diplomacy with534African nations, we help secure vital maritime routes, foster America's535prosperity, and safeguard our national security.536    Thank you, and I look forward to your questions.537538    Senator Cruz. Thank you.539    Ms. Nardi, you are now recognized for your opening540statement.541542 STATEMENT OF MAGGIE NARDI, DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY, BUREAU543    OF INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AFFAIRS,544              DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON, DC545546    Ms. Nardi. Thank you, Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Booker,547and distinguished members of the subcommittee, I also thank you548for this opportunity to address maritime security challenges in549Africa.550    The State Department's Bureau of International Narcotics551and Law Enforcement Affairs, or INL, confronts illicit maritime552activity that threatens freedom of navigation and endangers553U.S. interests. INL combats transnational criminal554organizations, or TCOs, which exploit gaps in maritime law555enforcement across Africa to smuggle drugs and illegally556extracted natural resources. In the Western Indian Ocean and557along the east coast, law enforcement data shows a 150 percent558increase in methamphetamine seizures just in the past year, and559that includes some seizures conducted with INL assistance.560    In Southern and Eastern Africa, U.S. law enforcement is561seeing evidence of Mexican cartels exploiting maritime routes562and regulatory gaps to traffic synthetic drugs; and with host563country counterparts, law enforcement has identified eight564large-scale, cartel-linked methamphetamine labs.565    The West, the Gulf of Guinea remains a hotspot for illicit566activity. Foreign industrial fleets, including many linked to567China, drive alarming levels of illegal, unreported, and568unregulated (IUU) fishing. This deepens economic instability,569leaving coastal populations vulnerable to recruitment by570criminal and terrorist organizations.571    Russia and China are more than willing to violate African572sovereignty in pursuit of military and commercial footholds,573although China is more engaged than Russia in the maritime574space. China is active in nearly every African country, and575established its first overseas People's Liberation Army, or576PLA, base in Djibouti, as was mentioned.577    In 2023, an INL project identified links between fishing578vessels that were escorted by the PLA Naval Escort Task Force579from that base with China's Maritime Belt and Road Initiative580projects across West Africa. China is involved in over a581quarter of all African ports, and we are aware that Chinese582officials have discussed the possibility of a maritime facility583with Gabon, and may be pursuing additional basing opportunities584in the region. This activity creates corruption risks and585reduces opportunities for U.S. trade and investment.586    To address these threats, INL is improving maritime587enforcement and port security, countering transnational crime,588and strengthening the rule of law to enable U.S. commercial589activity. INL provides direct maritime law enforcement and port590security equipment and training, working with other U.S.591agencies to help countries confront activities that threaten592shipping lanes and U.S. businesses, and provide revenue to TCOs593and terrorists.594    Our programs address complex crimes and support595information-sharing and tracking and targeting technology, as596well as effective prosecution. These efforts are paying597dividends. Just last month, Mauritian law enforcement officials598who are trained by INL intercepted 433 kilos of cocaine. Port599security is a critical element of maritime security. An600effective cargo screening and verification aides efforts to601combat smuggling, and reduces vulnerability to exploitation by602malign Chinese actors.603    To counter Chinese interference with U.S. trade interests,604INL works with the U.S. Coast Guard and Customs and Border605Protection to improve port security and cybersecurity606infrastructure in West Africa. In Gabon, INL is procuring607maritime vessels and providing training to counter IUU fishing608and other illicit maritime activity.609    INL is also facilitating information-sharing between the610Gulf of Guinea nations and Latin American partners to address611the transcontinental trafficking by Western Hemisphere-based612FTOs. A recent operation by INL-trained units that included613work between Cabo Verde, Mauritania, Portugal, and Brazil614resulted in an at-sea interdiction of approximately one ton of615cocaine transiting the Gulf of Guinea.616    With the committee's support, INL intends to continue617strengthening maritime security and countering destructive618criminal actors in support of U.S. trade and investment. Secure619maritime routes in Africa are essential to reliable movement of620U.S. commerce.621    I want to thank you for your attention and your leadership622on these threats to maritime security which impact the United623States, and I welcome your questions. Thank you.624    [The prepared statement of Ms. Nardi follows:]625626                   Prepared Statement of Maggie Nardi627628    Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Booker, and distinguished members of629the subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to address maritime630security challenges in Africa and the Department of State's efforts to631counter threats to U.S. interests and commercial diplomacy. Through632robust partnerships with African governments and interagency633coordination, the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement634Affairs (INL) confronts illicit maritime activity, piracy, and635trafficking networks that threaten freedom of navigation and endanger U636.S. commercial interests.637Confronting the Surge of Illicit Maritime Activity638    INL programs combat transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and639other illicit actors who exploit gaps in maritime law enforcement640across Africa to smuggle a variety of illicit goods, including drugs641and illegally extracted natural resources. In the Western Indian Ocean,642networks originating in Southwest Asia--particularly Afghanistan and643Iran--traffic heroin, methamphetamines, and other narcotics via dhows644and other vessels, moving drugs from production areas through the645Arabian Sea and along the East African coast. Recent law enforcement646data reveal a 150 percent increase in methamphetamine seizures in the647past year, including some conducted as a result of INL assistance,648along traditional Southwest Asian trafficking routes. In addition,649there have been eight cases of large scale Mexican cartel-linked650methamphetamine laboratories operating in Southern and Eastern Africa,651which had not been observed in the region prior to 2023. U.S. law652enforcement is also seeing evidence of Mexican cartels exploiting653maritime routes and regulatory gaps governing precursor chemicals to654traffic synthetic drugs in the region.655    On Africa's west coast, the Gulf of Guinea remains a hotspot for656piracy, illegal fishing, and drug trafficking from the Caribbean and657South America. INL is providing direct maritime law enforcement658training, port security equipment and training, and building659partnerships within the region, across the Atlantic, and with U.S. law660enforcement agencies to help countries confront these activities that661threaten vital shipping lanes and U.S. businesses, while also providing662revenue to TCOs and terrorist actors in North Africa and the Sahel.663Foreign industrial fleets, including many linked to China, exploit664regional waters, driving alarming levels of illegal, unreported, and665unregulated (IUU) fishing. This depletes fish stocks and worsens666economic instability, leaving coastal populations vulnerable to667recruitment by criminal and terrorist organizations.668    Russia and China are more than willing to violate African669sovereignty in the pursuit of military and commercial footholds along670African coasts. China is active in nearly every African country, with671at least 61 port projects, and its first overseas People's Liberation672Army (PLA) base in Djibouti. In 2023, an INL project identified links673between fishing vessels escorted by the PLA Naval Escort Task Force and674a privately operated fishing base in Mauritania, supported by China's675maritime Belt and Road Initiative. These vessels and their owners have676created corruption risks at every level in various African countries,677which reduces opportunities for U.S. trade investment.678U.S. Responses and Partnerships679    INL programming addresses these maritime threats by improving680maritime enforcement and port security in West Africa, countering681transnational threats, and enabling U.S. trade and investment. IUU682fishing is often linked to other crimes, making it imperative that our683training programs include counternarcotics, identification of human684trafficking and forced labor, information sharing and technology to685track and target vessels for interdiction, as well as training on the686``judicial finish'' to help countries prosecute complex maritime687crimes.688    Port security is also a critical element of maritime security.689Ensuring