Fiscal uncertainty and lack of a demand signal that drove us to this poor supply availability makes it difficult to optimize our processes.

While the Air Force continues to face a challenging fiscal environment, it is my hope that key decision makers keep in mind the tremendous capabilities and flexibility that this system provides.

Are you facing a challenge in trying to recruit and retain these highly skilled team members in the wake of the outstanding private sector opportunities which are available to them?

If the Marine Corps are authorized to increase its end strength numbers, what steps will you take to ensure that the quality of marines recruited and the training they receive will maintain the Marine Corps standard when you grow the force…

has the current means and methods of surface ship maintenance execution in Pearl Harbor supported the Fleet's requirements for cost, schedule and quality?

I have been an advocate of this system and have discussed the importance of this program with past and present Air Force and National Guard Bureau leadership.

The OIB is currently work-loaded to meet requirements and positioned to surge in support of Contingency Operations.

I feel as though, with the sequester and with the budget caps, et cetera, that we are just doing a lot of catch-up.

I would caution that we have to be aware of a potential self-fulfilling prophecy.

while ensuring that every taxpayer dollar is used wisely and efficiently should always be a top priority for government decision makers

I congratulate you for your efforts. Because I know this is such a needed area not just of course for our military but across the country, we have a need for hundreds of thousands of people with STEM backgrounds.

General Wilson, you testified to the importance of refueling tanker capabilities to support the global reach of Air Force missions.

the industrial base plays an important role in research and development as well as design, production, delivery, and maintenance of weapon systems

According to Vice Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Bill Moran, the attack submarine Boise has been sitting pier side for about 47 months for a maintenance cycle that usually takes about 24 months to complete.

I am just thankful that you continue to emphasize those aspects.

Thank you. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The majority leader. Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, we came together yesterday to confirm Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education so she could get to work improving our schools and putting students first. We…

I would like to resume my remarks. Mr. President, I want to read some excerpts from President Ronald Reagan's remarks in 1988, apologizing for the internment of Japanese Americans. More than 40 years ago, shortly after the bombing of Pearl…

constituents from every State who care about our public schools and our students in public schools have broken records calling us, their Senators, in opposition to Betsy DeVos as Education Secretary. In the past few weeks, I have heard…