The United States will continue to discuss missile defense with Russia and explore opportunities for cooperation, but Russia will not be allowed to have a veto on U.S. missile defense plans, programs, or decisions.

I have made it abundantly clear that there is no place in DOD for sexual assault and made it a top priority to do everything possible to reduce and prevent sexual assault.

The military justice system must serve two critical purposes: (1) to provide justice for all participants in the system, including victims, and (2) to support good order and discipline throughout the ranks.

Curbing the growth in compensation is prudent and does not increase risk to recruiting and retention programs.

I deeply regret these aforementioned effects of my decision.

I support limiting a commander's authority to reverse findings of guilt from a court-martial.

If we could get that, as we have said this morning... it would give us, Senator, the time, the flexibility, to do what we need to do.

Missile defense is an essential component of securing this country, the interests of this country.

I welcome the Panel's review and scrutiny of the military justice system, and I am open to all improvements.

We are going to have to continue to train our military to be prepared to deal with every eventuality, every contingency, every option.

We will have to share it with Congress because, as I said in my opening statement, Congress is a partner here.

Does the Air Force have the capacity to store hundreds of warheads at its ICBM bases, or would such a policy require significant infrastructure changes?

I am absolutely committed, as my predecessors have been--you noted Secretary Panetta's involvement--to make this work and to have these two agencies cooperate and work together.

What produces terrorists? What produces instability? What produces uncertainty around the world?

It is clear to the leadership in Afghanistan and the people that we are not there to occupy.

I cannot certify, nor can the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, or any of our chiefs, to have our young men and women go to war if they are unprepared, if they are not ready.

I think it is pretty clear, as we are consolidating our bases and handing over responsibilities.

I have not made a recommendation to the President that we should militarily intervene.