cargo that is transiting or off-loaded at ports is screened690and verified aids our efforts to combat TCOs that are known to smuggle691weapons, drugs, people, and other illicit goods via cargo containers in692poorly secured ports. To counter malign Chinese interference with U.S.693trade interests in West Africa and to protect Americans from online694scams, INL is working with the U.S. Coast Guard and CBP to improve port695security and cyber security infrastructure in West Africa.696    In the Western Indian Ocean, INL brings together countries impacted697by transnational criminal activity to share information and698collaboratively respond to violations of sovereignty. We work closely699with partners to strengthen their abilities to track, board, and700apprehend those engaged in illegal activities to ensure consistent701prosecution and incarceration of criminals that threaten U.S. national702security. And our efforts are paying dividends--just last month,703Mauritian law enforcement officers, trained by INL on maritime search704and seizure techniques, intercepted 433 kilos of cocaine with an705estimated street value of over $70 million.706Strengthening Targeted U.S. Support for African Partners707    INL is strengthening targeted programming to secure vulnerable708ports and maritime areas by working with U.S. law enforcement partners709to train West African maritime law enforcement and judicial officials710to combat maritime crime and piracy that threatens U.S. security and711commercial interests. INL is also facilitating information sharing712between countries on the Gulf of Guinea and Latin American partners to713address transcontinental trafficking by Western Hemisphere-based FTOs.714A recent maritime enforcement operation by INL trained units that715included work between Cabo Verde, Mauritania, Portugal, and Brazil716resulted in an at-sea interdiction of an estimated one ton of cocaine717transiting the Gulf of Guinea.718    We are also supporting customs enforcement in major African ports719to increase interdictions of illicit goods often exploited by malign720Chinese actors. In Gabon, INL is in the process of procuring Defender-721class maritime vessels and training to counter IUU fishing,722particularly activities linked to China. INL also supports customs work723at Gabon's Port of Libreville-Owendo by establishing an inter-agency724Port Control Unit to combat transnational crime at the seaport. With725INL support to professionalize the Kenyan Coast Guard, Kenya conducted72620 joint operations with neighboring countries in a six-month period727earlier this year, resulting in interdictions of drugs and disruptions728to human trafficking networks.729    In addition, INL supports a range of initiatives to strengthen730maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean, including technical731assistance and equipment provision to improve intelligence-driven732operations and legal frameworks for prosecuting maritime crimes. In7332026, INL is evaluating additional opportunities in East and Southern734Africa to strengthen oversight and management of maritime ports,735particularly ports experiencing increased Chinese maritime736interference.737Conclusion738    In conclusion, with this committee's support, INL intends to739continue working with our regional partners to strengthen maritime and740port security as well as counter destructive criminal actors in support741of U.S. trade and investment. Secure maritime routes in Africa are742essential to ensure reliable movement of U.S. commerce, especially743energy and critical minerals. When maritime governance is weak,744adversaries exploit these gaps and U.S. supply chains are threatened.745    Thank you for your attention and leadership on these threats to746maritime security which impact the United States. I welcome you747questions.748749    Senator Cruz. Thank you.750    Dr. Perry, you are recognized for your opening statement.751752 STATEMENT OF RUTH L. PERRY, ACTING PRINCIPAL DEPUTY ASSISTANT753SECRETARY, BUREAU OF OCEANS AND INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND754    SCIENTIFIC AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON, DC755756    Ms. Perry. Thank you. Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Booker,757Senator Shaheen, and the distinguished members of the758committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify before you759today about the impact of maritime challenges in Africa on the760U.S. fishing industry and how the Department of State will take761action to protect the livelihoods of our fishermen.762    As a proud Texan and longtime steward of the Gulf of763America, I know firsthand the threat illegal, unreported, and764unregulated fishing poses to our economy, environment, and765national security. The Gulf is America's working coast, vital766to food systems and energy infrastructure. Yet foreign vessels,767like those from Mexico, deplete iconic species like Red Snapper768and undermine fishing industry efforts to maintain sustainable769fisheries. This is not just an environmental issue. It is about770sovereignty and economic security.771    Under the leadership of State's Bureau of Oceans and772International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, we convened773an emergency interagency task force with Department of Justice,774NOAA, and the Coast Guard. For the first time, individuals775caught illegally fishing are being prosecuted under the Lacey776Act. As Deputy Assistant Secretary of OES, I am committed to777building this momentum. The stakes are too high, and we must778act decisively act to protect our fish, our fishermen, and779America's working coast.780    IUU fishing off Africa's coast is not just a local problem.781It threatens U.S. fishermen, our industry, and our national782security. U.S. commercial and recreational fishing generate783nearly half a trillion dollars annually and supports 2.5784million jobs. We have built the world's most respected785fisheries management system--science based, strongly enforced,786and proven to ensure long-term species health. But our787companies face unfair competition from nations that ignore788catch limits, food safety, and labor laws, all practices789driving prices artificially low. The State Department is790committed to confronting this challenge head on, protecting791American jobs, and defending the integrity of our seafood792supply.793    Over the years, U.S. market share for American seafood794producers has steadily fallen, and more than 80 percent of the795seafood consumed in the United States is imported. Data suggest796imports have fallen this year, but fish and fish products797coming into the U.S. from Africa are still valued in the798hundreds of millions of dollars.799    IUU fishing in African waters not only distorts global800markets and creates unfair competition for U.S. seafood801producers, it directly undermines the livelihoods of American802commercial and recreational fishermen. Highly migratory species803of tuna and billfish range across the Atlantic Ocean; illegal804and unsustainable harvests off Africa can mean fewer of these805keystone fish return to our waters. That damage is just part of806what some sources say is roughly $10 billion in annual losses807Africa suffers from IUU fishing, driven by both domestic fleets808and distant-water fleets, primarily from China. But the809consequences go far beyond economics. This illegal activity is810increasingly tied to transnational crime, including human811trafficking, drug smuggling, and maritime insecurity, posing a812direct threat to regional stability and ultimately American813security.814    Advancing and defending the U.S. fishing industry is an815administration priority. President Trump's April Executive816Order on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness calls for a817whole-of-government approach to promote the productive harvest818of our seafood resources, combat IUU fishing, and protect our819seafood markets from unfair trade practices.820    The Department of State works with the Department of821Commerce and other agencies to ensure the American fishing822industry competes on a level playing field. Together, we push823the other members of regional fisheries management824organizations to adopt binding fishing rules for shared stocks825that are in line with our high domestic standards, based on the826best available science and backed by effective fisheries827monitoring and control. Where foreign nations break the rules828or refuse to step up, the State Department works with our829interagency partners to ban their vessels from U.S. ports and830close our markets to their products.831    A unified interagency response is not just important, it is832essential. Combating IUU fishing and its associated criminal833networks requires effectively coordinated and efficiently834deployed U.S. capabilities. This is why the State Department,835NOAA, and the Coast Guard lead a whole-of-government effort to836combat IUU fishing under the Maritime Security and Fisheries837Enforcement Act, or the Maritime SAFE Act, since 2019. To838protect U.S. fishermen and our markets, we have provided839technology, training, and equipment; participated in840enforcement actions; and created frameworks for lasting841regional cooperation throughout Africa. For example, Ghana