All Quotes

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. And thank you to the witnesses for being here this afternoon.

However, the Air Force is unique in that the demand for its units has increased in recent years while the service has shrank.

While some challenges, such as critical skills shortages, affect each component, they do so differently.

How would you propose we should counter North Korean and Chinese aggression in the Pacific region?

We need strong relationships and a strong military, but a whole-of-government approach in a coherent strategy is essential.

It is only through strong partnerships, international rule of law, and strength that we can deter aggressive and autocratic behavior that threatens our homeland and many citizens of the world.

Pivoting inward is not an option.

We believe very strongly that Congress needs to come forward and lead a national debate on these issues.

We are the indispensable nation, and it would be terrible to pretend otherwise.

I stated in my opening statement about the FY 2017 NDAA passed in December included $9.5 million to enhance the dry-docking capabilities in the Western Pacific.

I am pleased that the FY 2017 defense appropriations bill... included $9.5 million to enhance dry-docking capabilities in the Western Pacific.

We cannot build our way out of this problem, that is, its costly and unsustainable proportion.

Although it will take longer than a couple of years, I am encouraged that the Navy intends to commit itself with the FY 2017 appropriations and presumably the FY 2018 budget to focus on fixing and then stabilizing readiness, especially…

I value the opportunity to hear, just not the Active, but also the Reserve Components as we seek to get a full picture of our military readiness.

You definitely are putting Guam on the map.

I do very much appreciate the work that this subcommittee made in developing the fiscal year 2017 appropriations bill.

I am concerned that the President's rhetoric and actions weaken our alliances, undermining American leadership while creating a power vacuum in the region that China and Russia appear eager to fill.

I thank the chairman, and I appreciate that he took the time to stop on Guam in October to see and understand the strategic value of our island and also better understand, firsthand, some of the unique challenges. It was a real honor, his…