there's nothing in the Taiwan Relations Act about that

This committee, I think, unanimously adopted the Connolly-Berman Amendment that called on the administration, in fact, to honor the request of Taiwan.

I hope that the Obama administration... would reconsider its decision not to allow the sale of the F-16 C/D fighter jet to Taiwan.

The U.S.-Taiwan relationship is a very important one. It's our ninth largest trading partner.

the interest of the United States is the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait

I was just in Taiwan. I didn't meet a single defense official, from the President on down, who said no, no, no.

we are committed by statute to the defense of Taiwan, are we not?

the restrictions on diplomatic visits by high-level Taiwanese officials to the United States are in my mind both counterproductive and in fact, insulting to the Taiwanese people.

That needs to be dealt with.

I wish that--and, as was mentioned earlier, Secretary Panetta has publicly said he finds it unacceptable, as do we.

I think free trade as an abstract concept is very important to the future of the American economy and generally serves the economy well, but it is not without problems.

It is shocking to me that OMB would send such a letter without at least first consulting with the author of the legislation.

I find it remarkable that you would ask that question of the representative of the AFL-CIO and not the same question of the representative of the Chamber of Commerce.

I feel so passionately about accountability and oversight of Arlington and why I was happy to read about the recent progress that has been made on a number of issues.

The American people deserve to know the answers to a lot of questions. After all, it is their money we are talking about.

Arlington Cemetery is a special place for many reasons. But for me, it is special because it is where generations of heroes have been laid to rest.

if we or you indeed want the country to have the patience with respect to fighting a long war, I think it's going to be even more important to define very clearly what is the vital national interest in terms of our current operations in…

It's been a long journey and Mike Mullen from day one all those years ago has always been known for his forthrightness and for his integrity.