now842uses the American-made SmartMast system to increase its843maritime domain awareness, setting the stage for increased844cooperation with its neighbors. These achievements are845something to be proud of. But the danger to the American846fishing industry from IUU fishing in African waters persists.847    Progress is moving too slowly. To protect our fishing848industry, we must ensure American producers stay competitive849worldwide and that our economy is strengthened and the industry850is preserved for the next generations. That means securing851access to healthy fish stocks and guarding against threats from852bad actors and irresponsible nations. The Department of State853is building a refined approach that is faster, more targeted,854and more agile to combat the dynamic threat posed to American855industry by illegal, unsustain-able, and unfair fishing856practices in Africa.857    The State Department is closing the gap between America's858high standards and the exploitative practices of fleets in859African waters. The U.S. fishing industry sets the global860benchmark for sustainability, with thriving stocks to prove it.861But protecting this success requires coordinated action--862diplomatic, enforcement, and scientific. We will punish bad863actors, hold partners accountable, put American fishermen864first, and defend our waters, our economy, and our way of life.865    Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you all today.866    [The prepared statement of Ms. Perry follows:]867868                  Prepared Statement of Ruth L. Perry869870    Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Booker, and distinguished members of871the commitee, thank you for the opportunity to testify before you today872about the impact of maritime challenges in Africa on the U.S. fishing873industry and how the Department of State will take action to protect874the livelihoods of our fishermen.875    As a proud Texan and longtime steward of the Gulf of America, I876know firsthand the threat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU)877fishing poses to our economy, environment, and national security. The878Gulf is America's working coast--vital to food systems and energy879infrastructure. Yet foreign vessels, like those from Mexico, deplete880iconic species like Red Snapper and undermine fishing industry efforts881to maintain sustainable fisheries. This is not just an environmental882issue--it is about sovereignty and economic security.883    Under the leadership of State's Bureau of Oceans and International884Environmental and Scientific Affairs, we convened an emergency885interagency task force with DOJ, NOAA, and the Coast Guard. For the886first time, individuals caught illegally fishing are being prosecuted887under the Lacey Act--a critical step forward. As Deputy Assistant888Secretary of State, I am commited to building this momentum. The stakes889are too high; we must act decisively to protect our fish, our890fishermen, and America's working coast.891    IUU fishing off Africa's coast is not just a local problem--it892threatens U.S. fishermen, our industry, and our national security. U.S.893commercial and recreational fishing generate nearly half a trillion894dollars annually and supports 2.5 million jobs. We've built the world's895most respected fisheries management system--science based, strongly896enforced, and proven to ensure long-term species health. But our897companies face unfair competition from nations that ignore catch898limits, food safety, and labor laws--all practices driving prices899artificially low. The State Department is commited to confronting this900challenge head on, protecting American jobs, and defending the901integrity of our seafood supply.902    Over the years, U.S. market share for American seafood producers903has steadily fallen, and more than 80 percent of the seafood consumed904in the United States is imported. Data suggest imports have fallen this905year, but fish and fish products coming into the U.S. from Africa are906still valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars.907    IUU fishing in African waters not only distorts global markets and908creates unfair competition for U.S. seafood producers--it directly909undermines the livelihoods of American commercial and recreational910fishermen. Highly migratory species of tuna and billfish range across911the Atlantic Ocean; illegal and unsustainable harvests off Africa can912mean fewer of these keystone fish return to our waters. That damage is913just part of what some sources say is roughly $10 billion in annual914losses Africa suffers from IUU fishing--driven by both domestic fleets915and distant-water fleets, primarily from China. But the consequences go916far beyond economics. This illegal activity is increasingly tied to917transnational crime, including human trafficking, drug smuggling, and918maritime insecurity--posing a direct threat to regional stability and919ultimately American security.920    Advancing and defending the U.S. fishing industry is an921administration priority. President Trump's April Executive Order on922Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness calls for a whole-of-923government approach to promote the productive harvest of our seafood924resources, combat IUU fishing, and protect our seafood markets from925unfair trade practices.926    The Department of State works with the Department of Commerce and927other agencies to ensure the American fishing industry competes on a928level playing field. Together, we push the other members of Regional929Fisheries Management Organizations to adopt binding fishing rules for930shared stocks that are in line with our high domestic standards--based931on the best available science and backed by effective fisheries932monitoring and control. Where foreign nations break the rules or refuse933to step up, the State Department works with our interagency partners to934ban their vessels from U.S. ports and close our market to their935products.936    A unified interagency response isn't just important, it's937essential. Combating IUU fishing and its associated criminal networks938requires effectively coordinated and efficiently deployed U.S.939capabilities. This is why the State Department, NOAA, and the Coast940Guard lead the whole-of-government effort to combat IUU fishing under941the Maritime Security and Fisheries Enforcement Act, or the Maritime942SAFE Act, since 2019. To protect U.S. fishermen and our markets, we've943provided technology, training, and equipment; participated in944enforcement actions; and created frameworks for lasting regional945cooperation throughout Africa. For example, Ghana now uses the946American-made SmartMast system to increase its maritime domain947awareness, setting the stage for increased cooperation with its948neighbors. These achievements are something to be proud of; but the949danger to the American fishing industry from IUU fishing in African950waters persists.951    Progress is moving too slowly. To protect our fishing industry, we952must ensure American producers stay competitive worldwide and that our953economy is strengthened and the industry is preserved for the next954generations. That means securing access to healthy fish stocks and955guarding against threats from bad actors and irresponsible nations. The956Department of State is building a refined approach that is faster, more957targeted, and more agile to combat the dynamic threat posed to American958industry by illegal, unsustainable, and unfair fishing practices in959African waters.960    The State Department is closing the gap between America's high961standards and the exploitative practices of fleets in African waters.962The U.S. fishing industry sets the global benchmark for sustainability,963with thriving stocks to prove it. But protecting this success requires964coordinated action--diplomatic, enforcement, and scientific. We will965punish bad actors, hold partners accountable, put American fishermen966first, and defend our waters, our economy, and our way of life.967    Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you all today.968969    Senator Cruz. Thank you to each of the witnesses. As I970mentioned in my opening statement, China is actively exploiting971maritime access across Africa to undermine U.S. interests and972to position itself as the dominant power in the region. Beijing973is securing port access, building dual-use infrastructure,974expanding illegal fishing fleets, and leveraging debt to gain975long-term strategic footholds. The result is a slow but976deliberate remaking of maritime power in China's favor.977    This first question is to all three of the witnesses. Walk978us through specifically how the Chinese are exploiting African979maritime access and what would Chinese dominance of key980chokepoints mean for global shipping, energy access, trade981flow, and the security of allies who rely on those routes? Mr.982Sylvester, we will start with you.983    Mr. Sylvester. Thank you, Senator, for the question, and I984think it is extremely important to look at the African985continent but also Chinese influence in maritime globally. So986actually I would start upstream of what you had mentioned and987look at the maritime space as a whole. For example, China988controls 95 percent of the container manufacturing