This can't just fall on the backs of defense. Other areas have to be considered if we're going to be able to effectively reduce the deficit.

I believe, as the President has stated, that we have to have an enduring presence in Afghanistan.

I understand that, and that does have some impact.

We are convinced that it would result in hollowing out the force and inflicting severe damage to our national defense.

We will not tolerate an Iran that develops a nuclear weapon.

this is an area of the budget that's grown by 90 percent, and it consumes now close to half of the defense budget.

I think, just to your comment, we have tried to step up to the plate and do our duty here.

Sequestration has this, frankly, mindless formula that's already built into it, that basically cuts across the board.

This is a problem that I worry about a great deal.

Our goal is to complete all of the transition to a training, advisory, and assistance role in 2013.

This is a major achievement of U.S. policy; a decision by Congress to prohibit any additional funding for MEADS at this late date would diminish the consensus reached in Chicago.

Hopefully by the mid- to latter-part of 2013, we will be able to make a transition from a combat role.

Our strategic relationship with Egypt remains one of the most important in the region.

I share your desire to provide our military voters timely and effective voting assistance.

U.S. military assistance to Egypt remains an important demonstration of our commitment to supporting Egypt.

Our strategic relationship with Egypt is one of the most important in the region.

we must avoid a hollow force, and maintain a military that will always be ready, agile, deployable, and capable.

President Obama and SECDEF Panetta recently reaffirmed the strategic importance of the Asia-Pacific region and our Nation's future focus on its security challenges.