I wish to speak for 5 to 10 minutes about an important matter, and so I appreciate being recognized. Madam President, what is the pending business? The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senate is postcloture on the substitute amendment to the CARA…

we would like to see matching up to 30 years of service, not stopping at 26.

I am glad that you made the last point about the industrial base.

I hope that we do not bend over backwards so far in the name of diversity that we start trampling on the First Amendment rights of our servicemembers.

we believe that we do need the flexibility because if we are having retention issues earlier, it would be one of those things that we can use to increase our retention.

we need flexibility in that 12 years.

Today I rise in support of the Blocking Regulatory Interference from Closing Kilns Act, or the BRICK Act. Rules handed down by the EPA have real-world consequences on businesses and our economy. You have heard the backstory today regarding…

with the passing of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, our Nation has lost an exceptional jurist and unshakable defender of the U.S. Constitution. Justice Scalia will be remembered for using his substantial intellect to affect how the…

This is an excellent hearing.

I think your point, Mr. Blunt, was not successfully for the long term, I think.

there is some concern about whether or not the Appropriations Committee's prerogatives are being supported not by the administration in its totality.

I think we are trying to do it in a way that is paid for, but also sticks with the sequester and the caps that are given.

We, as a committee with oversight jurisdiction of transportation security matters, have the great responsibility of ensuring that the Transportation Security Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border…

I have referenced the FAMS program and that only 5 percent of the FAMS are female. Have you challenged your team to address that problem?

I think you have to get your team to follow the instructions of Congress. That is real important.

your leadership and vision at TSA are greatly appreciated. You and I share the goal of moving TSA in a better direction.

Thank you very much, Mr. Secretary.

I want to make sure that as we look at the next year's budget that we are digging ourselves out of this hole.