What has happened in a year to cause you to go from a request of two ships to 24?

We cannot control that.

But, let's talk about the sailors----

Specifically you have a concern going forward about our nation's rail system being up to speed in terms of what the military is going to need to transport on rail going forward.

Can you give us any guidance as to when a decision might be made about the JCPOA?

Our challenge is to be able to disprove the false narrative that Russia peddles in the region, that the United States is withdrawing, that we are not a reliable partner.

What steps do each of you recommend that we take in Congress to help the Navy attract and retain the personnel required to operate a 355-ship fleet?

The Navy is at 324,000 Active Duty sailors. I'm told that is the lowest in almost a decade.

Now, do you support the Jones Act and the Cargo Preference Act as being vital to national security?

A strong U.S. economy, a strong U.S. infrastructure, and a strong industrial base--and I am not talking about the defense industrial base.

I believe it ought to be.

What does the 25 percent reduction in U.S.-flagged ships do to our labor pool?

I have a really good feeling that we're going to be able to work together in a bipartisan manner.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Wow, if we could make some progress in this Committee or in this Senate or in this Congress on that issue, we would be doing a lot to help the American public.

I heartily endorse that kind of sentiment coming from a bipartisan panel today.

I thank my friend from Pennsylvania and would observe that he has exercised excellent leadership on this issue. It is a very important issue. It is not at the top of the news media's treatment, but it is an important issue, and it is one…

I thank my friend from Alaska for once again segueing to the larger issue there. Vessel incidental discharge is a very important part but only a part of the Coast Guard authorization. The Senator from Alaska makes the very valid point that…