you stated that you may have to ``freeze civilian hiring'' beyond the first quarter in the event of a continuing resolution.

the right mix of operating and generating forces, and the right mix of soldiers, civilians, and contractors.

Why would Congress consider any potential changes to recruiting and retention incentives such as military retirement and health care, or reductions to essential training accounts, when the military departments can't identify the cost of…

Congresswoman, we are a part of the same process that Admiral Ferguson described within the Department of the Navy.

I want to thank General Dunford for his comments about the Pacific area and how important it is that we continue to increase our force structure.

So I am asking to what extent are each of the Services involved with OSD [Office of the Secretary of Defense] in developing this review, what are some of the key tenets of this review?

Well, and we haven't done this when a war is going on as our chairman mentioned.

without a strategic plan in place, why are we proceeding with arbitrary cuts? Why not wait until such a plan is developed?

So what is each of your military departments doing to reduce contracted services and work requirements, instead of just reducing dollars?

So what you are saying, Admiral, is that the reviews are not completely finished; is that correct?

I said I did not understand the rationale for the reductions in force at Facilities Command Pacific, or the deactivation of the two Seabee battalions.

How can the Department consider 'breaking faith' with the troops and propose drastic reforms to retirement and benefits...

I believe this is unwise, given the current threat environment in the Asia Pacific region.

I fear this comment is in direct contravention of our country's agreement with Japan which was reaffirmed in June of this year.

P.L. 110-229 expressly intended to include visitors from countries of 'significant economic benefit' to the CNMI in the Guam-CNMI VWP.

I am concerned that the Department of Defense does not accurately account for homeland defense requirements.

you have my full support--the Air Guard, the Army Guard and the Reserves.

How will we meet this equipment requirement in a difficult budget environment?