for cargo989globally. They control 60 percent of the shipbuilding globally.990They have one of the largest shipping lines in the world as a991State-owned enterprise.992    So in order to counter this, of course, as you know,993President Trump signed the Restoring America's Maritime994Dominance Executive Order in April. That prescribed different995steps for reindustrializing and rebuilding of American996shipbuilding capacity. So I would start there, because with997those supply chain advantages China cannot only direct where998ships go, but also refuse to actually send ships to American-999aligned ports, not just encourage investment in Chinese-aligned1000ports.1001    The second thing I would mention here is the predatory1002lending schemes that we have seen across the continent. China,1003many times, will undercut U.S. bids with upfront cash that have1004many strings attached and really exploit the host countries to1005ensure permanent control over those strategic locations.1006    The third thing I would say is, to the dual use point, that1007they have shown the willingness to militarize these commercial1008investments, either nearby or at the ports themselves.1009    Senator Cruz. Ms. Nardi?1010    Ms. Nardi. Thank you, Senator, for that question. I would1011start with coastal West Africa, where we definitely see a very1012intense Chinese effort to build ports, port facilities,1013training facilities, or different sort of, I would say,1014surveillance operations. When we saw that happening in Gabon we1015decided to try to reach out to the government, to work with1016them to make the United States the partner of choice, and to1017talk to them about what we could do for them, and also their1018own responsibilities, how we could make them stronger and more1019self-sufficient. And as a result of that, we are working on a1020million-dollar port security program and giving $4 million1021worth of fast boats for them to increase patrolling of the1022waters around that area.1023    In Cote d'Ivoire, where we have seen that there is a lot of1024unknown vessels that are flagged Ivoirian, we are working them1025to try to strengthen their flag recognition and limitations to1026prevent Chinese or others from using their flags for illegal1027vessels. We are looking at the opportunity to use satellite1028information to do better tracking of unknown or suspicious1029vessels that are out in that region.1030    And we are doing a lot of training regionally, as well,1031through Interpol, UNODC, and others to get those countries to1032work together to share information and also to arrest and1033prosecute those who are related to Chinese illegal fishing.1034    But to your point, there are already--and I think you1035mentioned this earlier on--the impacts of IUUF certainly are1036being seen, where fishermen do not have, again, ability to make1037a livelihood, and so they turn to narcotrafficking. They will1038go out into the waters to pick up dead drops and move drugs1039that will go on to Europe, either with the help of Balkan1040networks, Nigerians, or others. Increased immigration, as well.1041Emigration from Senegal to the United States has increased1042significantly over the last several years. We believe part of1043that is because of the impact to livelihoods there.1044    So there are a lot of immediate impacts already. The1045longer-term impact, as my colleague noted, looking at the1046bigger picture we are seeing out in the Pacific, where China is1047offering to serve as the Navy for islands that do not have1048their own Navy or their own Coast Guard, and, ``We'll do it for1049you. You don't need to worry about that.'' So that is something1050that we are also watching, and coastal West Africa, as a1051potential threat.1052    Senator Cruz. Dr. Perry?1053    Ms. Perry. Thank you for the question. As you heard from my1054colleagues covered much of the land and port side of this and1055how it starts to disrupt maritime flows. Let me reinforce the1056impact that you are talking about through your question,1057Senator Cruz.1058    China's fleets have tens of thousands of vessels in Africa1059and has $3.8 billion in total annual catch. This kind of scale,1060combined with State subsidies and weak enforcement, allows1061China to not only exploit those fisheries' resources at all1062levels of the ecosystem and create ecocide through their1063fishing practices but also takes away hundreds of thousands of1064artisanal fisheries jobs from West Africa and other African1065nations.1066    Chinese trawlers are backed by State subsidies, and they1067dominate and outcompete the fishers, as I have mentioned. Weak1068regulations and limited enforcement allow for illegal1069practices, such as fishing in prohibited zones and using1070destructive gear. These socioeconomic impacts are severe, and1071Chinese industrial fishing fleets have contributed to1072significant overfishing and habitat destruction in West African1073waters.1074    So what are we doing to combat that? I mentioned the SAFE1075Act. I am the newest co-chair, alongside my NOAA and U.S. Coast1076Guard colleagues, which brings together 21 Federal agencies to1077develop and implement strategies for priority regions. IUU1078fishing, including Africa but also the Pacific, is a priority1079for both the Secretary and the Deputy Secretary at the1080Department of State, and now we are combining a statewide1081approach to close the gap that China has created.1082    But there are also good practices. You heard that this is a1083combination of monitoring, surveillance, and enforcement. For1084example, our work with Ghana has made significant progress in1085many of these areas. So I will not recapture the monitoring and1086surveillance that you heard, but I will just add that we have1087also been able to work with partners through our diplomacy to1088improve legal structures so that when we monitor and detect1089illegal fishing, and particularly Chinese interests, that these1090countries like Ghana can actually enforce and respond and take1091the threat away.1092    So in addition to the increased technology, increased1093maritime domain awareness, we are also working on legal1094structures and training so that the enforcement can actually1095prove results. Thank you.1096    Senator Cruz. Thank you. Ranking Member Booker.1097    Senator Booker. I am going to defer to my Chairwoman.1098    Senator Cruz. Ranking Member Shaheen.1099    Senator Shaheen. Thank you very much, Senator Booker and1100Chairman Cruz.1101    Before I get to the questions today I would like to address1102two issues that apply to Africa and that are important to this1103subcommittee. First, on yesterday's violence in the Democratic1104Republic of Congo. News reports indicate that Rwanda-backed M231105rebels seized a key town in the east. This is a major1106escalation, and it comes just days after President Trump hosted1107the Rwandan and Congolese Presidents to tout a plan for peace1108and prosperity.1109    Videos show civilians fleeing gunfire, and there are1110reports of refugees streaming over the border into Burundi.1111This is exactly what the agreement was meant to prevent. It1112would appear that the Rwandan government gave President Trump1113promises that the government was not willing to deliver on.1114Senator Risch and I put out a statement on that peace signing,1115and what we said in our statement was that the U.S. would act1116if the parties do not uphold their commitments. I look forward1117to working with members of this subcommittee to take those1118necessary steps and encourage the Administration to also uphold1119the commitments that were made.1120    Second, I want to reiterate the importance of U.S. support1121for the Somali government, the Somali people, and the Somali1122American community. Senator Booker addressed the comments that1123the President made earlier in his comments. But at a moment1124when cooperation with Somalia is essential to counter piracy1125and strengthen security off its coast, it is important to1126reaffirm that partnership. Our policy should be grounded in1127facts and in the strength of our alliances, not in comments1128that undercut communities who are critical to that work.1129    Mr. Sylvester, thank you, and thank you to all of our1130witnesses for being here. In November, Senator Barrasso and I1131introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure a whole-of-1132government strategy on subsea cables for the Department of1133State, to ensure that you have the requisite expertise you need1134to lead international coordination on the subject.1135    Now, you may know, Mr. Sylvester, that New Hampshire is1136home to SubCom. It is one of the world's biggest developers of1137undersea cables. So can you talk a little bit about the role1138that the State Department can play in supporting American1139companies like subcom as they work to compete against the PRC1140firms and win bids to lay cables across the world, and also to1141help protect those cables.1142    Mr. Sylvester. Absolutely, Senator. Thank you for the1143question. I have actually met with subcom personally and was1144extremely impressed with the breadth of what they do and really1145the history behind the company, so I appreciate that shoutout1146for them.1147    So, what we are doing on the topic of