Evan Bayh

I am pleased to call to order this Subcommittee for a hearing entitled 'Equipping Financial Regulators with the Tools Necessary to Monitor Systemic Risk.'

I think the regulators were flying blind, essentially, doing the best they could.

I want to thank my Ranking Member, Senator Corker, and Senator Reed, my friend and colleague.

What we all witnessed over the last several years is not only great market turmoil but great market uncertainty.

Why should the Democratic Party be trusted? And are we willing to make some of the tough decisions to actually head this party in a better direction?

Why should the Democratic Party be trusted and how do we make the tougher decisions to actually head this country in a better direction?

Depot maintenance funding is a critical component of the Air Force's mission.

What are the risks in terms of long-term sustainment, reduction of the expected service life, and the burden of increased flying hours related to combat operations in Afghanistan?

Does the Air Force have a similar backlog?

I commend you for placing an emphasis on improving readiness and vital depot maintenance requirements across the Active Duty, Air Force Reserve (AFR), and ANG forces.

What is the plan to recoup those costs which are currently being taken out of O&M?

Secretary Gates and Admiral Mullen, would additional reset funding restore readiness levels sooner and what are the anticipated reset costs for the out-years?