I strongly support Secretary Panetta's decision to lift the ban on women serving in combat roles.

Promoting and protecting the security of Afghan women and girls has been a priority of both the Defense and State Departments in Afghanistan.

I agree that our military forces need to remain flexible, agile, and balanced in order to be ready for challenges around the world.

Not all problems are best met with military tools.

Sequestration will reduce the operations and maintenance (O&M) funding that is used to train our troops, to run our bases, and to run many of our family support programs.

Yes. As I have said, I know firsthand the profound sacrifice our servicemembers and their families make. We must always take care of our people.

If confirmed, I am committed to ensuring that our female servicemembers are afforded the same reproductive health care options as women in the civilian population.

Sequestration would significantly curtail important industrial base capabilities and skills which, if lost, would be difficult, expensive, and perhaps even impossible to replace.

I would continue to prioritize our critical alliances and partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region.

We, as a Nation, owe it to them for the sacrifices they have made.

I believe it is in the long-term energy security interests of the United States to promote a commercially viable biofuels industry.

I applaud Congress' efforts to support families through the passage of the Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012.

Extremists in North Africa clearly pose a significant threat to regional stability.

Energy efficiency and alternative energy programs are critical for cost savings, operational effectiveness, and our strategic national security goals.

I am concerned about the Nation's dependence on foreign oil.

If confirmed, I will be fully committed to combating this crime and determined in reducing the instance of sexual assault, with a goal of eliminating it from the military.

If confirmed, I will ensure the Department actively supports foreign military sales of U.S.

If confirmed, I will assess the strike fighter capability mix, the progress of the F-35, and the state of the F/A-18 production line to determine if a gap exists and evaluate the options to address it for feasibility and affordability.