When I think about Obamacare, I think about the fact that it started off in 2009 at a cost of around $900 billion in the estimate.

Mr. Welby, what technologies would you want to develop to support this idea?

If confirmed, will you commit to looking into our capability to defend Hawaii against such a North Korean threat, and keeping me informed of the progress in this important area?

If confirmed what measures will you consider for increasing retention of women in the military and achieving the diversity needed to mentor future female leaders?

I commend you for that.

I just got information on the cuts that will happen to Pacific Command (PACOM) as a result of the budget necessities.

I would ask you to have a sense of urgency as you respond to this committee on how you are going to address and resolve the issue of retaliation.

The most important thing I think the rebalance to the Pacific does is it provides a security infrastructure within which we could advance our National interests.

The Army continues to assure its partners and allies through forward presence, rotational forces, military partnership engagements and exercises.

We want to make sure--and this is something that I know that Senator Sullivan shares with me--that the rebalance to the Asia-Pacific remains a very strong commitment on our part.

I also know that you share my view that the rebalance to the Asia-Pacific is more than just rhetoric.

Can I expect that, if confirmed, you will continue to give ample consideration to our strategic position--and that, of course, includes Alaska--and to the importance of the rebalance?

I know we are on a path to base 60 percent of our ships in the Pacific.

Our strong Marine presence in the region plays a significant role in promoting the regional security and stability.

There are always issues relating to making sure that we are in concert with the concerns of the community.

I am very concerned with ensuring that our Rebalance to Asia-Pacific is more than just rhetoric.

We have to have ranges that support our ability to use our weapons and to maneuver the force.

I continue to be concerned about the fuel storage tanks at Red Hill on Oahu.