It's great to have this committee and to have your leadership, thank you.

The two cornerstones of our transportation policy of course is the Surface Transportation Act as well as the reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration.

We'll have to re-evaluate the Highway Trust Fund and the way in which we fund the Trust Fund.

I hope that you and General McChrystal will look seriously at the concerns he raises about the rules of engagement.

I urge the members of this committee to report his nomination favorably for swift consideration by the full Senate.

Afghanistan stands at a crossroads, and that the progress achieved over the previous 6 years was threatened by resurgent Taliban violence.

I am concerned about press reports that indicate that the Pentagon has been given an assumption of a zero real growth in the budget for next fiscal year.

ballistic missiles in the hands of rogue states or non-state actors present a serious security threat to this country.

I hope you will look at that as an area where you could achieve savings for the Army by having more work directed to that unit which provides high-quality, low-cost work for the Army.

Mr. Johnson, President-elect Obama has indicated his desire to close the detention facility at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.

I strongly believe that energy security is an important part of national security.

I believe we must reset DOD's multi-sector acquisition workforce with the right size and skill mix required to successfully provide proper oversight and management of contracts.

We forgot that lesson of history that only the nations with powerful navies are able to exert power and influence, and when a navy disappears so does that nation's power.

Aegis cruisers and destroyers provide a critical element to that capability from the sea.

Despite economic recessions, both China and Russia are increasing defense spending in an effort to modernize and transform their militaries.

I appreciated the opportunity to discuss with you the impressive contributions that the State of Maine has made to our Navy.

I was pleased to hear you endorse an increase in the size of the Army, which is the ultimate answer.

It is certainly appropriate for there to be a review of all programs to determine their necessity, to eliminate wasteful or nonperforming programs, but that should be an ongoing process that is different from having to meet an artificial…