subsea cables is1148twofold. No. 1, trying to ensure that countries go with trusted1149vendors for subsea cables rather than the Chinese alternatives.1150So a couple of programs that went specifically to that. So in1151the East Asia Pacific Bureau there is a program called the1152CABLES Program. When that program started there was an 181153percent market share for what is now called HMN Tech in the1154region, in EAP. After a few years, that market share is now1155down to 7 percent. That program really was just an educational1156program about the data security risks of going with untrusted1157subsea cable vendors, and we already saw tremendous results, to1158the point where the Cyberspace and Digital Policy Bureau is now1159taking that program global, a program called ProCON. So that is1160one thing, is encouraging that education.1161    The second thing is continuing diplomacy to encourage1162partners to adopt the New York Principles. So this was an1163agreement on not just education but also building out a1164resilient system. While some cuts or some damage to subsea1165cables may be inevitable because of ships sinking or accidental1166anchor drags, this program, or these principles, encourage1167countries to sign on to building a resilient system, so there1168are not those chokepoints where one cut can be catastrophic to1169the global and digital economy.1170    So those would be two examples. I will just say, as far as1171the risks, where we have seen Chinese dominance in the South1172China Sea, there have been incidents where there is1173interference with the maintenance and repair of subsea cables.1174And we are obviously concerned that if that influence were to1175spread to a place like Africa or the Gulf of Guinea, where1176there are a lot of connections to land, that similar incidents1177could occur. So certainly it is a top priority for the1178Department, Senator.1179    Senator Shaheen. Well, thank you. I applaud the Government1180of Finland for the work that they have done to address Russian1181deliberately cutting of North Sea cables. I think we need to1182encourage more countries to take that action. Thank you, Mr.1183Chairman.1184    Senator Cruz. Thank you.1185    Ranking Member Booker.1186    Senator Booker. Can I just go back to--it is an area that I1187do not know as much about as my colleague. But I am familiar1188with some of the undersea cable activity. For example, from1189Tanzania to Zanzibar there was an extraordinary project, an1190infrastructure investment, that helped deal with rolling1191blackouts and a lot of other programs. Really critical1192infrastructure being built.1193    My concern is that I know that was an MCC project, and with1194our pulling back of resources it not only seems to be hurting1195U.S. companies but also the kind of alliances that make our1196infrastructure investments in Africa competitive with all that1197China seems to be offering.1198    Do you have a perspective on the value of what has been a1199bipartisan program in MCC and the value it plays in things like1200the laying of these cables and the critical infrastructure that1201China is rushing into Africa to provide?1202    Mr. Sylvester. Sure. Thank you, Senator, again for the1203question on this very important topic. The MCC is still moving1204forward with compacts--I understand there was a reexamination1205of a number of them--but has certainly not ruled out that the1206MCC would form new compacts going forward.1207    What I would say on investment with subsea cables1208specifically, 70 percent of the investment toward subsea cable1209infrastructure is by U.S. technology, what they call1210hyperscaler companies, Google and Meta, that have invested1211billions of dollars in Africa but across the world in the1212buildout of subsea cables. That, still today, is the vast1213majority of investment, even to those investments that might1214not seem economical now.1215    Now, what our Cyberspace and Digital Policy Bureau has done1216is invested in some of those connections from kind of the outer1217coast actually to make those landings. So those are things that1218are still going on, still certainly a priority. But if you1219would like more information on that----1220    Senator Booker. No, I appreciate your expertise. Trust me.1221It is helpful for me, and I am expanding my knowledge on this1222issue, in particular. But just to go back to what you said, so1223clearly the MCC has an impactful role. It is a program that has1224been supported in a bipartisan manner, the value of it. I know1225you said there have been no, necessarily, new compacts or1226retreating from that, but could you testify here to the value1227of the program.1228    Mr. Sylvester. Senator, my understanding is that compacts1229are still moving forward.1230    Senator Booker. No, no, but the compacts themselves are1231valuable, yes, in strategic relations, infrastructure, American1232companies. They are valuable, correct?1233    Mr. Sylvester. I would say that the MCC itself, when they1234move forward with projects, that the Administration, Secretary1235Rubio, determine are1236    [inaudible].1237    Senator Booker. Did Ted cut your mic?1238    Mr. Sylvester. No. I think maybe I ran out of time. But1239yes, I would say that the projects that the MCC pursues, new1240projects and compacts that are preserved, yes, I think that1241they are preserved because they have value. I am not sure on1242the specific project that you are talking about.1243    Senator Booker. Understood. Let me continue. Again, this is1244not my area of expertise, but I was surprised, on one of my1245visits recently to West Africa, how both American companies1246like Google, as well as people that were trying to partner in1247some of the West African countries, said that the American1248desire was there, the intention was there, but there was1249corruption, specifically in those countries. And a lot of the1250people in the State Department were saying to me, ``We are1251doing a lot of really good work here helping these nations1252battle corruption, to make it a better environment.''1253    But some of those programs that help with democracy seem to1254have been pulled back--not seem to have been, have been pulled1255back. And I guess if you can comment to me, the need, in many1256ways, where U.S. business interests meet the State Department's1257work on anticorruption efforts, especially in some of the West1258African countries where there are great business opportunities,1259but corruption undermines things like laying of these cables1260that support great American companies.1261    Mr. Sylvester. Sure. Thank you, Senator, for that question.1262I think a lot of that work on market reforms and structuring1263some of those bids and those concessions go through the1264Department of Commerce, their Commercial Advocacy Program, the1265CLDP.1266    Senator Booker. I know a lot of the sources of them, but1267the resources are being cut back. Correct?1268    Mr. Sylvester. So, Senator, on foreign aid broadly or1269additional resources toward Africa, I think fundamentally what1270the Administration has done is really rethought how to make1271sure American tax dollars go as far as they can and how they1272are well spent. So for example, Secretary Rubio signing with1273the Kenyan President of the $1.6 billion health aid package, I1274think during those remarks he said rather than enriching NGO's1275in Northern Virginia, the intention now is to ensure that those1276governments can scale up their own capacity.1277    Senator Booker. No, I appreciate that. I recognize that.1278Let me, with the seconds I have left, Ms. Nardi, in your1279written testimony you mentioned that INL is providing direct1280maritime law enforcement training and building partnerships in1281the region. Even when I was a mayor, the Federal Government, we1282put Newark police officers with lots of Federal agents. It was1283just a great partnership, mentoring, and I would love to see1284that on the international level. It is a force multiplier in1285many ways, and I am grateful that this is a tradition in our1286country.1287    But I am concerned about the cuts here, as well. The Trump1288administration wants to cut funding, according to their budget,1289for programs like this by 80 to 90 percent. For example, the1290Fiscal Year 2026 budget included drastic cuts to INL program1291funding, proposing a cut of $1.16 billion to the International1292Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement Program's account,1293leaving only $125 million remaining. Congress rejected this1294proposal in the current CR, but I am concerned about your1295ability, the agency's ability, to continue these mentoring1296programs that are doing such vital work, as you have testified1297to.1298    Will dramatic cuts of 80, 90 percent really undermine our1299effectiveness in this kind of interdiction, and work in1300general, but also the mentoring that gives that force a1301multiplier effect?1302    Ms. Nardi. Thank you, Senator, for the question and also1303for your support for this kind of programming, and we are1304already seeing very good results with it, particularly in the1305counternarcotics area, so thank you for that.1306    The approach that we have in Africa is regional, for the1307most part, because if China or a TCO