Please explain DOD's reason for not employing the 'unusual circumstances' clause beyond May 1, 2014.

But in terms of a timeline, you would agree with me that it is best to take as much time as you need to interrogate someone that may have valuable information to shed light on al Qaeda and perhaps prevent future attacks.

I am very worried about the impact that the furloughs have had on the civilian workforce, and obviously the uncertainty because of the Government shutdown.

I appreciate the question that Senator Reed asked about the impact on SOCOM of sequester. Obviously, I think the role of SOCOM has become even more important.

We would love to have you come up--jointly the three of us on the committee and I am sure Senator Collins would as well with the years spent on this committee--to our shipyard.

Secretary Wright, in both the DSSR and DODI 1400.25 there is an allowance for a waiver based upon 'unusual circumstances'. Was this the basis for the 1-year waiver that you granted to all LQA audit affected employees?

Secretary Wright, has DOD estimated potential liability due to the Thomas case? If so, what is the cost estimate?

Secretary Wright, given the Office of Personnel Management Compensation Claim Decision (OPM File No. 12-0020), is DOD concerned about pecuniary liability due to the Thomas ruling?

under sequestration, the Air Force would be unable to execute the 2012 Strategic Planning Guidance that requires the military to fight one major adversary and deter another.

Do you agree with General Welsh's assessments?

Superbly, to the best of my knowledge.

If the A-10 is divested, it will be critical that these capabilities be provided through alternate means.

Secretary Wright, when an individual who received the erroneous payments signs the waiver form, does this waiver also release DOD officials from any liability in association with that payment?

Is there any legal reason that would stop you from utilizing this waiver in order to solve this issue on a more long-term basis?

I believe that 1 year is sufficient time for the employees to make personal decisions concerning their situations.

Secretary Wright, in Roberts v. United States (April 30, 2012), the Court stated that the LQA-granting authority has been further delegated within DOD...

Secretary Wright, has DOD received any reimbursement claims related to Thomas? If so, how many?

the Air Force would 'not be as ready as we would like' if ordered to take action against the Syrian regime.