If confirmed, you have my commitment to look at the Department's reliance on the use of contractors in contingency operations and to assess what core capabilities should be retained in DOD.

If confirmed, I would work closely with Congress, throughout DOD and with our interagency partners to ensure the continued effective implementation of all of the relevant provisions of the Taiwan Relations Act.

The President has stated, and I agree, that the scope of the international mission in Afghanistan after 2014 should focus on two primary objectives: first, to deny safe haven to al Qaeda and its affiliates; and second, to train, advise, and assist the Afghan forces so they can maintain their own security.

If confirmed, I will ensure future budgets and the upcoming QDR evaluate all options to maximize our strategic objectives.

The Department must take care of its people, not only while they are serving, but it is an obligation that continues through the transition to civilian life.

I believe the Navy and the Department of Agriculture also need to be involved.

The health and well-being of our servicemembers, their families, and civilian employees is of the utmost importance to me.

I support the President's commitment to a safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent as long as nuclear weapons exist.

The ability of militant and terrorist networks to operate on Pakistani soil poses a threat to the United States, Pakistan, and other countries in South Asia.

I believe the United States should continue to support France's strong actions to counter al Qaeda in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb's effort to establish a safe haven in Mali.

I support the continuation of energy initiatives that improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Defense mission.

I support efforts to reduce the military's energy needs and diversify supplies in order to increase military effectiveness.

Sexual assault is a horrible crime and cannot be tolerated, ignored, or condoned in DOD.

If confirmed, I will work with State Department and USAID in conducting the required risk assessment of contingency contracting from not just a legal perspective but also from the perspective of our long-term capability needs.

I agree that the Taiwan Relations Act has contributed to peace and stability in the region for over 30 years.

A prudent manager has to look at all options when faced with significant budget pressure.

I agree that our country faces a spectrum of threats and concur that strategic dispersal is a critical element in reducing risk.

The achievement of a full, frank, and just acknowledgement of the facts of what occurred in 1915 is in all of our interests.