It will put our Air Defense, ASW, and future BMD mission at risk.

The status of the amphibious fleet concerns me, especially with our strategic shift to the Asia Pacific.

We very much appreciate that, and also naming a ship after Cesar Chavez.

I wanted to echo my thanks to you for naming ships celebrating the great diversity of our country.

the strategy to shift our focus towards the Asia-Pacific demands that marines not only go back to their roots of amphibious warfare

I really believe we need 38 amphibious ships.

To lose 7 cruisers early that are not near their expected end of life... does not add up.

These ships will be great ships for their specific missions; but they obviously do not have nearly the capabilities of the 7 Aegis Class cruisers.

The new strategic guidance clearly states the DOD will increase focus in Asia-Pacific and rely more heavily on maritime forces in the Middle East.

As you know we have aging L-class ships.

Can you give me and my colleagues on this committee the same insurance--assurances, namely that none of their constituents will lose access to an over the air television signal? Yes or no?

Those of us in Congress also have a personal interest in that it is the son of our former colleague Ray LaHood.

that is sad, too, because the military has a reputation, and the people who serve in the military, a reputation of being professionals.

It is just extraordinary what you do and the opportunities you provide, and of course to see it evolve from the Cold War of the Warsaw Pact to now, countries that are significant and very important allies of the United States and friends.

That is startling information you have just provided, how tragically unique this is.

Thank you for your extraordinary leadership of this committee.

Can you assure me that as a result of the repacking process, none of my constituents in Michigan will lose access to over the air television signals? Yes or no?

This strikes me as imminently sensible.