I think it is important to recognize that we depend upon you to bring us the results of your audits and in a timely fashion, that are substantive and clear.

The intent here is to again ensure the integrity of the missions of the programs, and our substantive way of doing that is through you being the basic watchdog.

I agree it is not good enough to say zero tolerance. The whole chain of command needs to be accountable for this.

I live in Nebraska, and I am sure you have heard from some of my constituents in the Sandhills of Nebraska because we are unable to get what we consider local news, which would be Nebraska news.

We can't even get local weather, which I believe is a right that communities should have.

If we can do better we will do better.

the Department would face a $20 billion shortfall in our O&M accounts.

I am committed to achieving an enduring culture change and hold leadership accountable to create an institution that not only works to prevent sexual assaults, but to make victims feel safe and confident the DOD's ability to properly…

North Korea's pursuit of nuclear and ballistic missile programs do not make it secure.

The United States will continue to take steps to impede the growth of these programs.

If sequester levels remain in place, DOD will ask for flexibility to apply the reductions in a more strategic manner.

I recently directed the Secretaries of the Military Departments to assess, monitor, and develop methods to improve victim treatment by their peers, co-workers, and chains of command, and to report their methods to me by November 1, 2013.

There is no silver bullet to eliminate sexual assault.

I deeply regret this decision. I continue to urge our Nation's leaders to reach an agreement to reduce the deficit and de-trigger sequestration.

I value the service of all members of DOD equally.

North Korea's continued attempts to advance its nuclear and ballistic missile programs constitute a threat to U.S. national security.

Other countries, like Iran, seeking nuclear weapons should take note of North Korea's experience.

Opening positions to women maximizes military capabilities, provides a greater pool of qualified members from which to draw, and reduces operational tempo.