national security is dependent on all of the things you just cited, but frankly, it's dependent on more.

DOD is ensuring that U.S. global defense posture is aligned with our strategy.

I don't think it's the right time for a BRAC process where we may not save a dime, frankly.

We think that the approach of the international community to apply sanctions, to apply diplomatic pressure, is having an impact.

I think, as the President has suggested, we do not think that Israel has made that decision.

The F-35 represents that fifth generation fighter. We're committed to it. We just want to make sure it's done right.

the statutory BRAC process is a fair, objective, and proven process for closing and realigning bases in the United States.

BRAC enables DOD to reconfigure its infrastructure to match the demands of leaner, more flexible forces.

We've directed them to specific sites. We've urged them to take steps.

Senator, you've provided tremendous leadership on this issue, and it is of great concern to me personally because it is an area that has expanded dramatically.

Senator, you've raised a very important point, because as we go through these additional drawdowns we absolutely have to make sure that a support system is out there as our men and women come back from service.

I think clearly counterterrorism operations is one of those missions.

That Strait is extremely important to free commerce and to shipping and to the shipping lanes.

At some point, Congress and the President have to address that larger issue.

I think we can do it under the plan we've presented, but it clearly is an additional risk.

Absolutely no decisions have been made along this line.

Let me be clear. You can't take a half a trillion dollars out of the defense budget and not incur additional risks.

This is why Congress must do everything possible to make sure that we avoid sequestration.