Under article 4 of NATO, in my view it would be absolutely unacceptable.

Separatists that are backed by the Russian hierarchy.

Zbigniew Brzezinski spoke to this committee earlier this year and said we need to create a trip wire in the Baltics.

Would you agree with me that the United States not providing defensive arms to Ukraine could send a message to Putin about a lack of resolve on Ukraine from the administration?

Can you highlight to this committee the steps the Department of Defense (DOD) should take to send a credible message to Russia about our red-lines in Eastern Europe?

The world is more dangerous today than it was in 2013.

Sequestration presents serious risk to executing the military aspects of the rebalance to the Asia-Pacific.

It's outrageous that this month's transfer of 100 armored Humvees to the Ukrainians took over one year to process due to bureaucratic delays at DOD and State?

For too long, Europe has relied on the American taxpayer for their security.

Funding to sequester levels removes flexibility to respond to emergent challenges.

I think we can acknowledge that the National Guard is a very integral part of what your mission will be.

I think it is unfortunate that policy fights and distrust between the Guard and Active Army have become prevalent over the past five years.

I hope so.

We've had discussion about Russia and the seriousness of the Russian threat, as well as the more immediate threat of ISIS.

I want to thank the Marine Corps for making the case for the amphibs, and particularly the 12th LPD.

I would say--it's fair to say they remember, not too long ago, when there was a different dynamic in that area, and they appreciate the Marines being there with them and the United States being there with them.

Without increased shipbuilding funding in fiscal year 2021 and beyond, the Ohio Replacement Program will consume the majority of the Navy's annual shipbuilding budget, costing the equivalent of 2-3 ships per year.

It is absolutely critical for the Nation to replace the Ohio-class submarines.