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

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

Pivoting inward is not an option.

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.

You definitely are putting Guam on the map.

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

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.

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.

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 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 commend Chairman Thornberry and Ranking Member Smith and the committee staff who have worked many, many long nights on this year's defense bill. This conference report provides funding levels that work to address readiness shortfalls, a…

I thank the ranking member for yielding and wish to engage the gentleman from Texas, the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, in a colloquy. Mr. Speaker, let me first start by thanking the chairman and the committee staff again for…

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…

I would be a Member of Congress, but not one of its Members.