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

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

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

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.

an appalling gap in our Nation's ability to respond to the use of a weapon of mass destruction on our soil.

Admiral Stavridis, I invite your comments on whether a cooperative U.S.-Russian missile defense program could possibly change the overall dynamic in the region.

We need to treat it that way.

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

one of the most effective ways to ensure that our Nation is prepared to manage catastrophic incidents is to conduct in-depth planning for those incidents before they occur.

the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves criticized DOD for not having made civil support a primary mission of the Department.

I have long advocated for a mechanism for measuring our progress in Afghanistan.

The oversight of these funds should remain with DOD.

How will Russia's transformation factor into the upcoming QDR?

Militarily, I think in many ways NATO is already embracing the counterinsurgency (COIN) strategy.

If confirmed, will you have the resources you need in order to counter these adversarial efforts to shift from sea to shore lines of communications?

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