I am very concerned about the backlog of restoration and modernization projects at the four public shipyards.

Perhaps you can share some of those technologies with the rest of us in government, so that we can be more efficient and more energy independent.

I know that Senator Collins earlier today raised the question about the backlog of restoration and modernization projects at the four public shipyards.

I would just hope, Secretary Mabus and all of you, that you will take those recommendations very seriously.

I believe our Government's most important responsibility is to protect the American people.

Supporting our men and women in uniform is certainly a solemn and sacred responsibility that we have.

I think it would be a mistake to drastically cut the size of our military or our readiness.

I think that is all that we can hope for in how you make your decision.

I wanted to join in her comments about the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and the importance of that shipyard.

I think that the least we can do for our troops is to hold those who are dangerous.

I am deeply concerned about our policy toward detainees and release back into theater.

Please express our gratitude to all the troops that serve underneath you for all that they are doing to protect our country.

I hope that leadership within the Senate and also in the House brings forward funding for the rest of the year for a defense appropriations.

Senator Brown and I are sponsoring a bill. It involves giving the authorities in Afghanistan an opportunity to terminate contracting funds...

But please know that we want a full-year defense appropriation for the rest of fiscal year 2011 to come forward.

I think this project should be moved up to fiscal year 2012.

I want to thank the witnesses here today, Admiral Roughead, Secretary Mabus, and General Amos, for your distinguished service to our country.

It also seems to me not only important in terms of the shipyard, but a way to save taxpayers' dollars.