if we buy the SSBN within existing funds, we will not reach 300 ships. In fact, we will find ourselves closer to 250.

I worry that we are on a completely unrealistic path right now given what the real needs are for the Navy on the shipbuilding budget.

What damage has sequestration and the lack of budget predictability and stability caused?

if we go forward with sequestration, the fleet is going to go down to 235 according to Admiral Greenert.

It is high time to begin some real steps on denuclearization and to prove that they are really ready to get back to the negotiating table.

She was skilled, she was patient, but she also went out of her way to engage with us in the Senate.

I am really honored to be here this morning to join Senator Isakson--and, as you point out, we really miss him on this committee.

She became the first woman in our history to negotiate this kind of a treaty.

We have been clear, first of all, that we will not accept the nuclear status of the Korean Peninsula.

I think all of us have applauded the effort to restart those and Secretary Kerry's tireless work in doing that.

But it would be tragic for us to fail to help the people who helped our men and women on the ground.

I think Ms. Kennedy's recognition that she should not weigh in to the Law of the Sea Treaty debate is a good indication about what a good diplomat she is going to be.

I am very troubled that we are here with the special immigrant visa program for Iraqis due to expire at the end of this month.

He has really put an enormous amount of his personal prestige behind this.

As the American taxpayers' eyes and ears inside Federal agencies, that inspectors general provide really important oversight.

I very much appreciate both of your attention to getting the appointment of an inspector general for the Department of State.

I certainly intend to support your confirmation, and I hope the entire Senate does as well.

If there are steps that we can take in the Security Council, we should take them.