finds a vulnerability in1308one country they will go there. But if those countries are1309shored up, then they just move on to the next one and the next1310one. Part of the problem that we have seen is the countries,1311one, within the country itself are stove-piped and do not talk1312to each other, but they do not talk to their neighboring1313countries as well.1314    So, the majority of our programs are regional in nature. On1315West Africa we have WARSI, the West Africa Regional Security1316Initiative, and on the east, EATOC, which is East Africa1317Transnational Organized Crime. I say this because that includes131812 different countries that go all the way down the coast,1319focusing on maritime security. And what we did was create, with1320these countries, two Centers of Excellence, one in Djibouti and1321one in the Seychelles, to do training on vessel boarding and on1322investigations and on exchange of information.1323    We have also gotten these countries to work together with a1324Regional Maritime Intel Fusion Center that is in Madagascar,1325here again, so that they exchange information. If a ship is1326coming down that looks like it is sort of suspicious but it is1327in somebody else's waters, you can let them know that it is1328coming and hopefully they take action.1329    The fact that we do these things regionally means we are1330not investing a lot of money in each of these places.1331    Senator Booker. I agree. I am way over time, and I am1332treading on the indulgences of my friend. But I will just say1333that American leadership, the leadership of the American Coast1334Guard and military--and I have been on the continent and I have1335seen the greatness of our country in practice, and you are1336describing that to us. I am just worried about its ability to1337sustain those levels or, in fact, increase them as the1338challenges grow greater. And again, this body has, in a1339bipartisan fashion, supported the resources. I would hate to1340see them cut in the way that the proposed budget is. The1341consequences of that, for not just the regional security you1342are describing but for American interests would be dramatic. So1343thank you, and thank you for your indulgence, sir.1344    Senator Cruz. Thank you. I am going to do a couple more1345questions, and then we will give Senator Booker an opportunity1346if he has any additional questions, as well.1347    Ms. Nardi, Somaliland is a critical U.S. maritime security1348partner in Africa. It sits along the Gulf of Aden near one of1349the world's busiest shipping corridors, and its forces actively1350contribute to counterterrorism and anti-piracy missions.1351Somaliland stands with our allies, including Taiwan and Israel,1352and aligns with U.S. interests in a region where China is1353aggressively expanding. Somaliland has offered the United1354States a military basing agreement and a critical minerals1355partnership. They are willing to work with us to counter1356China's malign influence and terrorist networks. This is the1357kind of partner we should be encouraging and one that will1358shape how we confront maritime security challenges across the1359continent.1360    Earlier this year, I sent a letter to President Trump,1361urging formal recognition of Somaliland. Unsurprisingly, the1362Chinese Communist Party immediately condemned that letter,1363which only underscores how strategically important Somaliland1364is to U.S. national security.1365    What tools and partnerships could the Bureau of1366International Narcotics and Law Enforcement employ to help the1367United States deepen cooperation with Somaliland, to advance1368our common maritime security and law enforcement interests,1369especially against threats facing the Horn of Africa?1370    Ms. Nardi. Thank you, Senator, for that question. INL does1371not currently have any active programming in Somaliland, and1372our focus in the Horn of Africa is, in general, maritime1373security. I mentioned the Center of Excellence that we are1374working with Djibouti to establish, which will cover that1375region and then a little bit further south. We have worked with1376Somalia in the past and Djibouti on maritime vessel boarding1377and investigations, but those programs are coming to an end.1378    We certainly can review capabilities. We would begin any1379program with an assessment of needs. And we would work in close1380cooperation with the Africa Bureau and the State Department to1381determine their priorities for Somaliland. Thank you.1382    Senator Cruz. Thank you. Mr. Sylvester, Senator Booked1383asked about undersea cables. Undersea cables are the arteries1384of the modern global economy, Africa's link to the world1385through 77 cable networks, that power its digital markets,1386support millions of jobs, and drive trade and innovation. But1387these cables are exposed to vulnerability. Just last year,1388cable cuts left parts of Nigeria offline, at a cost of nearly1389$600 million in just 4 days. Repairs run into the millions, and1390outages ripple far beyond borders. Even worse, there are less1391than 100 cable repair ships across the world, of which only 31392of those service Africa, and only 1 is homeported in Africa.1393    Our adversaries understand that if you can control or1394disrupt digital infrastructure you can hold economies hostage.1395That is why maritime security is not just about protecting1396freedom of navigation and open commerce, but also about1397protecting the cables beneath the sea floor that nations depend1398on. Strong, secure, and open digital links mean stronger trade1399ties, resilient supply chains, and a continent less vulnerable1400to Beijing's chokehold.1401    Mr. Sylvester, what roles should U.S. maritime cooperation1402play in helping African nations diversify cable routes, protect1403high-risk, shallow water zones, and improve rapid response1404capabilities, especially considering that only one cable repair1405ship is homeported on the entire African coast?1406    Mr. Sylvester. Thank you, Senator, for that question, and1407again for highlighting this important issue. I would go back to1408the importance of building a resilient undersea cable system1409globally, which includes, of course, around the continent of1410Africa. So when we see these cable cuts: For example, there was1411an incident in the Red Sea following a Houthi attack, where 251412percent of the transcontinental data traffic was stalled, so in1413addition to the examples that you mentioned. So the resilience1414really is key there.1415    The second is we do have a leading company here in the1416United States, and we, as the State Department, are focused on1417promoting those U.S. companies as viable and trusted vendors1418across Africa. So while there are a limited number of these1419ships, the U.S. does have a good alternative to offer in the1420commercial space.1421    And the third is again educating the host countries that1422either have landings or want to put the investment in to have1423those cable landings. So on that front, we need to ensure that1424they know the data security risks and the malign influence that1425they would be exposed to if there were to go with an untrusted1426vendor.1427    Senator Cruz. Thank you.1428    Senator Van Hollen.1429    Senator Booker. And I am going to ask the Senator to1430indulge me. I have to run. If you could take over checking the1431great Senator from Texas to make sure he does not talk about me1432or Stanford football when I leave.1433    Senator Van Hollen. I will do that, Senator.1434    Senator Booker. Thank you very much.1435    Senator Van Hollen. Do they have a football team?1436    Senator Booker. Let the record show that I have asked the1437Senate leadership to Rule 19 you for that personal insult.1438    Senator Van Hollen. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I1439thank all of you for your testimony. I do want to pick up on a1440point I heard the ranking member make earlier, and I think some1441of my colleagues, with respect to President Trump's despicable1442statements about the Somali community here in the United1443States. And it is just the latest attack on a minority1444community in our country.1445    You know, if you look at the U.S. Senate, above the dais it1446says ``E pluribus unum,'' out of many, one. And what Donald1447Trump is doing is just the opposite. And it is despicable here1448at home, and he has also maligned the countries of origin of so1449many of our communities here in the United States. So I have to1450say, as we talk about Africa, it is difficult to do so without1451noting our extreme disappointment in the President of the1452United States.1453    I want to talk about a particular country in Africa the1454President continues to malign, and that is South Africa. Mr.1455Sylvester, South Africa is one of the African continent's1456biggest economies, right? I think it is in the top three. Is1457that right?1458    Mr. Sylvester. Yes, sir.1459    Senator Van Hollen. And it does play an important role in1460maritime security in the southern Africa region. Is that right?1461    Mr. Sylvester. Yes.1462    Senator Van Hollen. I mean, it, of course, sits astride the1463Cape Sea route, and my understanding is it also plays an1464important role in policing and anti-piracy efforts in the1465Mozambique