The reports we hear from Asia are disheartening.

Absolutely.

During my career as a U.S. Senator, I have consistently fought for democracy, economic freedom, human rights and religious freedom in Communist China.

Our action--or nonaction--in combating these practices is a reflection upon our Nation's deepest and most cherished values.

I'm worried that you guys would be pushed into trying to sell us an agreement that was tangential progress instead of, you know--the question in these budget times is, are we going to build the base or not?

But, in the end, all of this combat capability for the Navy and Marine Corps is only worthwhile if it can be around when we need it.

We cannot allow the prospects of economic gain distract us from the realities of the unjust governance there.

I'm just worried that maybe, you know, I am pretty pro-Guam--talked to Madeleine Bordallo about this, Chairman Culberson--but if we need them too much, they may hijack us for too high a price.

Don't you think that's kind of putting the cart--don't you defend the site before you invest in it?

I'm concerned also about delaying costs as the DOD budget goes down.

I notice that you just sent up a notification to the subcommittee to cancel $123 million for Kandahar Airfield, which is the center of gravity of the largest military effort for the United States.

We've taken real steps to reduce our dependency on oil, and we have made substantial progress

We need to create some space for cellulosic fuels.

We have made substantial progress in reducing oil imports. We can easily do more. I want to reemphasize, easily do more.

biofuels is and will continue to be our most important strategy to reduce dependence on imported oil

However, the program must fulfill its basic purposes, not simply operate as a way that benefits firms or individuals that the program is not intended to help.

I want to thank you for holding this important hearing today, and I want to welcome all of those who are going to be sharing their thoughts and their ideas with us.

I am afraid that we have achieved, as you said, only limited success, too limited.