Invasive species are a problem that should be addressed early, or else spend decades and millions of dollars on eradication programs.

The economic impact is also high. Every year, the Federal Government must spend millions and millions of dollars preventing the spread of snakes to other islands.

Have the Palauans expressed concern?

the people of Palau are becoming very, very concerned about this.

I believe this article and map highlight the importance of why we need to pass the Compact renewal with Palau.

We should remember the thousands of Americans paid the ultimate sacrifice to free Palau from Japanese rule.

I suggest, if we really want to get to the bottom of this, that we have another...

If we really want to get to the bottom of something like this, we have got to go to the top.

Well, as a member of the Committee, I am suggesting that we ask him to appear.

I just want to know if you could answer, how can this problem be mitigated with our renewed focus on the Asia-Pacific area, the discord between OSD and PACOM?

U.S. engagement in this region of the world is so important to our country's economic and political security.

if we are not willing to invest ourselves in some of these new facilities, it is going to be a hard case for us to make to allies and partners that they should do it or that we are committed to our Asia-Pacific strategy.

To what extent has congressional ambiguity, and in some cases inaction, potentially emboldened forces that are opposed to a continuing Marine presence in Okinawa?

I have remained concerned that the Department is not speaking with one voice or executing major programs in the Pacific with a coordinated focus.

I want to add, too, that I join the chairman in requesting a time line. We just haven't had anything.

I do feel that, you know, we have to work together, but I don't think it should have taken this long.

I am concerned that the current plan uses data from 2010 and may not provide DOD with the right type of requirements-based gap analysis.

DOD's civilian workforce downsizing efforts in the 1990s were not oriented toward shaping the makeup of the workforce, which resulted in significant imbalances in terms of shape, skills, and retirement eligibility of its workforce.