Channel. Is that right?1466    Mr. Sylvester. I would defer to my colleague on the law1467enforcement side, but my understanding is that it is an1468important maritime nation, in general.1469    Senator Van Hollen. Right. So an important country in1470Africa, both from an economic point of view, from a political1471point of view, from a maritime security point of view. And yet1472the Trump administration has decided to target South Africa. We1473know that despite the fact that it is a G-20 member, the1474President says they cannot come to the G-20 meeting in the1475United States. We know the United States decided not to go to1476South Africa for the G-20 meeting that was hosted by South1477Africa. We have heard the President make up this completely1478false accusation that South Africa is engaged in a genocide.1479And, of course, when it comes to our immigration policies, our1480refugee policies, the Administration has put a worldwide cap of1481about 7,500 on it overall, and the great majority would be1482white South Afrikaners.1483    So I ask you, Mr. Sylvester, what is South Africa doing to1484warrant these kinds of unfounded attacks?1485    Mr. Sylvester. So, Senator, my understanding of the scope1486of the hearing is on maritime security. I am not sure I am1487equipped to address the question as you have asked it. What I1488would say with respect to South Africa is that President Trump1489has shown willingness to work with any country to advance1490American interests, and our embassies on the ground are still1491pursuing commercial opportunities for U.S. companies across the1492continent.1493    Senator Van Hollen. Well, it does not sound to me like the1494President is really interested in engaging South Africa, even1495to advance our own interests. If that were the case, he would1496not set about attacking them without reason. You know, I am1497asking you because you are one of the political appointees at1498the State Department, and all we have seen is this series of1499attacks on South Africa. And, you know, the South African1500Government has options. I mean, they can partner with others1501around the world. Obviously, they have relationships with1502Russia, they have relationships with China, they are part of1503BRIC. But why in the world would we gratuitously attack them,1504based on what appears to be this trumped-up allegation that1505they are engaged in a genocide against white South Africans.1506That is not true, is it, that they are engaged in a genocide?1507    Mr. Sylvester. So, Senator, I am not familiar with the1508issue that you are raising. I have not been tracking that1509closely. Again, while I am a political appointee at the State1510Department I cover transportation issues, so aviation and1511maritime. I would be happy to address any questions you have on1512those issues in particular.1513    Senator Van Hollen. No, I appreciate that. I just think,1514and I think others here recognize that when you are dealing1515with a country like South Africa, the third-biggest economy on1516the continent, where we do have shared interests, it does not1517really help our cause to advance those interests if we are1518gratuitously attacking this particular country. And it just is1519a mystery to me how the President sort of got trapped in this1520story that he keeps telling himself about South Africa. I hope,1521although realistically it may not be a realistic hope, that the1522Administration will change course and seek cooperation in areas1523of mutual interest.1524    Thank you, Mr. Chairman.1525    Senator Cruz. Thank you. I want to thank all the witnesses1526for their important testimony today. Senators will have until1527the close of business on Thursday, December 11th, to submit1528questions for the record.1529    This concludes today's hearing. The committee stands1530adjourned.15311532    [Whereupon, at 3:45 p.m., the hearing was adjourned.]15331534              Additional Material Submitted for the Record15351536       Responses to Additional Questions for the Record Submitted1537            to Marco M. Sylvester by Senator Jeanne Shaheen15381539    Question. How are we planning to utilize U.S. investment tools like1540USTDA, MCC and DFC to create port investment opportunities for U.S.1541companies and counter China's investments in African ports?15421543    Answer. The State Department recognizes that strategic investments1544in African ports are vital for U.S. commercial interests and national1545security. We are leveraging targeted commercial diplomacy, interagency1546coordination, and the resources available from DFC, EXIM, USTDA, and1547MCC to identify and de-risk commercial opportunities for U.S.1548companies, support high-standard, transparent, and resilient1549infrastructure projects aligned with U.S. interests, and counter the1550influence of non-market actors.1551    The DFC is backing the Lobito Corridor with a $553 million loan for1552rail restoration and expansion in Angola and a letter of interest for1553an up to $1 billion loan for rail rehabilitation and operation in the1554Democratic Republic of Congo. This project will facilitate efficient1555critical mineral transport, reduce non-market actors' dominance of1556African supply chains, and open U.S. commercial opportunities. MCC is1557pursuing compact development in Liberia with a prospective focus on1558energy or transport to strengthen mineral extraction infrastructure,1559and USTDA is planning reverse trade missions to connect African port1560authorities and government officials with U.S. providers of secure,1561modern, and efficient port solutions.15621563                               __________15641565       Responses to Additional Questions for the Record Submitted1566             to Margaret H. Nardi by Senator Jeanne Shaheen15671568    Question. How many people have been prosecuted, and from where,1569under since the start of the Trump Administration in January 2025?15701571    Answer. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is the appropriate agency1572to address questions related to U.S. prosecutions, and as such, I would1573refer you to DOJ. To the extent that this question is aimed at1574prosecutions by our foreign partners of maritime crimes in Africa, INL1575does not maintain records of domestic court activity across the1576continent, but our general understanding is that, while facing1577significant capacity constraints, our partners take these crimes1578seriously and such cases often take several years to build, try, and1579arrive at decisions.15801581    Question. Can you detail the importance of law enforcement1582mentorship and good governance programs in strengthening African1583countries' ability to secure their territorial waters?15841585    Answer. Law enforcement mentorship and programs that strengthen the1586ability of African countries to secure their territorial waters and1587maintain sovereignty over precious resources advance the 2025 National1588Security Strategy goal to harness Africa's abundant natural resources,1589develop its latent economic potential, and foster mutually beneficial1590trade relationships between capable, reliable states and the United1591States. Mentorship provides practical expertise to respond to threats1592such as piracy and trafficking. Good governance builds public trust and1593ensures effective, legitimate maritime security operations.15941595    Question. Have any international U.S. law enforcement mentorship1596programs with African countries implemented by your bureau been1597terminated in the recent Foreign Assistance Review?15981599    Answer. The Department conducted a thorough assessment of its1600foreign assistance programs to focus resources on initiatives that1601directly support U.S. national security objectives and keep America1602safe. INL continues to support mentorship and other programs with1603African partners to reduce illicit narcotics trafficking, counter IUUF1604and maritime crime, improve maritime and port security, and counter1605cybercrime.16061607    Question.  