If there is feedback that you have and tools that we could provide you to make sure that you have the ability to terminate funds to contractors where the money shouldn't go...

Mr. President, I am here to speak on the legislation that is pending before us. We all know this country faces big challenges. We face a declining infrastructure that is critical to our business. We need safe, reliable transportation if we…

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Tester.) Without objection, it is so ordered.

I certainly agree with that, and hopefully, if we adopt a clean energy standard, it will include biomass as part of that.

I hope you will take a look at this.

I hope you will look at programs like New Hampshire's and some of the other States that have been so successful.

I think you will get confirmed. I wondered, 'Hmm, why does he want to do that?'

I would just like to reiterate how important this program is. I think it's a model for the rest of the country.

As we draw down our forces in Afghanistan, the Afghan Government will need to be able to provide for its own security.

The Department is committed to meeting the statutory obligations under title 10, which require an annual review of contracted services.

It was really quite amazing.

As part of our ongoing Comprehensive Defense Review, we are assessing how defense cuts of $400 billion would impact the DOD's ability to carry out contingency plans.

Absolutely. When we say disastrous, that's exactly the disaster we mean.

I hope you'll support, to cut off funding as soon as possible when our money goes into enemy hands.

I will be making recommendations to him based on your best assessment of what should be done on all major areas in DOD.

I do not believe that we should subjugate our national security for our failure to have political courage here in Washington.

Will you make that assurance to this committee?

If confirmed, do you commit to working to address this modernization backlog at this and other important shipyards?