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

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.

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

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

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

The next Secretary of Defense will likely make critical decisions with respect to budgeting for national defense.

I do not believe he is the right choice for this job.

I, too, would like to thank you, gentlemen, and your families, for your service and dedication to this country.

While I cannot speak to the motivations of the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson behind making those statements, there should be no doubt that I fully support and--if confirmed--will faithfully execute the President's multi-vector…

I would say, though, included in those votes, which I do recall some of them, was a vote in 1998, a vote in 2000, a vote in 2006, specifically against Iran, sanctioning companies, unilateral sanctions, that in any way assisted in Iran's…

I remember specifically there were two unanimous consent resolutions in 2006 against Hezbollah, against Hamas, against Syria, and Iran that we had unanimous consent, I supported on the floor of the Senate.

I am a supporter of Israel. In some cases, I have said I am a strong supporter of Israel.

If I am given the privilege of succeeding him, it will be a high honor.

America must engage in the world, not retreat from the world, but engage with the world.

America's continued leadership and strength at home and abroad will be critically important for our country and the world.

I have made it clear I share Leon Panetta's and our Service Chiefs' serious concerns about the impact sequestration would have on our Armed Forces.

This includes focusing on the mental health of our fighting force, because no one who volunteers to fight and die for this country should ever feel like that they have nowhere to turn.

We must always take care of our people.