Can you provide this committee with a detailed list of1608active and terminated programs from your bureau pertaining to the1609Africa region?16101611    Answer. The Department is focusing resources on initiatives that1612directly support U.S. national security objectives and keep America1613safe while prioritizing funding for the most effective programs. INL1614obligated $41.4 million in FY 2024 funding for Africa, which will1615support African law enforcement to partner with U.S. law enforcement to1616investigate and prosecute transnational criminal organizations and1617networks, counter illicit trafficking, including of synthetic drugs and1618precursor chemicals, strengthen border and port security, and reduce1619cybercrime that targets Americans.16201621    Question. With the recent coup in Guinea-Bissau, what is INL's1622assessment of the impact this will have on the flow of narcotics into1623Guinea-Bissau and transmitted throughout West Africa?16241625    Answer. The State Department is closely following developments in1626Guinea-Bissau and continuing to monitor the situation on the ground.1627Political instability undermines law enforcement and governance, making1628it easier for traffickers to move drugs, especially cocaine, through1629Guinea-Bissau, as a transit point for narcotics in West Africa. We will1630work with our colleagues in the Bureau of African Affairs and U.S. law1631enforcement partners to gauge and minimize any impact on bilateral and1632regional cooperation to counter drug trafficking.16331634    Question. Liberia and Sierra Leone are currently experiencing an1635inflow of synthetic drugs that are impacting the youth population in1636both countries. Where does INL assess these synthetic drugs are coming1637from, and how is the bureau working to address this issue?16381639    Answer. Synthetic drugs like kush and tramadol are seriously1640affecting youth in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Tramadol and the1641precursors used to make kush and are primarily trafficked from Asia,1642especially China and India, through West African ports and cross-border1643networks. INL partners with West African law enforcement and criminal1644justice officials to strengthen interdiction, investigation, and1645information sharing. Bilateral and regional cooperation includes1646training through INL's International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in1647Gaborone, Botswana.16481649                               __________16501651       Responses to Additional Questions for the Record Submitted1652              to Margaret H. Nardi by Senator Brian Schatz16531654    Question. U.S. efforts to combat environmental crimes and reduce1655the flow of illegally harvested fish, timber, and wildlife entering1656global supply chains help prevent Lacey Act violations and reduce1657funding streams for transnational criminal organizations. What is the1658total level of funding obligated, by account and program, across the1659State Department to counter illicit wildlife trafficking in each fiscal1660year 2023 through 2025?16611662    Answer. For INL specifically, we have obligated approximately $50.21663million in FY 2023 INCLE funds and $32.5 million in FY 2024 INCLE funds1664for programs that combat wildlife trafficking (CWT). INL has not yet1665obligated FY 2025 INCLE funds for CWT.16661667    Question. U.S. efforts to combat environmental crimes and reduce1668the flow of illegally harvested fish, timber, and wildlife entering1669global supply chains helps prevent Lacey Act violations and reduce1670funding streams for transnational criminal organizations. How many1671International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) staff are responsible1672for international efforts to counter illicit wildlife trafficking as of1673December 2025 compared to December 2024?16741675    Answer. INL program officers are hired as general program1676management experts to allow management of any type of INL program.1677While INL has fewer staff as a result of the Department's1678reorganization, staffing remains sufficient to provide proper program1679design and oversight, both domestically and overseas, of programs to1680combat foreign wildlife trafficking.16811682    Question. Describe the State Department's engagement with U.S. and1683foreign law enforcement agencies to share resources and intelligence1684toward more efficient enforcement--particularly in regard to smuggling1685and trafficking.16861687    Answer. INL supports cross border law enforcement and joint1688training efforts that improve the ability of partner governments to1689share resources and intelligence with each other and with U.S. law1690enforcement. INL partners with U.S. law enforcement agencies to support1691trusted units and provide training that improves information sharing,1692case coordination, and operational collaboration to disrupt smuggling1693and trafficking networks with a U.S. nexus.16941695    Question. What is the State Department's assessment of the lessons1696learned from U.S. partnerships with African maritime law enforcement1697entities, and how can such insights be applied to the Pacific context?16981699    Answer. The State Department assesses that African maritime1700partnerships have been most effective when they are partner-led and1701aligned with African regional frameworks to foster interoperability,1702information sharing, and regional cooperation. Applying these lessons1703in the Pacific, INL will continue to support the Declaration of1704Partnership between the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, Pacific1705Islands Chiefs of Police, Oceania Customs Organization, and Pacific1706Immigration Development Community by convening Secretariats regularly1707to enhance Pacific cooperation on maritime domain awareness and law1708enforcement.17091710    Question. The Africa Maritime Law Enforcement Partnership,1711including efforts such as Operation Junction Rain, sought to build1712partner nation's capacity to address maritime threats. What is the1713total level of funding obligated, by account and program, across the1714State Department to support maritime security objectives in each fiscal1715year 2023 through 2025?17161717    Answer. INL works with partners to enhance law enforcement1718cooperation and improve port and border security. INL does not1719separately track maritime specific activities, as these are funded1720within the broader category of law enforcement support provided to our1721partners.17221723       Responses to Additional Questions for the Record Submitted1724               to Ruth L. Perry by Senator Jeanne Shaheen17251726Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing1727    Question. Several IUU fishing programming has either been paused or1728terminated due to the foreign assistance review. What USAID and State1729Department programs involving fish conservation and IUU fishing in1730Africa have been terminated, and which ones are still ongoing?17311732    Answer. Combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU)1733fishing remains a priority for the Department. Certain USAID programs1734transitioned to the State Department, and we are still determining how1735these and any potential future contributions are in line with the1736President's April Executive Order to promote and protect the U.S.1737fishing industry from IUU fishing. The Department remains adequately1738staffed and resourced to support IUU programs and to provide technical1739assistance and training to cooperative African nations that in turn1740advances and advocates for the national security interests of our1741American fishing industry.17421743Exclusive Economic Zones1744    Question. How is the State Department working with our African1745partners to strengthen their ability to monitor and surveil foreign1746vessels in their Exclusive Economic Zones and distant waters?17471748    Answer. To enhance government-led counter-IUU fishing programming,1749the Department of State is leveraging the knowledge, know-how, and1750capabilities of U.S. companies to increase the capacity of our African1751partners to monitor and police fishing vessels in their EEZs. One1752example of this is the adoption of the U.S.-made SmartMast monitoring1753system in West Africa, which has boosted countries' maritime domain1754awareness and created a foundation for increased regional cooperation.17551756                               __________17571758       Responses to Additional Questions for the Record Submitted1759                to Ruth L. Perry by Senator Brian Schatz17601761    Question. Combatting Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU)1762fishing, including via diplomatic outreach and programmatic efforts, is1763important to protecting U.S. commercial fishing and national security1764interests, including countering potential security inroads by the1765People's Republic of China (PRC). What is the total level of funding1766obligated, by account and program, across the State Department to1767counter IUU fishing in each fiscal year 2023 through 2025?17681769    Answer. The Department of State recognizes the importance of1770addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and is1771still determining any potential contributions toward IUU fishing1772efforts as part of ongoing budget and program planning. At this time,1773the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific1774Affairs (OES) has not obligated any funds for counter-IUU fishing1775programs during FY 2023-2025. We remain committed to supporting U.S.1776interests through diplomatic engagement and interagency coordination.17771778    Question. How many OES staff are responsible for international1779efforts to counter illicit wildlife trafficking as of December 20251780compared to December 2024?17811782    Answer. OES recognizes the high importance of countering the1783illegal trade in wildlife, which generates billions of dollars every1784year for criminal enterprises that also often traffic in drugs and1785other illegal products. Combating wildlife trafficking contributes to1786tackling transnational organized crime while leveling the playing field1787for law-abiding American businesses. OES continues to work to meet1788Congressional priorities under the END Wildlife Trafficking Act, and1789the Department of State reorganization has preserved core functions and1790priorities, including our work to counter illegal trade and protect the1791interests and security of our American businesses.17921793                               __________17941795                                [all]